Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

Statement from Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates

LOUISVILLE, KY – Kids’ safety was prioritized by the Kentucky House Judiciary Committee with their overwhelming bipartisan support of Senate Bill 73 today. Through the leadership of Senator Julie Raque Adams, SB 73 will empower victims of sexual extortion by holding perpetrators accountable and will prioritize prevention education among Kentucky’s most vulnerable to online risks. 

Senate Bill 73, sponsored by Senator Julie Raque Adams, seeks to empower victims and prioritize prevention by establishing the crime of sexual extortion as a felony or misdemeanor, depending on severity, including in the definition of a sex crime – giving victims a means to seek justice and recover damages. It also requires schools to increase awareness about the threats of sexual extortion among students and parents.  

This morning, the House Judiciary Committee rightfully advanced this commonsense child safety legislation. With the Kosair for Kids Face It Movement, we applaud Senator Raque Adams for championing SB 73 so that perpetrators of sextortion are held accountable and communities are made aware of the risks to keep Kentucky children safe online.  

Kosair for Kids Face It Movement shares more about keeping kids safe online in the Cyber Safety 101 resource.

Stay up-to-date on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities and other bills that are good for kids on our Kentucky General Assembly Bill Tracker.

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About Kentucky Youth Advocates
Kentucky Youth Advocates believes all children deserve to be safe, healthy, and secure. As THE independent voice for Kentucky’s children, we work to ensure policymakers create investments and policies that are good for children. Learn more at www.kyyouth.org.