Gov. signs bill sparked by Iowa coach killing requiring hospitals to tell cops before release
By APWednesday, March 24, 2010
Iowa gov. signs bill sparked by h.s. coach killing
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Gov. Chet Culver has signed into law a bill that would require hospitals to notify police when releasing someone with an outstanding warrant.
The legislation stems from the killing of Aplington-Parkersburg High School football coach Ed Thomas. He was shot to death in June by former player Mark Becker, who had been released from the mental health unit of a Waterloo hospital a day before the killing.
The 24-year-old Becker was convicted earlier this month of first-degree murder.
Culver signed the bill Wednesday at a ceremony attended by Thomas’ family, who had encouraged legislators to support the measure.
Thomas amassed a 292-84 record and two state titles in 37 seasons as a head coach, 34 of them at Aplington-Parkersburg. He coached four players who have played in the NFL.
