FRANKFORT, Ky. — As Louisville prepares to mark one year since the police killing of Breonna Taylor, lawmakers are discussing legislation written in the wake of her death.


What You Need To Know

  • State lawmakers discuss bills concerning no-knock warrants

  • Rep. Attica Scott's HB 21 looks to ban no-knock warrants

  • Sen. Stivers's SB 4 says no-knock warrants would be allowed under certain conditions

  • Scott and some other Democrats voted to pass on Stivers' bill, saying they would like to see Scott and Stivers work on amendments to it

Former State Rep. Charles Booker spoke in support of House Bill 21 Wednesday. The bill, known as Breonna's Law, bans no-knock warrants.

"When her door was kicked in, everybody’s door was kicked in," Booker said. "When her freedom was taken away, everybody’s was." 

Rep. Attica Scott (D-Louisville) presented the legislation in a House committee meeting, where it was up for discussion but not a vote. 

"In House Bill 21, we outline law enforcement clearly announcing themselves," she told the House Judiciary Committee. "We outline a 10-second waiting time before entering the premises." 

Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester) presented Senate Bill 4 before the committee voted to approve it. 

"I don’t think that we are seeking different outcomes," he said. "I think we are just looking at it from a different method, and that outcome is a fair and just society." 

The bill, which has passed the Senate, says no-knock warrants would be allowed under certain conditions, including if a court finds that giving notice of entry would endanger lives or if the crime involves someone who would qualify as a violent offender. 

"It is apparent on that tragic night for Ms. Taylor that there was a breakdown of process, so the process is, the individuals who are seeking this shall get supervisory sign off," Stivers said. 

Scott and some other Democrats voted to pass on Stivers' bill, saying they would like to see Scott and Stivers work on amendments to it. 

"One amendment would mandate that there is an EMT, some kind of ambulance service that’s nearby where the raid or the no-knock is about to happen," Scott said. "Ultimately, I hope that no other mother has to mourn the death of her child because of a no-knock search warrant." 

Senate Bill 4 moves next to the House floor.