Child Grooming Bill, Other Measures on Deck for 2026 Regular Session
Rep. Marianne Proctor (District 60)
While the General Assembly can only take official action during session, the months in between give lawmakers time to study issues raised by constituents and advocacy groups as they prepare for the next session. This year, several legislators drafted new bills, continued advocating for previously filed measures, and testified before Interim Joint Committees (IJC).
One proposal was presented in the IJC on Education, four in Transportation, and three in Judiciary. While some were filed in earlier sessions, it often takes multiple attempts for an idea to move through the legislative process. These presentations help spark discussion and give lawmakers an early start on the work ahead.
Among the proposals we discussed last week was a bill request I am working on aimed at protecting children from predatory behavior, specifically when an adult builds trust with a child or teen in order to exploit or abuse them later. Grooming can involve giving gifts, attention, or affection to break down defenses and gain control. This kind of behavior needs to be criminalized and we need to send a clear message that it will not be tolerated.
Under the provisions of my proposal, a first conviction of grooming would be classified as a Class A misdemeanor, if the perpetrator is 18 or older and the victim is less than 14 years old. However, if the perpetrator is in a position of authority like a teacher or coach, it would be a Class D felony if the victim is under 14, or a Class C felony if the victim is under 12. The expanded penalties reflect the seriousness of the crime. We have to send a clear message when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable children and holding those who harm them accountable.
This proposal is constituent driven after the mother of a young girl who was groomed brought it to my attention. I also appreciate all the hard work that Commonwealth’s Attorney Louis Kelly and Boone County Attorney Jordan Dallas Turner have put into crafting a piece of legislation that gives law enforcement and our justice system the tools they need to protect our kids.
Click here to watch testimony on a proposal that would provide law enforcement and prosecutors with more tools to protect Kentucky children from predatory grooming behavior.
Other proposals presented in committee this week include:
Teacher apprenticeship programs: SB 253 was filed last session but it did not become law. This measure would strengthen teaching and learning pathways and promote district level teacher apprenticeship programs. Currently, three school districts-Grayson, Nelson, and Bullitt- have apprenticeship programs that allow junior and senior high school students to begin educator preparation programs and have hands on teaching experiences.
Workplace safety for tow truck drivers: This measure would allow tow trucks to utilize blue-colored emergency lights while the vehicle is stationary and performing a pick-up.
Road striping reflectivity: This measure was filed last session as HB 431. It would require the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to inspect highway painting projects six months after completion. If a roadway were to fall the inspection, the cabinet must repair or reapply the paint on the roadway within thirty days.
Sponsorship agreements for rest stops and welcome centers: This measure was filed last session as HB 112. It would allow for people and other private entities to enter into financial sponsorship agreements with the Kentucky Department of Transportation for highway rest stops and welcome centers. The measure stipulates that all contributions may only be used for the upkeep and maintenance of the sponsored location, and all signs acknowledging the sponsorship must be funded by the sponsor.
Control of vegetation at rail crossings: This measure was filed last year as HB 407. It would require railroads companies to remove obstructive vegetation through its right-of-way at intersections with public roads to allow vehicles and traffic to have an unobstructed view of the railroad. The Transportation Cabinet or local government may send a notice to companies who fail to maintain their right of ways, and recover any cost incurred while removing vegetation from a railroad company that fails to comply with this measure.
Illegal gun conversion devices: This measure would prohibit Kentuckians from possessing or procuring a switch for a handgun. This device effectively converts a semiautomatic handgun into an automatic handgun. While prohibited under federal law, this measure would give state and local law enforcement the ability to charge an individual with enhanced state penalties for possession or commission of a crime with a gun altered with this device.
Boating under the influence: This measure would mirror vehicle DUI laws and apply them to boating. It would grant Fish and Wildlife law enforcement officers the ability to request a search warrant to conduct blood tests.