LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky lawmakers are advancing a bill targeting abusers who prey on children.

House Bill 278 passed the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Matt Lockett, R-Nicholasville, said the main goal of the legislation is to protect children.

"We have got to protect our most vulnerable people in our communities and show others that we absolutely mean business when it comes to protecting our children," Lockett said in a news release Wednesday afternoon.

The bill would eliminate the statute of limitations for child sex abuse cases. Right now, victims have 10 years to report the crime after they turn 18. Lockett said studies show many adults don't report sexual abuse that happened when they were children until they are close to 40 years old. However, Lockett said, the provision is "not retroactive," and doesn't include anyone whose statute has already expired.

It would also increase penalties for adult offenders who are in a position of authority or special trust. Additionally, the legislation would require individuals convicted of having or distributing child porn to serve 85% of their sentence.

Another section of the bill would prohibit those convicted of a violent offense or misdemeanor sex crime from working in a public school.

The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.

To read more about the legislation, click here.

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