Beshear signs legislation to increase public safety

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Tuesday announced his signing of nine pieces of legislation to increase public safety, by supporting law enforcement and better protecting victims of violent crimes and children, while at school.

House Bill 1 provides the Kentucky State Police the organizational structure to align resources and personnel needed to store, manage and retain the audio and video footage recordings captured by their new body camera recording system. This legislation follows two others investing in law enforcement, including $12.2 million for KSP to purchase a body camera recording system.

House Bill 207 allows law enforcement agencies to create their own wellness programs to support the mental health and wellbeing of both sworn and civilian personnel. 

House Bill 115 makes an assault against a police dog or an electronic storage device detection K-9 a Class D felony. Electronic detection dogs assist with locating hidden electronic storage devices that might contain harmful materials. KSP has two electronic storage device detection dogs from among just 85 total in the United States. The dogs in police service work with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

House Bill 373 makes needed changes to peace officer professional standards to enhance public safety. It expands on last year's legislation that made any felony or misdemeanor sex crime expunged a disqualifying factor for certification as a police officer or court security officer. The Kentucky Law Enforcement Council also provided the authority to subpoena or to request a court to subpoena records needed to investigate conditions of an officer's separation. Such information obtained during an active investigation remains confidential.

House Bill 64 allows law enforcement officers to be out of employment up to a full year, before being required to renew Peace Officer Professional Standards certification and attend the academy. The current time limit is 100 days. This bill makes it easier for retired officers to re-enter the workforce and helps local school districts and local police departments attract and hire highly-qualified peace officers. 

Senate Bill 79 strengthens protections for survivors of domestic violence. It creates the Safe at Home Program to allow victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, rape and human trafficking to conceal their addresses from public documents. The bill also removes the requirement that survivors must have an emergency protective order to hide their addresses on public records.

Senate Bill 282 benefits victims of violent crime, by increasing crime victim compensation awards for lost wages, loss of financial support, medical and mental health counseling expenses and funeral/burial expenses. It also benefits victims of hit-and-run accidents, who now will be eligible for awards. 

House Bill 331 requires all middle and high schools in Kentucky to have at least one automated external defibrillator and at least three staff members and all athletic coaches to be trained on the AED. The bill also ensures all coaches maintain CPR certification.