Kean Proposes ‘Jillian’s Law’ to Require Violent Offenders Deemed Incompetent be Committed for Treatment

7/27/2026

This legislation (A5379) is named in honor of Jillian Ludwig, a college student from Wall Township who was fatally shot in Nashville while jogging. Shaquille Taylor, who shot Jillian, had previously been deemed incompetent to stand trial in other criminal cases and was released. Taylor shot and killed Jillian after he was deemed incompetent to stand trial and released.

"Every day we live with the unimaginable loss of our daughter, Jillian,” said Jessica and Matt Ludwig. “She was a gifted musician, a compassionate young woman, and an 18-year-old college freshman whose life was taken because a dangerous individual who had been found incompetent to stand trial was released instead of receiving the secure treatment he needed.”

“Jillian’s death was tragic and we lost a talented, bright young woman. I give her family tremendous credit for working to change this legal loophole that allowed a dangerous mentally incompetent person to be released rather than be committed for treatment,” remarked Kean (R-Monmouth).

After Jillian's death, Tennessee unanimously passed Jillian's Law, and it has already made a meaningful impact by helping protect the public while ensuring that individuals charged with serious violent crimes who are found incompetent receive appropriate treatment in a secure setting.

“Jillian's Law is about closing a dangerous gap in the system with compassion, common sense, and a commitment to public safety. It recognizes that protecting our communities and providing proper mental health treatment are not competing priorities—they go hand in hand,” added the Ludwigs. “We are deeply grateful to Assemblyman Sean Kean for his leadership in championing this legislation. If this law can spare even one family from experiencing the heartbreak we live with every day, then Jillian's legacy will continue to save lives and make a lasting difference."

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