House bill would increase penalties for attempted murder of peace officers

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – Anyone convicted of trying to murder a peace officer or firefighter would serve a longer prison sentence under a proposed bill that passed the state House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. House Bill 137 requires that 85-percent of a defendant’s sentence be served before probation or parole.

Currently people convicted of trying to kill a peace officer are eligible for parole/probation after only serving about 20-percent of their sentence.

The bill is sponsored by Paducah Democrat Gerald Watkins. “This common-sense piece of legislation sends a strong message. We want to protect those who protect us,” Watkins said.

The measure, which is set to be considered by the full House, is endorsed by the Kentucky State Fraternal Order of Police, the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association and the Kentucky Professional Firefighter’s Association.