LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A group of state lawmakers have laid out their plan to curb violent crimes in Kentucky. State representatives announced their intentions to file what they are calling the Safer Kentucky Act next year.
The 18-point plan aims to tackle what State Rep. Jared Bauman, R-Louisville, called a number of issues that need to be addressed.
“Parents are concerned for their children, and businesses face loss after loss. If we do not do something now, things will only get worse,” Bauman said during a news conference.
One section of the plan focuses on repeat violent criminals. Their “three strikes law” would require life without parole for people who are convicted of a third violent felony. It would also allow the death penalty to be considered if the third violent felony is a capital offense.
“What we’re trying to do is we’re trying to make people safe and make them feel safe. So there will be a cost. Yes. But whatever it is, it’s outweighed by the need for it,” State Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Louisville, said.
Other proposed changes to state law would expand what crimes would constitute the death penalty. The first is for a person who knowingly sells someone fentanyl, and that person dies because of it. The second is for a person who murders a police officer.
“With respect to the death penalty, I’m against the death penalty, but if we’re going to have it in Kentucky, it should include killing an officer,” Nemes said.
Bauman said he expects pushback from lawmakers who oppose the death penalty.
Another aspect of the plan looks to implement Madelynn’s Law, which would bar charitable organizations from providing bail when it is higher than $5,000. The law is named after Madelynn Troutt, a teen who was killed in a car crash involving a man who had recently been released on bail by Bail Project Louisville.
A 2022 bill of the same name did not pass through the state legislature.
The safety act also targets Kentucky’s homeless population. If passed, it would ban street camping in public places. People who refuse to leave when asked could be charged as well. It does include a provision that allows cities to designate an indoor or outdoor space where street camping can take place, but basic sanitation needs must be provided.
“If somebody wants to seek treatment, that’s awesome. If they want to seek permanent supportive housing, that’s great, and Mayor Greenberg’s team is working on permanent supportive housing with a pretty good success rate,” State Rep. John Hodgson, R-Fisherville, said. “But if they’re not going to seek treatment and they’re not going to abide by the laws of a civilized society, they need to go somewhere else.”
Bauman says over the next few months, they will work with various stakeholders to finalize their bill. It is expected to be presented to members of the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary on Dec. 15.