Bill aimed at increasing sentencing for violation of orders of protection passes on House floor

HB 488 would enhance a second or subsequent violation to a Class D felony

Frankfort, Ky. (WTVQ) – On Tuesday, Representative Samara Heavrin’s legislation concerning orders of protection passed on the House floor. HB 488 would enhance a second or subsequent violation of an order of protection to a Class D felony.

“We have orders of protection in place to protect those who are victims of domestic abuse by helping to prevent further acts of abuse. It can help protect from both physical and mental abuse, and hopefully, help ease the mind of those affected. By increasing the penalty for those who violate their order, we are hoping to deter abusers from violating their restraining order,” said Rep. Heavrin.

HB 488 would make the first violation of an order of protection a Class A misdemeanor, according to Rep. Heavrin. It then would make the second and any following violations, within five years of the first violation, a Class D felony. The measure also states that the victim in the following violations is not required to be the same person who was the victim in any prior offense.

The bill passed on the House floor and now awaits further action in the Senate. To view the full legislation click HERE.