Child abuse laws in Kentucky have gotten tougher as House Bill 263, which would increase the prison term for individuals convicted of first-degree criminal abuse of a child under the age of 12, was signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear last Friday.
Under Kentucky law, the charge had been classified as a class “C” felony, making it punishable by five to ten years in prison.
HB 263 makes the offense covered under section 508.100 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes a class “B” felony, which is punishable by not less than 10 years nor more than 20 years in prison.
The bill was co-sponsored by multiple representatives, including Rep. Regina Huff, R-Williamsburg.
Far too often we hear countless stories of children becoming victims of abuse,” Huff said. “In fact, Kentucky has led the nation in reported cases of child abuse and neglect for the third straight year. This bill is about protecting our most vulnerable Kentuckians, our children, from this undue harm. I believe this is an important step we can take toward addressing the issue and start preventing this tragedy.”
It passed the house of representatives unanimously upon its third reading, 95-0 and passed the senate upon its third reading on March 14, 31-4.
