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Committee OKs bill making sextortion a felony, orders school prevention measures
Summary
Senate Bill 73, sponsored by Sen. Julie 'Rocky' Adams, was passed by the House Judiciary Committee; the bill classifies sextortion as a felony, provides civil remedies for victims, and requires schools to include prevention education, supporters said.
The House Judiciary Committee on Thursday passed Senate Bill 73, which sponsors described as strengthening criminal and civil protections for victims of sextortion and requiring prevention education in schools.
Senator Julie "Rocky" Adams, the bill sponsor, told the committee that sextortion — the practice of obtaining sexually explicit images and threatening to release them for money or other demands — is a rapidly growing crime against children and that the FBI lists sextortion as among the fastest-growing crimes targeting young people. "It is calculated, it is cruel, and it thrives on fear and silence," Adams said.
Adams said the bill would make sextortion a felony, give victims legal remedies to seek damages, and require schools to educate students and parents about warning signs and resources. Shannon Moody of Kentucky Youth Advocates spoke alongside the senator in support of the measure, and several committee members seconded the motion to adopt the substitute.
After the presentation, the clerk called the roll. The committee reported passage by a unanimous recorded vote: "Senate Bill 73 passes with 15 yes votes and no no votes," the clerk said.
Sponsors said the bill couples criminal penalties with prevention and victim support measures. The committee record contains no floor amendments and shows the measure cleared committee without opposition.
