Kentucky Republicans Propose Bill To Allow ‘Deadly Physical Force’ On Homeless People By Homeowners

Kentucky Republicans have created a controversy with their new “Safer Kentucky Act.”

The bill, also known as House Bill 5 or HB5, focuses on increasing public safety by imposing stricter penalties on certain criminal offenses. The most notable targets have been homelessness and drug use. Introduced by state Rep. Jared Bauman (R-Louisville) to the Kentucky legislature, the bill has 52 sponsors with voting set for next week.

Critics of the bill point out that it would allow property owners to use deadly physical force on homeless individuals if deemed necessary. Democrats have brought up how the bill does not address the root issues of homelessness and affordable housing.

Director of the Catholic Conference of Kentucky, Jason Hall, stated that this new bill is “counterproductive.”

Louisville Metro Council Member Shameka Parrish-Wright also expressed her concerns and said HB5 would “[criminalize] poverty” at a committee hearing.

Outspoken Democrats included state Reps. Keturah Herron and Nima Kulkarni, who say the bill would lead to higher incarceration rates but no real improvements in public safety. Kulkarni requested Bauman present data and statistics to back his claims. Bauman claimed to have data to support his case but none were provided at the hearing.

Despite the criticism, Kentucky Republicans still stand by the bill. Many believe that the bill will create more accountability for crimes and lower state crime rates.

No word yet on whether Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D), who was just reelected by a wide margin, stands on the bill. Republicans have large enough majorities in the legislature to override a veto.