On Jan. 26, 2024, the Kentucky House met to discuss the Safer Kentucky Act’s draft. Key sections of the new bill intend to crack down on rising death tolls from Fentanyl and increase punishments for a multitude of physical and drug offenses.
The Kentucky House passed the act with the Republican majority opting ‘yea’ and the Democrat majority opting ‘no’ (74-22). As of now, the bill is now in line to be reviewed by the full House, the Senate, and then the President.
The bill designates (in Kentucky) carjacking as a Class B Felony, up to 25 years in prison from the original 10. The distribution of Fentanyl and Fentanyl derivatives is punishable up to a Class B Felony, hopefully eliminating deaths related to substance abuse.
Over the past five years, about 10,000 Kentuckians have died of drug overdoses related to Fentanyl, according to a statement released by the governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear.
The bill will allow local government to designate certain areas banned to the homeless, while also eliminating federal funds for any homeless housing. This would hinder the homeless population rather than help it.
More key sections of the bill include: Limiting charitable organizations to $5000 bail-out, putting the death penalty on the table for anyone convicted of killing a first responder or police officer, and allowing physical force to prevent anyone suspected of shoplifting from exiting the store or place of suspected robbery.
As the bill is presented to higher legislation, it is sure to see immense changes before it sees the light of day.
However, In the state of Michigan, legislators are creating bills attempting to help the homeless population. Protecting rights and privileges like medical care, schooling, etc. For example, House Bill 4919, introduced in October, otherwise known as the “Homeless Bill of Rights”, aims to ensure that the homeless population has equal access to lawsuits, schooling (especially in younger kids), and equal chances in the work industry, eliminating discrimination based on the lack of a mailing address.
Although the thought of the Safer Kentucky Act seems to help the state of Kentucky by cracking down on drug use and robbery, the Safer Kentucky Act may also set a precedent for future homeless legislation in other states, further hurting America’s homeless population.
