Beshear signs legislation to aid victims of domestic violence, violent crime

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear has signed nine bills aiming to make Kentucky safer for the public, including children at school and victims of domestic violence.

House Bill 64 makes it easier for retired officers to reenter the workforce. As a result, the governor’s office says this will help school districts and police departments to hire qualified peace officers.

In addition, Senate Bill 79 allows victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, rape and human trafficking to hide their addresses from public records.

Senate Bill 282 assists 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 expenses.

Beshear also signed Senate Bill 268, which would allow child support to be ordered for a child if a defendant is convicted of driving under the influence that killed or permanently disabled the child’s parent or guardian.

Additional bills address further safety and crime topics, such as requiring automated external defibrillators in middle and high schools, disqualifying factors for certification as a police officer, making it a Class D felony to assault a police dog, allowing law enforcement agencies to create their own wellness programs and giving further resources for Kentucky State Police to manage body cam audio and video.