HB521
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Amend KRS 508.130 to define "course of conduct" and "social media platform"; establish elements of the crime of stalking and penalize as a Class D felony unless certain aggravating circumstances are met, in which case it is a Class C felony; provide that the Act shall not affect the validity of restraining orders, interpersonal protective orders, or domestic violence orders in place prior to the effective date of the Act; repeal KRS 508.140 and 508.150, relating to stalking in the first and second degrees; amend KRS 14.300, 23A.208, 24A.178, 431.005, 411.220, 456.010, 500.092, 500.120, 506.160, 508.155, and 532.080 to conform.
Introduced: January 27, 2026
Last action: April 10, 2026
In effect since July 15, 2026
Acts from the 2026 Regular Session that don't carry an emergency clause or set their own effective date took effect 90 days after the session adjourned (Ky. Constitution § 55).
Plain-language summary
This bill updates Kentucky's stalking laws by replacing the current two-degree system with a single stalking crime, defining key terms like "course of conduct" and "social media platform." The offense is generally a Class D felony but can become a Class C felony if certain aggravating circumstances are present. Existing protective orders remain valid under the new law. Who it may affect: people who have experienced stalking, crime victims, and those currently protected by restraining or domestic violence orders.
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Legislative History
Primary Sponsor
Co-sponsors (12)
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