Contact:
Andrea Bennett
502-381-1176
abennett@kyyouth.org

Two Blueprint for Kentucky Children bills progressed through the legislature today with favorable votes from the House Judiciary Committee. Below are statements on each bill from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates.

“HB 109 sponsored by Representative Joni Jenkins is a key piece of legislation to better protect child victims of repeated abuse. Many children who have experienced repeated abuse over time, referred to as a continuous course of conduct, have difficulty remembering the details of each specific incident of abuse. Accommodating a child’s more generalized testimony of abuse recognizes the effects age and trauma can have on a child’s memory. We thank Representative Joni Jenkins for sponsoring this bill, Chairman Darryl Owens for hearing the bill in committee today, and to all legislators who voted for the bill. We now look forward to this bill receiving a favorable vote on the House floor.”

“HB 40 sponsored by Representative Darryl Owens will help parents get back to work and support their families without being held back by past mistakes. Parents with records often have a hard time getting a good job, furthering their education, and finding stable housing, which impacts their children. HB 40 is crucial for parents who committed lower-level felony offenses who have served their sentences, completed their court-ordered requirements, and moved forward on the right path without further offenses or violations. We are proud to support this bill as advocates for children. We thank Chairman Darryl Owens for championing this piece of legislation and to those who supported the bill today. We believe 2016 is the year for this bill to become a reality and help parents get back to work.”