United States · Law · HR
H.R. 1997 (108th)
Laci and Conner's Law
Introduced
7 May 2003
Last action
1 April 2004 · President
Status
Became Public Law No: 108-212.
Sponsors
Rep. Hart, Melissa A. [R-PA-4], Rep. Chabot, Steve [R-OH-1], Rep. Ney, Robert W. [R-OH-18], Rep. Forbes, J. Randy [R-VA-4], Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4], Rep. Akin, W. Todd [R-MO-2], Rep. Bachus, Spencer [R-AL-6], Rep. Baker, Richard H. [R-LA-6], Rep. Bartlett, Roscoe G. [R-MD-6], Sen. Blunt, Roy [R-MO], Rep. Brady, Kevin [R-TX-8], Rep. Burgess, Michael C. [R-TX-26], Sen. Burr, Richard [R-NC], Rep. Burton, Dan [R-IN-5], Rep. Buyer, Steve [R-IN-4], Rep. Camp, Dave [R-MI-4], Rep. Cantor, Eric [R-VA-7], Rep. Carter, John R. [R-TX-31], Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4], Rep. Costello, Jerry F. [D-IL-12], Rep. Crane, Philip M. [R-IL-8], Rep. Davis, Jo Ann [R-VA-1], Sen. DeMint, Jim [R-SC], Rep. Doolittle, John T. [R-CA-4], Rep. Emerson, Jo Ann [R-MO-8], Rep. English, Phil [R-PA-3], Rep. Everett, Terry [R-AL-2], Rep. Fossella, Vito [R-NY-13], Rep. Franks, Trent [R-AZ-8], Rep. Ferguson, Mike [R-NJ-7], Rep. Garrett, Scott [R-NJ-5], Rep. Goode, Virgil H., Jr. [R-VA-5], Rep. Goodlatte, Bob [R-VA-6], Rep. Green, Mark [R-WI-8], Rep. Gutknecht, Gil [R-MN-1], Rep. Hastings, Doc [R-WA-4], Rep. Hayes, Robin [R-NC-8], Rep. Hayworth, J. D. [R-AZ-5], Rep. Hefley, Joel [R-CO-5], Rep. Hoekstra, Peter [R-MI-2], Rep. Hostettler, John N. [R-IN-8], Rep. Hulshof, Kenny C. [R-MO-9], Rep. Hyde, Henry J. [R-IL-6], Rep. Istook, Ernest J., Jr. [R-OK-5], Rep. Janklow, William J. [R-SD-At Large], Rep. John, Christopher [D-LA-7], Rep. Jones, Walter B., Jr. [R-NC-3], Rep. Keller, Ric [R-FL-8]
Subjects
Defence, Energy
Source updated
6 June 2025
Summary
Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2003 or Laci and Conner's Law - Provides that: (1) whoever engages in conduct that violates specified provisions of the Federal criminal code, the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, or the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, or specified articles the Uniform Code of Military Justice (conduct constituting certain Federal violent crimes) and thereby causes the death of, or bodily injury to, a child who is in utero, shall be guilty of a separate offense; and (2) the punishment for that separate offense shall be the same as that provided under Federal law for that conduct had that injury or death occurred to the unborn child's mother. Specifies that a violation of such provisions does not require proof that: (1) the person engaging in the conduct had knowledge or should have had knowledge that the victim of the underlying offense was pregnant; or (2) the defendant (or accused) intended to cause the death of, or bodily injury to, the unborn child. Prohibits imposition of the death penalty for an offense under this Act. Bars prosecution under this Act: (1) of any person for conduct relating to an abortion for which the consent of the pregnant woman, or a person authorized by law to act on her behalf, has been obtained or for which such consent is implied by law; (2) for conduct relating to any medical treatment of the pregnant woman or her unborn child; or (3) of any woman with respect to her unborn child.
This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.
Timeline
7 May 2003
Introduced
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Source: IntroReferral
7 May 2003
Introduced
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Source: IntroReferral
7 May 2003
Introduced
Introduced in House
Source: IntroReferral
7 May 2003
Introduced
Introduced in House
Source: IntroReferral
24 June 2003
Referred
Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution.
