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Variety in the Heartland |
GPS Tracking Hits Snag
07/27/10 MRC/AP
A new Kentucky statute allowing counties to use GPS tracking devices in domestic violence cases has been in effect for two weeks, but according to a report they are not being used.
The county officials say the law is an unfunded mandate and they can't afford to place a tracking device on people charged with domestic violence.
The much-discussed measure was enacted after state employee Amanda Ross was fatally shot in September outside her home in Lexington. Former state legislator Steve Nunn is charged with murder in her death.
Kentucky's Administrative Office of the Courts could not find any county that has implemented GPS monitoring.
Democratic political consultant, Dale Emmons said ordering a defendant to wear a GPS tracking device would cost taxpayers between $4-$7 per day, while ordering someone to the Kenton County jail would cost about $31 each day.
House Speaker Greg Stumbo, Democrat from Prestonsburg, who introduced the legislation, said it's not an unfunded mandate since the legislation was rewritten to make GPS tracking optional for counties.
"Amanda's Law is a tool designed to do two things: Increase the safety of domestic violence victims and save counties money on jail costs," he said. "By using electronic monitoring devices in such cases, counties will reap great savings."
Denny Nunnelley, the executive director of Kentucky Association of Counties, says the law is vague about who will pay for GPS tracking devices and that's one reason it's not being adopted quickly.
Boone County Judge-Executive Gary Moore he supports the intent of Amanda's law, but there's no money to fund GPS trackers.
Moore said he plans to meet with judges and county administrators to get ideas on funding.
Linda Bramlage, family court judge for Boone and Gallatin counties, said one option is for counties to work together to operate a regional GPS tracking system.
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