Police protection bill advanced by Senate panel

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – A bill that would increase penalties for intentionally exposing a law enforcement officer to bodily fluids or bodily waste was approved today by the Senate Judiciary Committee with a 7-0 vote.

House Bill 193 intends to “fill in the gap” in the law for protection of Kentucky law enforcement officers, said Rep. Stan Lee, R-Lexington, the sponsor of HB 193. The measure passed the House last week with an 81-3 vote.

Under the bill, exposing an officer to bodily fluids or waste would be a misdemeanor, although felony charges could be applied if the bodily fluids or waste carry a communicable disease that could likely be transmitted.

There were concerns raised that a felony may be too strong of a charge for such an offense, with Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Hopkinsville, saying there’s a possibility the penalty may be lowered to a misdemeanor when the bill is considered in the full Senate.

Sen. John Schickel spoke in favor of HB 193 today in committee as a retired law enforcement officer.

“This is an excellent bill. Our police officers need these protections,” said Schickel.

HB 193 now goes to the full Senate for consideration.