Kentucky 2023 Regular Session

Kentucky Senate Bill SB103

Introduced
2/8/23  
Refer
2/8/23  

Caption

AN ACT relating to sexual offenses.

Impact

The proposed changes under SB103 would lead to a reclassification of certain sexual offenses, imposing harsher penalties for acts involving minors and individuals incapable of consent, whether due to age, mental condition, or physical incapacitation. These changes are intended to send a message about the zero tolerance toward sexual offenses, particularly by individuals who exploit their positions of trust for personal gain. In doing so, the bill aims to strengthen legal protections for victims and align the statutory definitions with evolving societal standards regarding consent and sexual accountability.

Summary

SB103 seeks to amend existing laws related to sexual offenses, specifically focusing on sodomy and rape provisions under Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 510. The legislation proposes stricter penalties and clearer definitions surrounding these offenses, particularly targeting individuals in positions of authority. This amendment is aimed at enhancing protections for minors and vulnerable individuals, elevating the seriousness of these charges when committed by those in trusted roles or under the influence of their positional authority.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB103 appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers advocating for stronger protections for children and marginalized individuals. However, there may be divisions regarding the precise definitions of the offenses and the implications these definitions have for law enforcement and judicial processes. Advocates argue for the necessity of this bill to safeguard vulnerable populations, while some may express concerns regarding the potential overreach or unintended consequences when enforcing these new measures.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise around the definitions included in SB103 and how they apply to different scenarios concerning authority and consent. Opponents may question if the bill adequately addresses nuances in various cases, potentially leading to an increased burden on law enforcement agencies that must interpret and enforce these laws. The balance between enhancing protections and ensuring equitable treatment for all individuals accused under these statutes will likely remain a focal point of discussion as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

CA SB615

Unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

CA AB1371

Unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

KY HB99

AN ACT relating to sex crimes.

KY SB109

AN ACT relating to sexual offenses.

KY HB262

AN ACT relating to sex crimes.

CT HB06648

An Act Concerning Sexual Assault And The Absence Of Consent.

CA AB1997

Criminal law: rape.

PA HB1187

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition prohibited; in criminal homicide, further providing for the offense of murder; in assault, further providing for the offense of stalking and for the offense of unauthorized administration of intoxicant; in sexual offenses, further providing for definitions and for the offense of rape, repealing provisions relating to the offense of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and further providing for the offense of sexual assault, for the offense of institutional sexual assault, for the offense of sexual assault by sports official, volunteer or employee of nonprofit association, for the offense of aggravated indecent assault and for general rule relating to loss of property rights; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and for order authorizing interception of wire, electronic or oral communications; in public indecency, further providing for the offense of prostitution and related offenses; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms; in minors, further providing for transmission of sexually explicit images by minor; in criminal history record information, further providing for expungement and for juvenile records; in child custody, further providing for consideration of criminal conviction; in protection from abuse, further providing for definitions; in child protective services, further providing for definitions, for exclusions from child abuse and for employees having contact with children and adoptive and foster parents; in domestic and sexual violence victim address confidentiality, further providing for penalties; in limitation of time, further providing for infancy, insanity or imprisonment, for no limitation applicable and for other offenses; in depositions and witnesses, further providing for spouses as witnesses against each other and for hearsay; in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for inspection of court files and records, for law enforcement records, for conduct of hearings, for transfer to criminal proceedings and for assessment of delinquent children by the State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board; in court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain sexually violent persons, further providing for definitions and for court-ordered involuntary treatment; in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second or subsequent offenses, for sentences for offenses against elderly persons, for sentences for offenses against infant persons, for sentences for offenses committed while impersonating a law enforcement officer, for sentencing for trafficking of persons, for definitions, for sexual offenses and tier system, for termination of period of registration for juvenile offenders, for assessments, for registration and for assessments; in judicial change of name, further providing for change by order of court; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole procedure; and, in interstate compacts, further providing for supervision of persons paroled by other states.