Gov. Andy Beshear on Tuesday signed nine pieces of legislation that increase public safety by supporting law enforcement and better protecting victims of violent crimes as well as children while at school.
House Bill 401
The Governor signed House Bill 401, sponsored by Rep. David Hale of Wellington, which provides the Kentucky State Police (KSP) the organizational structure to align the resources and personnel needed to store, manage and retain the audio and video footage captured by their new body camera recording system.
This legislation builds off of action the Governor took in April 2022, when he signed into law two pieces of legislation making historic investments in law enforcement, including $12.2 million he recommended in his state budget for KSP to purchase a body camera recording system.
House Bill 207
Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Bratcher of Louisville, House Bill 207 allows law enforcement agencies the ability to create their own wellness programs to support the mental health and wellbeing of both sworn and civilian personnel. All sessions and information discussed within wellness programs remain confidential under counselor-client privilege.
House Bill 115
House Bill 115, sponsored by Rep. Bill Wesley of Ravenna, makes an assault against a police dog or an electronic storage device detection K-9 a Class D felony. Electronic detection dogs assist with locating hidden electronic storage devices that may contain harmful materials, such as child sexual abuse material or evidence of other criminal activity. KSP leads the way with two electronic storage device detection dogs out of only 85 in the United States.
House Bill 373
Sponsored by Rep. John Blanton of Salyersville, House Bill 373 makes necessary changes to peace officer professional standards (POPS) to enhance public safety. This bill expands on legislation from last year that made any felony or misdemeanor sex crime that has been expunged a disqualifying factor for certification as a police officer or court security officer. The Kentucky Law Enforcement Council is also provided the authority to subpoena, or to request a court to subpoena, records necessary to investigate the conditions of an officer’s separation. Such information obtained during an active investigation remains confidential.
HB 373 requires that part-time telecommunicators, in addition to full-time telecommunicators, now be certified by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council. The Kentucky Law Enforcement Council is also required to certify alcohol beverage control investigators appointed before April 2019. The bill also strengthens recruitment efforts by permitting an officer who has been on inactive status for less than one year to return to certification without additional training requirements.
House Bill 64
Sponsored by Rep. Wade Williams of Earlington, House Bill 64 allows law enforcement officers to be out of employment for a full year before having to redo their POPS certification and attend the academy. The current time limit is 100 days. This bill makes it easier for retired officers to reenter the workforce and helps local school districts and local police departments attract and hire highly qualified peace officers.
Senate Bill 79
Senate Bill 79, sponsored by Sen. Julie Raque Adams of Louisville, strengthens protections for survivors of domestic violence. This legislation will create the Safe at Home Program to allow victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, rape and human trafficking to conceal their addresses from public documents. This bill also removes the requirement that survivors must have an emergency protective order to hide their addresses on public records.
Senate Bill 282
Sponsored by Sen. Denise Harper Angel of Louisville, Senate Bill 282 benefits victims of violent crime in Kentucky by increasing crime victim compensation awards for lost wages, loss of financial support, medical and mental health counseling expenses and funeral/burial expenses. It also benefits victims of hit-and-run accidents, who now will be eligible for awards. Additionally, funeral homes, medical providers, pharmacies, mental health providers and any other providers of medically necessary treatment arising from a crime will be more fully reimbursed for outstanding bills or invoices owed to them by victims of crime.
Senate Bill 268
Sponsored by Sen. David Yates of Louisville, Senate Bill 268 allows restitution in the form of child support to be ordered for a minor child if a defendant is convicted of driving under the influence that results in the death or permanent disability of the child’s parent or guardian.
House Bill 331
House Bill 331, sponsored by Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo of Lexington, requires all middle and high schools in Kentucky to have at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) and at least three staff members and all athletic coaches to be trained on the AED. The bill also ensures all coaches maintain CPR certification.
