Kentucky teen helps introduce legislation while serving as Senate page on Thursday

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WDRB) -- The page in the Kentucky Senate on Thursday pulled double-duty by helping to introduce a bill that she helped craft.

Kiera Dunk, 14, was present as Senate Bill 106 was filed. The bill, dubbed "Kyan's Law," would require training for animal control officers to recognize signs of child abuse or neglect while on a call.

In 2021, 28-year-old Kaitlyn Higgins was arrested and charged with murdering her son, Kyan.

Kyan was just 10 years old when he was killed. An open records request with Louisville Metro Animal Services found that officers had responded to complaints against his mother more than 20 times.

Kyan's story inspired Dunk, a high school freshman in Oldham County, who helped bring the issue to light. She was recognized by her local state senator on the floor.

"(She) actually began her work in Frankfort at 8 years old, delivering cookies with her mom, who is also in the audience, Ms. Brandi Dunk, to start working on passing legislation," Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, said. "So she's probably trying to work her way into my position eventually, but we're just thrilled to have her here, and I'm looking forward to working on this legislation with her."

Dunk was also instrumental in passing Kami's Law in 2022, which strengthened prison sentences for child abuse.

To read the bill filed Thursday, click here.

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