FRANKFORT, Ky. (WSIL) — Monday, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed 17 bills into law.
Three bills specifically focused on increasing protections for children and domestic violence victims: House Bill 38, Senate Bill 120, and Senate Bill 169.
In a video on social media, Gov. Beshear stated, "Sadly in the Commonwealth, we see far too much domestic violence and child abuse."
House Bill 38 would increase the penalties for individuals who violate protective orders. Previously, the law considered a violation of a protective order a Class A misdemeanor. The new law could increase the crime to a Class D felony if the protective order is repeatedly broken.
Senate Bill 120 would require coaches and others surrounding a child to report signs of child abuse and neglect.
In a social media video, Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians that under state law it is everyone's legal obligation to report suspected signs of abuse or neglect.
Senate Bill 169 focuses on the materials allowed to be part of an investigation related to internet crimes against children. The bill allows internet service providers, social networking companies, mobile payments, and cloud storage to be subpoenaed in investigations.
The other 14 bills that were signed into law include the following:
The following bills were vetoed by Gov. Beshear:
The General Assembly's regular session concludes this Friday, March 28.
