House of Reps approves bill – longer jail time for cop killers

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) –On March 1, the Kentucky House of Representatives approved a bill that would ensure harsher sentences for people convicted of trying to kill police or firefighters.

State Rep. Gerald Watkin’s Bill 137 requires a convict to serve 85% of their sentence before being eligible for probation or parole, instead of the previous 20%. It was approved unanimously by the House.

“With the current assault on our police and firefighters nationally and in Kentucky, we need this legislation to protect those who put their lives on the line daily to protect the rest of us,” said Rep. Watkins of Paducah.

The bill was endorsed by the Kentucky State Fraternal Order of Police, the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association, and the Kentucky Professional Firefighter’s Association. All three organizations were represented during the bill’s testimony.