Jeffersontown, KY – Today’s passage of Senate Bill 119 by the Senate Judiciary Committee is an important step forward in the effort to combat child abuse and neglect in Kentucky. The bill ensures school personnel receive education on how to recognize and prevent child abuse. Right now, educators, despite being mandated reporters, are one of the only groups of professionals who interact with children who are not required to receive education on child abuse recognition. We know teachers care and want to protect the kids they work with every day. This education will help support them in that important role.

We thank Senator Julie Raque Adams for sponsoring this important piece of legislation in the Senate, Senator Whitney Westerfield for hearing the bill in the Senate Judiciary Committee, and for all members who supported the bill, including Senate President Robert Stivers. We now look forward to this bill moving to the full Senate for consideration. No child should experience abuse and this bill will help to further protect vulnerable children in this state.

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