Introduced

Passed Senate

Passed House

Became law

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

Last action · March 13, 2026

2nd Reading, To Rules

Introduced January 29, 2026

Senate

Adjourned Sine Die

2026 Regular Session

SB138

AN ACT relating to the protection of children.

Short title: Jayden's Law

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 507 to establish the offense of child abuse homicide as a capital offense; amend KRS 199.896 to require licensed child-care centers to maintain video surveillance of all public areas within the facility and retain video footage for 90 days; amend KRS 507.030 to increase the age of a child victim of manslaughter in the first degree from 12 or under to under 18; amend KRS 507.040 to increase…

Short Titles and Popular Names Corrections Impact Children and Minors Courts, Circuit Crimes and Punishments Criminal Procedure Licensing Rules Of Evidence

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This bill, known as Jayden's Law, strengthens criminal penalties for the abuse and killing of children under 18 in Kentucky, including creating a new crime called child abuse homicide that would be punishable by the death penalty. It also requires licensed child-care centers to install video surveillance in all public areas and keep that footage for 90 days. Additionally, it creates a rebuttable presumption that parental rights must be terminated if a parent is convicted…

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