Contact:
Mara Powell
mpowell@kyyouth.org

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

LOUISVILLE, KY –Child safety is an adult responsibility – the responsibility of parents, of educators, of our lawmakers. And today, our lawmakers in the Senate Education Committee exemplified that with the advancement of House Bill 275, championed by Representative James Tipton.

HB 275 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.

From Kotomi Yokokura, college student and child abuse prevention advocate

Kotomi Yokokura testifying on House Bill 275 before the Senate Education Committee on March 21, 2024.

“Many of my K-12 teachers and coaches genuinely cared for their students, arriving at school early and staying well into the evening to ensure the success of their students, whom they cared for like their own kids. However, my memories of these amazing educators will forever be haunted by the manipulation and betrayal of one educator. House Bill 275 can help prevent any more students from having a story similar to mine.”

By strengthening schools’ ability to keep kids safe from adults with allegations or substantiations of sexual misconduct, we can prevent child abuse and promote a safe and caring learning environment. Along with the Kosair for Kids Face It Movement, we thank Kotomi for once again courageously speaking up for the safety of Kentucky students, as well as Representative Tipton for his diligence on this issue and the Senate Education Committee for their support of HB 275. We now call on Senate leadership to ensure this legislation reaches the finish line by the final gavel of the session on April 15th.

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.