Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY – On the eve of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Kentucky General Assembly has taken critical action on two legislative priorities related to child safety and abuse prevention – House Bill 253, including provisions of House Bill 102, and House Bill 4 – both of which are now headed to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. 

First, by way of Representative James Tipton’s HB 253, the included provisions of HB 102 will reduce the risk of sexual abuse and exploitation in schools – outlining commonsense steps to increase the safety of students and keep unsafe adults out of the school building. 

We’ve all seen the headlines from school districts across the state of educators violating the trust of students, parents, and the school community alike with incidences of sexual misconduct. Through these provisions, Kentucky will now ensure public and certified nonpublic schools conduct thorough background checks and obtain reference checks for all potential employees; require applicants to disclose any past disciplinary actions related to sexual misconduct; and implement comprehensive training on sexual misconduct, grooming, and appropriate communication for all educators. 

Relatedly, HB 4, sponsored by Representative Marianne Proctor, will criminalize the grooming of minors and classify the offense as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the age and relationship to the child. This legislation has the potential to make a profound impact on holding perpetrators of grooming accountable and ultimately prevent child sexual abuse from occurring in the first place.

With our partners in the Kosair for Kids Face It Movement, we’re celebrating as both of these measures reach the finish line this session. We applaud Representative Tipton for tirelessly championing HB 102 provisions to strengthen schools’ ability to safeguard students from adults with substantiations of sexual misconduct. We also thank Representative Proctor for her thoughtful approach to addressing grooming behaviors that often lead to the sexual exploitation of kids. 

Every adult has a role to play in child abuse and neglect prevention and we appreciate our General Assembly and Governor for prioritizing the safety and future well-being of our youngest Kentuckians.

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.