Bipartisan legislation introduced to address abuse of student-athletes in Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A bill looking to address abuse of student-athletes in Kentucky was introduced in the state senate, LEX18 reported this week.

Sens. Cassie Chambers Armstrong, D-Louisville, and Steve West, R-Paris, introduced the bill Tuesday.

"Protecting our student-athletes is a responsibility we all share," West said. "This bipartisan legislation strengthens our ability to identify and report abuse, ensuring that Kentucky’s young athletes can compete in a safe and supportive environment. By equipping coaches and school personnel with the tools they need, we are taking a necessary step toward preventing harm and holding offenders accountable."

Senate Bill 120 would require child dependency, neglect and abuse information to be included in any interscholastic athletics participation consent form. It would also require any training for interscholastic athletics administrators and coaches to include information about mandatory reporting duties for child dependency, neglect and abuse.

The bill has the support of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.

"High school sports should be a place where Kentucky kids are able to learn, grow, and compete in a healthy and safe environment," Chambers Armstrong said. "This bill gives our coaches and school personnel more tools to spot and report child abuse, helping Kentucky’s student-athletes stay safe."

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