LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Child grooming could soon carry harsher penalties in Kentucky after lawmakers unanimously approved a bill aimed at protecting minors from sexual exploitation.
The Kentucky House on Wednesday passed House Bill 4, legislation that targets adults in positions of trust — including coaches, teachers and other authority figures — who engage in inappropriate communication with children.
Under the bill, grooming would be classified as a Class A misdemeanor when the suspect is at least 18 years old and the victim is younger than 14. That offense would be punishable by up to one year in jail and a $500 fine.
The penalties increase when younger children are involved. If the victim is under the age of 12, the offense would rise to a Class D felony, carrying a potential sentence of one to five years in prison.
Supporters of the bill said the measure closes a critical gap in state law by addressing behavior that can lead to more serious abuse. Lawmakers emphasized the importance of intervening early, before exploitation escalates.
The bill now moves forward in the legislative process for further consideration.
For more information on House Bill 4, or to follow along as it moves through the legislature, click here.
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