Source: Committee
8 July 2003
Committee
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Source: Committee
15 July 2003
Vote
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by the Yeas and Nays: 6 - 3.
Source: Committee
15 July 2003
Committee
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Source: Committee
21 January 2004
Vote
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 20 - 13.
Source: Committee
21 January 2004
Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Source: Committee
11 February 2004
Reported
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 108-420, Part I.
Source: Committee
11 February 2004
Calendars
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 242.
Source: Calendars
11 February 2004
Discharge
Committee on Armed Services discharged.
Source: Discharge
11 February 2004
Committee
Committee on Armed Services discharged.
Source: Committee
11 February 2004
Introduced
House Committee on Armed Services Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Feb. 11, 2004.
Source: IntroReferral
11 February 2004
Reported
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 108-420, Part I.
Source: Committee
24 February 2004
Reported
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 529 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1997 with 2 hours of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. The amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in part A of the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution, shall be considered as adopted. Measure will be considered read. A specified amendment is in order.
Source: Floor
25 February 2004
Passed
Rule H. Res. 529 passed House.
Source: Floor
25 February 2004
Introduced
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H609)
Source: IntroReferral
26 February 2004
Introduced
Received in the Senate.
Source: IntroReferral
26 February 2004
Passed
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Source: Floor
26 February 2004
Vote
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 254 - 163 (Roll no. 31).
Source: Floor
26 February 2004
Vote
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by recorded vote: 254 - 163 (Roll no. 31).
Source: Floor
26 February 2004
Floor
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 1997 with 2 hours of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. The amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment printed in part A of the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution, shall be considered as adopted. Measure will be considered read. A specified amendment is in order.
Source: Floor
26 February 2004
Floor
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 529. (consideration: CR H637-668; text of measure as introduced: CR H637-638)
Source: Floor
10 March 2004
Calendars
Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
Source: Calendars
11 March 2004
Calendars
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 458.
Source: Calendars
25 March 2004
Floor
Measure laid before Senate. (consideration: CR S3124-3167)
Source: Floor
25 March 2004
Vote
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 61 - 38. Record Vote Number: 63.
Source: Floor
31 March 2004
Floor
Presented to President.
Source: Floor
31 March 2004
President
Presented to President.
Source: President
1 April 2004
Became law
Became Public Law No: 108-212.
Source: President
1 April 2004
Became law
Signed by President.
Source: BecameLaw
1 April 2004
President
Signed by President.
Source: President
Votes
25 March 2004 · Bill Passed · On Passage of the Bill H.R. 1997 · Bill Passed · Official source
Yes 61 · No 38 · Abstain — · Absent/not voting 1
- Sen. Allard, Wayne [R-CO]Yea
- Sen. Specter, Arlen [R-PA]Yea
- Sen. Boxer, Barbara [D-CA]Nay
- Sen. Mikulski, Barbara A. [D-MD]Nay
Showing the first 4 recorded positions. Vote totals above are complete.
