KY YOUTH BILLS PKG

Through the general assembly.

Abc 36's bobbi mcswine spoke to the head of a non- profit children's advocacy group about the long road some of this legislation has traveled and how it could protect the state's most vulnerable... that's tonight's top story at 5:30.

"we all know that right now there's a lot more disagreement than agreement in frankfort."

But...executive director of kentucky youth advocates...terry brooks...says one priority often bridges the gap.

Brooks: "the one arena that can bring all of kentucky together is kids."

Brooks says that's evident by the 4 bills focused on young people introduced this session...3 of which are awaiting governor andy beshear's signature.

One of them would raise the statute of limitations to report sexual abuse.

"we know that victims of abuse, especially child sexual abuse, it takes a while for them to come forward."

Another bill would allow kentuckians to run in-home child care...something brooks says would help with the day care deserts in rural and low- income communities.

"is especially helpful to parents who work unconventional hours."

Brooks says inadequate child care affects more than 10-percent of the state's workforce.

Another measure would allow students to re-do the previous year of school if they feel they missed out on foundational learning due to the pandemic.

"we know, despite best efforts, the very best efforts of teachers, there is no way that those kids have kept up."

Brooks doesn't think giving athletes another year would be a major issue.

Finally...there's a bill that would give judges discretion on whether or not to charge a minor as an adult for an firearm offense.

"make them understand consequences of mistakes, but let's get them on the right track for the long-term rather than just the easy, quick, efficient response of lock them up."

Brooks also thinks the legislation would help balance the disproportionate of black people in prison.

Bobbi mcswine...abc 36 news.