Introduced

Passed House

Passed Senate

Became law

Adjourned sine die. The bill was pending when the session ended, so it did not pass.

Last action · January 23, 2026

To Judiciary (H)

Introduced January 15, 2026

House

Adjourned Sine Die

2026 Regular Session

HB399

AN ACT relating to sexual offenses against children.

Amend KRS 510.040, 510.070, and 510.110 to provide that rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, and sexual abuse in the first degree shall be capital offenses when the victim is under 12 years old; amend KRS 532.025 to conform.

Children and Minors Crimes and Punishments Corrections Impact

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This bill would make rape, sodomy, and sexual abuse in the first degree punishable as capital offenses in Kentucky when the victim is a child under 12 years old. Currently, these crimes carry serious prison sentences, but this change would make them eligible for the death penalty. It updates related sentencing statutes to match the new classification. Who it may affect: children under 12, their families, criminal defense attorneys, and prosecutors.

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