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Why this matters
Karly's story
Karly Rain Wood was born in Omaha, Nebraska, in April 2002. The people who knew her describe her as unapologetically herself — someone who made everyone around her feel seen, heard, and appreciated. She once told her mother, Amber, "I don't want to be famous, I want to be successful."
She worked multiple jobs while teaching herself nail art, hair, makeup, cooking, and baking, and was saving to open her own beauty business and buy a home of her own.
On November 13, 2022, at 20 years old, Karly was shot and killed by repeat violent offenders after attending her first-ever party. Her case remains unsolved.
Since then, her mother Amber has turned grief into advocacy — for other victims, and for the legislation that carries her daughter's name.
Inspire confidence. Love who you are. Believe in yourself.
Join the movement
Karly's Angels Army is already showing up
Yard signs, memorials, and everyday conversations are keeping Karly's story — and this bill — impossible to ignore. Every person who takes action below adds to that.
The bill
What the Karly Rain Wood Act actually does
- Establishes the Karly Rain Wood Repeat Violent Felon Registration and Notification Program inside the U.S. Department of Justice.
- Creates a national system to register and track repeat violent offenders, instead of leaving that information siloed state by state.
- Strengthens communication between law enforcement jurisdictions and notifies the public, giving communities real safety information about repeat violent offenders.
Did you know: Approximately 2% of the population is responsible for nearly 75% of violent crimes? And 80% of violent offenders reoffend within 3 years of being released.
VIOLENT FELONS AND THE ENTITIES THAT RELEASE THEM SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND TRANSPARENT TO THE PUBLIC — SIMILAR TO THE SEX OFFENDERS REGISTRY. PUBLIC SAFETY MATTERS!
Where it stands
Bill status
Introduced — referred to committee
S. 5245 (119th Congress) was introduced in the U.S. Senate on August 5, 2026, by Senator Pete Ricketts (NE), with Senator Deb Fischer (NE) as a Senate co-sponsor. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, where it now awaits a hearing or committee vote before it can move to the full Senate.
Last updated: 2026-08-29
Who's behind this
Endorsements
S. 5245 is sponsored by Senator Pete Ricketts (NE) and co-sponsored by Senator Deb Fischer (NE) — see "Bill status" above for that. This section is for organizations and public figures who have endorsed the campaign itself. And please ask your representatives and organizations to endorse this bill.
Want your organization listed here?
Or email StandForKarlyRain@gmail.com
Support the cause
Chip in to help pass the Karly Rain Wood Act
This is intentionally separate from the "contact Congress" ask above so it doesn't compete with it. Gifts help support Karly's family and this campaign directly.
DONATE VIA GOFUNDMEPrefer Venmo? Send to @karlyrain
In the news
Press & media
KETV
Mom Pleads for Answers in Daughter's Murder
First Alert 6
Karly Rain Wood Act Introduced
Press inquiries: StandForKarlyRain@gmail.com
Questions
FAQ
- Why does my message need to be personalized?
- Congressional staff read every message that comes in, but they weigh personal, original messages more heavily than identical form letters when gauging genuine constituent concern. A sentence or two in your own words goes a long way.
- I don't live in a state with a sponsor — should I still take action?
- Absolutely yes! This is happening across the country — repeat violent offenders live in every neighborhood, and every voter and every constituent has a voice. We hope you message every office, whether they are a sponsor or not. This helps build momentum, awareness, and signals nationwide support. CHALLENGE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO ENDORSE AND GET BEHIND THE KARLY RAIN WOOD ACT — PASS 5245. YOUR VOICE MATTERS!