"Rep. Bell and I appreciate the fact that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle joined us in support this legislation," AG Conway said. "I know Republicans and Democrats agree these measures will help protect Kentucky kids and crack down on criminals trying to harm our children."
Conway and Bell unveiled House Bill 367 this morning, which will help keep Kentucky families safe by strengthening laws prohibiting child predators and amending Kentucky's stalking statute to include cyber stalking.
Members of the Louisville Metro Police Department's Crimes Against Children Unit, McCracken County Sherriff Jon Hayden, and Warren County Commonwealth's Attorney and President of the Commonwealth's Attorneys Association Chris Cohron joined General Conway and Rep. Bell in a show of support at the House Judiciary Committee meeting. Mark Neblett also witnessed the vote. His teenage daughter, Rachel, committed suicide after being stalked and bullied on the Internet.
House Bill 367
House Bill 367 contains the following provisions to strengthen or amend current Kentucky laws:
- Social-networking sites with children will be off limits to sex offenders
- Sex offenders must register changes in e-mail address
- Creates searchable database of registered sex offender e-mail addresses and online identifiers
- Recognizes stalking can take place in person and online
- Clarifies that it is a crime to transmit sexually explicit images to a child via Webcam
- Allows prosecutors and police to seize cars or computers used in the commission of online sexual offenses against children
- Non-sworn or specially trained personnel may lay groundwork for online predator stings
