Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY – With just a few days left in the 2025 state legislative session, we appreciate Representative James Tipton’s laser-like attention on achieving passage of his longstanding commitment to addressing educator sexual misconduct in the Commonwealth. We’re celebrating as House Bill 36, adopted as a committee substitute of House Bill 298, was unanimously supported by the Senate Education Committee this afternoon.

School staff have positions of trust with the children they serve, but violations of that trust irreparably harm student health and learning. As a priority of the Kosair for Kids Face It Movement, HB 36 will make strides in reducing the risk of sexual abuse and exploitation and increase the safety of students by ensuring appropriate disclosures, checks, and training are complete for potential public and private school employees.

Child sexual abuse deeply impacts the survivor and has ripple effects, often across their lifetime. We applaud Representative Tipton’s leadership on this child abuse prevention measure and call on the Senate to ensure HB 298 with this vital committee substitute is sent to the Governor’s desk – once concurred in the House – in these final legislative working days.

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.