A controversial bill aimed at improving public safety in Kentucky has now passed the House Judiciary Committee and will be moving to the full House.
The Safer Kentucky Act would make several changes to Kentucky law, including adding the punishment of life in prison or the death penalty for anyone convicted of murdering a first responder and creating a three-strike law that would sentence people convicted of three violent felonies to life without parole.
Another controversial change the bill would create is a ban on street camping.
Under the bill, the first time an unhoused person is caught illegally camping, it would be a violation. The second time and each subsequent time, they would be charged with a misdemeanor.
Someone could also be charged with a misdemeanor for refusing to cease the offense during the first time they are caught.
State Representative John Hodgson, a Republican who represents District 36 and is one of the 52 co-sponsors of the bill, hopes this will nudge those struggling with substance abuse to enter rehab.
Instead of going to jail or paying a fine, Hodgson says people could choose to accept a judge’s offer to be diverted into rehab.
The bill would allow local governments to designate areas where temporary camping would be permitted. The idea would be to prevent homeless people from camping on public property like parks or roadways, or in front of private property like local businesses.
The bill would also add to the state’s stand-your-ground law, giving property owners the ability to confront illegal campers. Critics of the bill worry this will lead to violent confrontations.
Hodgson said the bill would provide protection to businesses and would only allow the use of force in self-defense.
Source: WAVE
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