New laws expand access to medical care and establish a statewide SANE coordinator, strengthen stalking protections, and criminalize grooming of minors
Frankfort, Ky., April 15, 2026 — Kentucky has enacted three new laws aimed at strengthening protections for survivors of sexual violence and improving public safety across the state. The bills, supported by the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs (KASAP), passed unanimously in the General Assembly and were signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on April 10, 2026.
The new laws include:
HB 134 (Sponsor: Rep. Rebecca Raymer) – Expands access to sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) across Kentucky by establishing a statewide SANE coordinator. This will strengthen coordination, training, and availability of these critical services, ensuring survivors receive timely, trauma-informed medical care. This legislation builds on Rep. Raymer’s 2025 efforts to improve Kentucky’s sexual assault response, including expanding access to SANEs and strengthening education for emergency department staff.
HB 521 (Sponsor: Rep. Steven Rudy) – Strengthens stalking laws by clarifying definitions and updating the law to reflect how stalking occurs today, including through technology, giving law enforcement clearer tools to intervene earlier and more effectively. KASAP contributed legal expertise, elevated survivor perspectives, and provided testimony in support of the bill.
HB 4 (Sponsor: Rep. Marianne Proctor) – Criminalizes grooming of minors, closing a gap in existing law and strengthening protections for children by addressing predatory behaviors before abuse occurs.
“These bills are a landmark victory for survivors and for communities across Kentucky,” said Jenna Cassady, Chief Policy Officer at KASAP. “We are deeply grateful to the bill sponsors and every legislator who voted to protect children and survivors, and we look forward to continuing and expanding partnerships with legislators across Kentucky to advance survivor-centered policy.”
Sexual violence is a serious issue in Kentucky. According to KASAP, nearly 1 in 2 Kentucky women and about 1 in 6 men will experience sexual violence in their lifetimes. Nearly 60% of victims know the person who assaulted them. These laws build on statewide efforts to prevent sexual violence and expand survivor services.
KASAP and its 13 regional sexual assault centers provide free, confidential, 24/7 support services to survivors of sexual violence. These new laws expand access to critical support services for survivors across Kentucky.
For more information or to access survivor services:
Visit kasap.org or contact the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE.
About KASAP
The Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs (KASAP) is a coalition of 13 regional sexual assault centers across the Commonwealth that provide free, confidential support and advocacy to survivors of sexual violence. For over 30 years, KASAP has worked to prevent sexual violence, support survivors, and advance policy solutions that strengthen Kentucky’s communities.
