"Kentucky House Approves 'Safer Kentucky Act' with Tougher Sentences, Three-Strikes Penalty"

The Kentucky House passed a sweeping crime bill, House Bill 5, by a 74-22 vote, which includes a "three-strikes" provision that would put felons behind bars for life after committing their third violent act. The bill also addresses bail payments, fentanyl distribution, carjacking, firearm possession, and the use of minors as criminal accomplices. It offers criminal immunity to employees and business owners in cases of self-defense or protection of their business, aims to ban street camping, and allows local governments to designate temporary camping locations for the homeless. Supporters view it as a necessary policy shift to hold criminals accountable, while opponents argue it will lead to more incarceration and overlooks the root causes of crime.