FRANKFORT — 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.