LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky lawmakers want to make it harder for school staffers to groom or sexually exploit students.
Senate Bill 181 focuses on electronic communication outside of school, like texting or messaging on social media. The bill would require all school staff, coaches, and volunteers to use traceable communication when they need to talk to a student.
The bill would also require that the communication be reported to the district and parents when it happens.
One former student who experienced grooming from her teacher said the bill would help with transparency and accountability.
"No students should have to question whether the adults entrusted with their education have ulterior motives," said Ashley Nation, a survivor of teacher sexual abuse. "No parent should have to wonder if their child is being privately messaged in a way that crosses professional and ethical boundaries. And yet without clear, traceable communication policies in schools these situations will continue to happen."
Nation shared her story with WDRB in 2021 during an investigation into her former Silver Creek High School theater teacher.
SB 181 passed committee Tuesday morning. The bill still needs to pass in front of the full Senate before it could go to the House.
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