State Rep. Kurt Wallace is stable and improving after emergency surgery Tuesday, according to people close to the situation.

Wallace has been away from the current session of the Alabama House of Representatives since becoming ill on Monday.

He was taken to Shelby Baptist Hospital in Alabaster, where he remains.

The state House stopped its session Tuesday to pray for Wallace.

Wallace’s wife, Connie Wallace, said her husband is “doing good” after treatment for a ruptured colon.

“The outlook is good,” Connie Wallace said. “It’s going to take some time. We appreciate the prayers.”

Renee Powers, communications director for the Chilton County Republican Party, said Wallace first became ill shortly after attending a proclamation at the Chilton County Courthouse marking April as Child Abuse Awareness Month in Chilton County.

Wallace’s surgery was considered successful, Powers said.