Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson joined ‘Sunday’ to discuss the pressing issue of escalating crime in his city, as lawmakers in Kentucky make progress towards a bipartisan agreement. The Kentucky House recently passed a comprehensive crime bill, known as House Bill 5, which aims to impose stricter sentences for a wide range of offenses. Notably, the bill includes a “three-strikes” provision that would result in life imprisonment for individuals who commit their third violent felony. With a vote of 74-22, the bill now heads to the Republican-led Senate for further consideration.
Republican Representative Jared Bauman, the lead sponsor of House Bill 5, emphasized the importance of holding criminals accountable for their actions. He stated, “With this bill, House Bill 5, we are reasserting some basic and simple truths: that there is a right and wrong, and that criminals are accountable for their actions, not society. And that society has the right to protect itself from the criminal element.”
While the bill proposes harsher penalties for various crimes, including vandalism and attempted murder, the “three-strikes” provision remains its centerpiece. Supporters argue that permanently incarcerating individuals who have committed three violent crimes will prevent them from reoffending. Republican Representative John Blanton asserted, “If someone has committed three violent crimes and they’re incarcerated and can’t get back out, they’re not going to commit another violent crime. That’s a fact.”
In addition to the “three-strikes” provision, the bill includes several other key elements. It seeks to limit bail payments by charitable bail organizations, crack down on fentanyl distribution resulting in death, designate the murder of a first responder in the line of duty as a crime punishable by death, and require those convicted of carjacking to serve at least 85% of their sentence before being released on probation or parole. Furthermore, the bill aims to prevent early release for offenders who possess a firearm as a convicted felon or while on probation or parole, or if they knowingly possess a stolen firearm. It also proposes tougher sentences for adults who involve minors in criminal activities.
To address concerns regarding self-defense and protection, the bill offers criminal immunity to employees and business owners who use a “reasonable amount of force” against thieves or in defense of themselves or their businesses. Additionally, the bill aims to address the issue of homelessness by banning street camping and allowing local governments to designate temporary camping locations for those in need.
During the debate on the bill, which lasted approximately three hours, proponents argued that it represents a necessary policy shift towards holding criminals accountable. However, opponents expressed concerns about the potential increase in incarceration rates and the associated costs. They also contended that the bill fails to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior. Democratic Representative Sarah Stalker remarked, “We do have about 20 different bills that have been crammed into one. Why we’re doing a rinse and repeat of this failed attempt from the ’90s is unclear to me.”
As the Kentucky crime bill progresses through the legislative process, it continues to generate both support and opposition. Supporters argue that tougher sentences and the “three-strikes” provision will contribute to public safety and deterrence, while opponents raise concerns about the potential implications and effectiveness of such measures.
