Published: July 15, 2008 11:00 am            

New laws taking effect in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. ’ The following new laws are set to go into effect today in Kentucky.



ANIMAL CRUELTY

Increases penalty against people who abuse dogs or cats. Sentences range from 1 to five years.

ANTI-BULLYING

Protects students from being bullied by classmates by changing the legal definition of harassment to include student behavior that causes physical harm, intimidation or humiliation for fellow students.

BLOOD DONORS

Allows 16 year olds who weigh at least 110 pounds to donate blood with written permission from parent or guardian.

BOOSTER SEATS

Requires children under 7 years old to ride in automobile booster seats.

DENTAL HEALTH

Requires youngsters enrolling in public school or preschool to get a dental checkup in a move to improve the state's poor dental health.

GOLDEN ALERT

Creates a system, similar to the Amber Alert, in which local media will be notified when an Alzheimer's patients or other impaired adult is reported missing.

RUNOFF ELECTIONS

Eliminates a provision of Kentucky law that requires a runoff gubernatorial election after the primary if no candidate gets more than 40 percent of the vote. HB370. Not signed by the governor.

SEX ABUSE

Holds teachers, priests and others in positions of authority more accountable for child sexual abuse by increasing penalties and extending the statute of limitations.

THRILL RIDES

Requires that people who operate thrill rides in Kentucky be at least 18 years old. The proposal was sparked by a grisly accident in Louisville last year in which a girl had her feet severed by a broken amusement ride.

WHISKEY INHALERS

Bans the sale, distribution or use of devices that vaporize whiskey or other alcohol so that people can inhale the intoxicating fumes.

        

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