Rep. Jared Bauman, R-Louisville, (center); Rep. John Hodgson, R-Fisherville, (left); and House Majority Whip Jason Nemes, R-Middletown, presented House Bill 5 to the House Judiciary. Committee on Jan. 18. (LRC Public Information)
FRANKFORT — A sweeping anti-crime bill pushed by Louisville Republicans won approval Thursday in the Kentucky House after much debate and a few changes to the legislation.
In a 74-22 vote, the House approved House Bill 5 . The bill already had 50 Republican co-sponsors before the House voted on the measure. The only Democrat to vote in favor of the bill was Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty, of Martin.
Some Republican House Judiciary committee members last week chose to not vote in favor of the bill or passed on voting during a committee meeting. Ultimately, Rep. Kimberly Poore Moser supported the bill Thursday. Reps. Steven Doan and Savannah Maddox continued to vote against it.
Dubbed the “Safer Kentucky Act” by its sponsors, HB 5 seeks to strengthen penalties for crime in Kentucky. The legislation includes a three strikes provision for violent felonies; bans on street camping near businesses, homes or other public spaces; restrictions on charitable bail organizations and establishes a felony carjacking statute.