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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Governor Beshear signs bill to extend protection for victims of domestic violence
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Steve Beshear today ceremonially signed House Bill 1 – Amanda’s Bill – into law, creating new opportunities of protection for victims of domestic violence.
The law allows judges to order those who violate a domestic violence order, or DVO, to wear a global positioning system (GPS) tracking device. In addition, it extends the continuance of an unserved emergency protective order (EPO) for six months, rather than the current 90 days. Abusers would be required to stay up to 500 feet away from their victims, and felony charges could be pressed against DVO violators who attempt to remove a court-ordered tracking device.
The tracking devices would alert victims and police if alleged abusers get too close.
"Domestic violence destroys the very place that individuals should feel safest -- in their homes, and in their families," Beshear said. "This law advances safeguards for victims of domestic violence, and offers judges another tool for creating a protective zone around the individual seeking protection."
Speaker of the House Greg Stumbo, who sponsored the legislation, said, "This law is another major step forward in Kentucky's ongoing effort to stop domestic violence. I want to thank everyone who helped to make it possible, especially Diana Ross and her family. They were Amanda's voice throughout this entire process."
Amanda’s Bill was named in honor of former state worker Amanda Ross, who was shot to death outside her Lexington home last fall in what is being investigated as a domestic violence case.
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