Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY – Especially as we approach Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, we are joining our partners at the Kosair for Kids Face It Movement in celebrating passage of House Bill 275, championed by Representative James Tipton. This important piece of child sexual abuse prevention legislation will boost child safety in the immediate and ensure students across the Commonwealth can learn and grow, free from abuse and with safe adults, into the future.

While not all in a school setting, the latest national Child Maltreatment Report reports that Kentucky had 756 victims of child sexual abuse in 2022 – an unacceptable number that we all must face. We all must also face the need to prioritize child safety in every environment – and HB 275 will help do just that within schools by ensuring unsafe adults in caregiving roles are held appropriately accountable. This legislation mandates that public schools, charter schools, and certified nonpublic schools cannot enter into nondisclosure agreements regarding misconduct involving minors or students. It also introduces the definition of abusive conduct and requires rigorous background and reference checks for school district applicants, requires investigation of abusive conduct allegations, and establishes stringent employment standards and training related to sexual misconduct, among others.

The Senate’s unanimous support of HB 275 today further echoes the General Assembly’s commitment to addressing child maltreatment across the continuum – prevention, intervention, and accountability. We thank Representative Tipton for championing this measure and ensuring it came to fruition in 2024. Once concurred upon in the House, we urge the Governor to sign HB 275 into law to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to preventing and ending child abuse once and for all.

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.