FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Voting unanimously Tuesday, the Kentucky House of Representatives put its support behind state Rep. Gerald Watkins’ House Bill 137, which would ensure those convicted of trying to kill a police officer or firefighter spend much more time in prison before being eligible for probation or parole.
“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. “For the attempted murder of these men and women, 20 percent of a sentence served is inadequate. My bill requires a minimum of 85 percent time served.”
His legislation is 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 testimony when the bill was before the House Judiciary Committee.
