Crystal Rogers Act moves forward as lawmakers push to protect grand jury investigations
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Nearly a decade after Crystal Rogers vanished from Bardstown, Kentucky lawmakers are taking another step aimed at protecting investigations tied to cases like hers.
The Kentucky House Judiciary Committee voted Wednesday to advance House Bill 305 — known as the Crystal Rogers Act — a proposal that would tighten the rules around grand jury secrecy and significantly extend the time prosecutors have to go after violations.
The bill is sponsored by Rep. Candy Massaroni, who says the goal is simple: keep sensitive investigations from being compromised.
Under the measure, anyone who attends a grand jury proceeding would be barred from recording what happens or sharing information learned inside the room. It would also stretch the statute of limitations for those violations from just one year to ten years — giving prosecutors much more time to act if secrecy is broken.
The push comes as the Rogers case continues to shape conversations about justice in Kentucky. Although her body was never found, authorities now presume she is dead.
In May 2025, Steve Lawson was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence, receiving a 17-year prison sentence.
Two months later, Brooks Houck was found guilty of murdering Rogers and helping cover it up. Joseph Lawson was also convicted on conspiracy and evidence tampering charges. Houck was later sentenced to life in prison, while Joseph Lawson received 25 years.
Supporters of HB 305 say those convictions highlight just how critical it is to protect investigative processes — especially in emotionally charged cases that draw public attention.
Rogers’ mother, Sherry Ballard, and her brother, Casey Ballard, were at the Capitol during Wednesday’s committee vote.
Lawmakers backing the measure say families waiting for justice deserve investigations that aren’t derailed by leaks or improper disclosures.
The bill now heads to the full Kentucky General Assembly House for debate and a potential vote in the coming days.
