MISSOURI – A nonprofit advocacy group is proposing legislation that would require public Missouri day care centers to have cameras.

The group, the Uvalde Foundation for Kids, said that the proposal would apply to licensed daycare facilities throughout the state.  This legislation, called Conrad’s Law, is in response to 3-year-old Conrad Ashcraft, who died at the Poppy’s Playhouse 2 daycare this month. 

Reports say that Ashcraft—who was crying—was secluded in the hallway. The Missouri Office of Childhood also said a provider at the daycare put Conrad’s arms in a tucked blanket and laid her legs down over his legs. It was an 18.2 lb. weighted blanket. 

Conrad, who had autism, died a few hours later and was not discovered until his mother came to pick him up. Ashcraft was laid to rest on May 23.

Officials from the advocacy group call for justice for the 3-year-old, demanding that cameras be installed in daycare centers to document the interactions between workers and children.

“The safety and welfare of children placed in these facilities need to be the priority. Their livelihood usurps privacy issues, which themselves can be addressed effectively within this legislation,” Daniel Chapin, the founder of Uvalde Foundation for Kids, wrote.

Conrad’s Law also seeks to provide training for staff members who are caring for neurodivergent and special needs children.

No charges have been made in relation to Conrad’s death. More information about the legislation can be found here.