Kali's Law

Advocating for Kali’s Law: Protecting Vulnerable Children in Family Courts

Posted by Heather Ella Rise on January 14, 2026

As the founder of Coloring Kali’s World Foundation and the mother of Kali Ashley, whose life was tragically lost due to overlooked medical warnings in family court, I'm committed to turning our pain into protection for others. Today, I want to share about Kali’s Law —a groundbreaking piece of legislation I'm pushing forward in her name. This law aims to safeguard children with chronic medical conditions during custody and visitation proceedings, ensuring their health isn't dismissed like Kali's was. Inspired by her story, Kali’s Law requires courts to prioritize medical evidence, mandate emergency plans, and hold judges accountable—preventing preventable tragedies.

What Is Kali’s Law?

Kali’s Law is model legislation designed to reform family courts by:

- Requiring substantial deference to a child’s treating physician when medical risks (like severe asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy) are involved.

- Mandating court-approved emergency medical plans, caregiver training, and compliance checks in all households.

- Recognizing these children as medically vulnerable, deserving trauma-informed and disability-conscious protections.

- Ensuring fair enforcement with due process, annual data reporting on outcomes, and mechanisms for judicial accountability when evidence is willfully ignored.

This isn't just about asthma—it's about saving lives by fixing systemic failures in custody decisions. At the state level, it can be adapted to local family codes (e.g., Nevada Revised Statutes); federally, it could set national standards under child welfare laws.

What Inspired Me and What I'll Need to Do

Kali's death in 2025, after courts ignored my pleas for her safety, showed me the urgent need for change. No parent should bury their child because warnings went unheard. To get Kali’s Law passed, I'll need:

- Coalitions and Support: Partner with organizations like the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, child advocacy groups, legal aid societies, and families who've faced similar issues. We'll gather endorsements, testimonies, and petitions (like our Change.org one with thousands of signatures).

- Resources: Funding for lobbying (e.g., travel, materials, consultants—estimated $15,000 initially via our GoFundMe), legal experts to draft/refine the bill, and public awareness campaigns.

- Personal Advocacy: As Heather Ella Rise, I'll testify at hearings, meet lawmakers, and rally communities—starting locally but aiming global.

- Public Engagement: Your help! Sign petitions, contact representatives, and share Kali's story to build momentum.

How to Get It Passed: Overview

Passing a law requires persistence, strategy, and broad support. Start at the state level for quicker wins and to build precedent, then scale federally. Key: Find sponsors (legislators to introduce the bill), mobilize voters, and navigate committees/votes. Expect 1–2 years per level, with potential amendments.

Steps at the State Level (e.g., Nevada or Your State)

State processes vary slightly but follow this general path :

1. Draft the Bill: Work with lawyers or state legislative counsel to write it, incorporating local family law.

2. Find Sponsors: Approach sympathetic legislators (e.g., those on family/children's committees) to introduce it in the House/Assembly or Senate.

3. Introduction: Sponsor submits the bill; it's assigned a number and referred to a committee (e.g., Judiciary or Family Law).

4. Committee Review: Hold hearings for public testimony (I'll share Kali's story); committee debates, amends, and votes to advance or kill it.

5. Floor Vote in First Chamber: If approved, debated and voted on by the full chamber (needs majority; some states require 2/3 for certain bills).

6. Second Chamber: Repeats committee and floor process; if amended, goes to conference committee to reconcile differences.

7. Final Passage: Both chambers approve identical version.

8. Governor's Action: Signs into law, vetoes (override possible with 2/3 vote), or allows pocket passage.

9. Implementation: If passed, monitor enforcement and push for funding/rules.

In Nevada, sessions are biennial, so timing matters—aim for 2027.

Steps at the Federal Level (U.S. Congress)

Federal laws apply nationwide but face more hurdles; start after state successes for momentum :

1. Draft the Bill: Collaborate with congressional staff or offices like Legislative Counsel to craft it (e.g., as an amendment to child welfare acts).

2. Find Sponsors: Secure a House Representative and Senator to introduce (HR for House, S for Senate); seek co-sponsors for support.

3. Introduction: Submitted in one chamber; assigned a number and referred to committee (e.g., Judiciary or Education and Labor).

4. Committee Action: Hearings for testimony/experts; markup (amendments); vote to report favorably, unfavorably, or table.

5. Floor Consideration in First Chamber: Scheduled for debate (House: Rules Committee; Senate: unanimous consent or motion); amendments possible; majority vote to pass.

6. Second Chamber: Repeats committee and floor process; if differences, conference committee reconciles.

7. Final Passage: Both chambers approve identical bill.

8. President's Action: Signs into law, vetoes (override by 2/3 in both chambers), or pocket veto/passage.

9. Implementation: Assigned to agencies (e.g., HHS) for rules/enforcement.

Bicameral nature means negotiation; filibusters in Senate can delay (need 60 votes to end).

Join me in this fight—donate, advocate, and share. Together, we'll pass Kali’s Law and save lives. 🌈❤️

#JusticeForKali #KalisLaw #NoFamilyLeftBehind

*For updates, visit our site or email info@coloringwithkali.org.*