Amanda's Law in hands of Senate

WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WIVB) - A grieving family's crusade in memory of their loved one is one step closer to becoming law in New York State.  It's all up to the stalled Senate to decide the fate of Amanda's Law.

Ken Hansen said, "It just means a lot."

For the past five months, Ken Hansen of West Seneca has been a mission to keep his daughter's memory alive. He fought back tears when he told News that he learned this week that Amanda's Law could become law as early as Monday.

Hansen said, "It doesn't bring her back but does help with the pain, knowing we are helping and saving lives."

Amanda was sleeping over a friend's house in January when she lost her life to carbon monoxide poisoning from a defective boiler.

Late Thursday afternoon, the State Assembly voted to pass the new law that would require contractors to supply a carbon monoxide detector with any new installation of a hot water tank or furnace.

The legislation is now in the hands of the Senate, which remains in turmoil.

What is Hansen's message to lawmakers?

Hansen said, "Let's just work together, just make the state better. I've seen it already in my community. It's a simple law that doesn't affect anything, except saving lives."

The crusade for Amanda won't end in Albany. Her family and friends are now on a mission to rename Briarwood Park in her memory.

Amanda's story continues to garner a lot of attention, even nationally. Last week, a fellow swimmer was the first recipient of the Amanda Hansen scholarship.

Hansen said, "She's in my thoughts every minute. I could never forget her. The pain, everything I do is for her."

Amanda's father has been assured, and reassured by Assemblyman Mark Shroeder, that the new law does have support in the Senate. It's simply a question of when the vote takes place. If approved, it's then signed into law by the governor.