Versions
- Enrolled Bill · — · Download file
- Public Law · 1 April 2004 · Download file
- Placed on Calendar Senate · 11 March 2004 · Download file
- Engrossed in House · 26 February 2004 · Download file
- Reported in House · 11 February 2004 · Download file
- Introduced in House · 7 May 2003 · Download file
Documents
17 official files
Enrolled Bill (text)
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Enrolled Bill (text)
Enrolled Bill · EN
Enrolled Bill (PDF)
Enrolled Bill · EN
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Public Law (text)
Public Law · EN · 1 April 2004
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Public Law (PDF)
Public Law · EN · 1 April 2004
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Public Law
summary · EN · 1 April 2004
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Passed Senate without amendment
summary · EN · 25 March 2004
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Placed on Calendar Senate (text)
Placed on Calendar Senate · EN · 11 March 2004
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Placed on Calendar Senate (PDF)
Placed on Calendar Senate · EN · 11 March 2004
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Engrossed in House (text)
Engrossed in House · EN · 26 February 2004
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Engrossed in House (PDF)
Engrossed in House · EN · 26 February 2004
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Passed House without amendment
summary · EN · 26 February 2004
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Reported in House (text)
Reported in House · EN · 11 February 2004
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Reported in House (PDF)
Reported in House · EN · 11 February 2004
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Reported to House amended, Part I
summary · EN · 11 February 2004
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Introduced in House (text)
Introduced in House · EN · 7 May 2003
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Introduced in House (PDF)
Introduced in House · EN · 7 May 2003
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Introduced in House
summary · EN · 7 May 2003
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Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Sponsors
- Rep. Hart, Melissa A. [R-PA-4] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Chabot, Steve [R-OH-1] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Ney, Robert W. [R-OH-18] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Forbes, J. Randy [R-VA-4] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Akin, W. Todd [R-MO-2] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Bachus, Spencer [R-AL-6] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Baker, Richard H. [R-LA-6] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Bartlett, Roscoe G. [R-MD-6] · R · Sponsor
- Sen. Blunt, Roy [R-MO] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Brady, Kevin [R-TX-8] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Burgess, Michael C. [R-TX-26] · R · Sponsor
- Sen. Burr, Richard [R-NC] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Burton, Dan [R-IN-5] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Buyer, Steve [R-IN-4] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Camp, Dave [R-MI-4] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Cantor, Eric [R-VA-7] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Carter, John R. [R-TX-31] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Costello, Jerry F. [D-IL-12] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Crane, Philip M. [R-IL-8] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Davis, Jo Ann [R-VA-1] · R · Sponsor
- Sen. DeMint, Jim [R-SC] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Doolittle, John T. [R-CA-4] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Emerson, Jo Ann [R-MO-8] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. English, Phil [R-PA-3] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Everett, Terry [R-AL-2] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Fossella, Vito [R-NY-13] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Franks, Trent [R-AZ-8] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Ferguson, Mike [R-NJ-7] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Garrett, Scott [R-NJ-5] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Goode, Virgil H., Jr. [R-VA-5] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Goodlatte, Bob [R-VA-6] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Green, Mark [R-WI-8] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Gutknecht, Gil [R-MN-1] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Hastings, Doc [R-WA-4] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Hayes, Robin [R-NC-8] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Hayworth, J. D. [R-AZ-5] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Hefley, Joel [R-CO-5] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Hoekstra, Peter [R-MI-2] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Hostettler, John N. [R-IN-8] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Hulshof, Kenny C. [R-MO-9] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Hyde, Henry J. [R-IL-6] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Istook, Ernest J., Jr. [R-OK-5] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Janklow, William J. [R-SD-At Large] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. John, Christopher [D-LA-7] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Jones, Walter B., Jr. [R-NC-3] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Keller, Ric [R-FL-8] · R · Sponsor
Showing 48 of 139 sponsors and actors.
Related records
- related to → Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1997) to amend title 18, United States Code, and the Uniform Code of Military Justice to protect unborn children from assault and murder, and for other purposes.
- related to ← Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2003
- amends ← An amendment printed in Part A of House Report 108-427 and considered as adopted pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 529.
- amends ← In the nature of a substitute.
- amends ← To provide for domestic violence prevention.
- amends ← An amendment in the nature of a substitute that seeks to create a new federal crime for any violent or assaultive conduct against a pregnant woman that interrupts or terminates her pregnancy and makes any interruption punishable by a fine and imprisonment up to twenty years but, if the pregnancy is terminated, punishable by a fine and imprisonment up to life.
Related across the Repo ecosystem
Direct relationships are identifier-backed. Topic context means shared TopicMembership — not a citation and not causation.
Direct relationships
- Legal framework · Laci and Conner's Law · H.R. 1997 (108th) · US
- Identifier matchPROJECTS_FROM
Same us record 108-hr-1997 projected from PoliticalRepo US row.
Sources
PoliticalRepo is an index and interpretation layer, not the authoritative legal source.
- Official source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/108th-congress/house-bill/1997
- Open data entity: https://api.congress.gov/v3/bill/108/hr/1997
- us · 108-hr-1997 · source updated 6 June 2025