Kentucky 2023 Regular Session

Kentucky Senate Bill SB119

Introduced
2/14/23  
Refer
2/14/23  
Refer
2/16/23  
Report Pass
2/23/23  
Engrossed
3/3/23  
Refer
3/3/23  
Refer
3/9/23  
Report Pass
3/14/23  
Enrolled
3/16/23  
Enrolled
3/16/23  
Chaptered
3/20/23  

Caption

AN ACT relating to sex offenses.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a profound impact on how law enforcement and the judicial system address sex offenses. By refining definitions and expanding the scope of protections available to victims, the bill aims to enable more effective responses to incidents of domestic violence and sexual misconduct. Additionally, the amendments may also facilitate better training for law enforcement officers and improve legislative enforcement mechanisms. These changes could ultimately lead to increased reporting and prosecution of such offenses, promoting a safer environment for potential victims.

Summary

Senate Bill 119 aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding sex offenses in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The bill introduces changes to existing laws concerning domestic violence, sexual assault, and the definitions and implications of various sexual conduct offenses. A significant aspect of the bill is its focus on protecting victims from significant harm or threat, especially in the context of domestic relationships. It seeks to clarify specific terms related to sexual acts, coercion, and the roles of protective orders by updating and expanding definitions within Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) chapters related to these offenses.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around SB 119 has been largely positive among lawmakers and advocacy groups focusing on victim rights and protection. Supporters argue that the bill represents a necessary step toward enhancing the legal protections afforded to individuals experiencing sexual assault and domestic violence. In contrast, there is a cautionary tone among some stakeholders and legal experts regarding the implementation of these amendments and the potential for unintended consequences that could arise from changes in legal definitions and enforcement practices.

Contention

Despite the positive outlook, SB 119 is not without contention. Some critics raise concerns regarding the clarity and precision of certain definitions introduced by the bill, arguing that vague terms could lead to varied interpretations in the courtroom. This raises a potential risk of overreach in legal actions taken against individuals accused of sex offenses. Additionally, stakeholders worry about the implications for existing protective orders and how the changes might affect the rights of those facing allegations. Overall, the discussion surrounding SB 119 reflects a balancing act between better victim protections and safeguarding individuals within the judicial system.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KY HB595

AN ACT relating to interpersonal violence and abuse.

KY HB319

AN ACT relating to interpersonal violence.

KY HB96

AN ACT relating to coercive control.

KY HB705

AN ACT relating to protective orders.

KY SB80

AN ACT relating to public safety.

KY SB2238

Relating to certain sexual offenses and certain other offenses involving conduct of a sexual nature, including the creation of the criminal offenses of sexual coercion, indecent assault, and possession or promotion of lewd visual material depicting a child, and to certain criminal acts committed in relation to those offenses.

KY 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.

KY SB103

AN ACT relating to sexual offenses.

KY SB109

AN ACT relating to sexual offenses.

KY HB824

AN ACT relating to employer requirements for victims of domestic abuse.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.