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House Bill 3 aims to combat human trafficking in Kentucky

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House Bill 3 aims to combat human trafficking in Kentucky


FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) – A bill in the Kentucky House of Representatives aims to fight human trafficking in the commonwealth.

House Bill 3 was introduced on Feb. 26 and as of March 2, is waiting to be picked up by a committee.

The bill is sponsored by six republicans, including Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles (R-Owensboro), who said the bill builds on prior human trafficking-related legislation.

“We needed to do a little bit of cleanup to kind of keep moving forward to protect Kentuckians,” said Rep. Miles.

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HB3 would expand the definition of human trafficking and gives the Office of the Attorney General the ability to form a working group to address all aspects of human trafficking.

“We continue to circle back to that and see what tools they need to make sure that they can charge these people, go after these people with the fullest extent of the law,” said Rep. Miles.

The Kentucky Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force’s 2024 report provided recommendations to improve state anti-trafficking work.

“These sorts of things aren’t necessarily what most of the public thinks about that are important for human trafficking,” said Dr. Glenn Harden, assistant professor at Asbury University and chair of the tasks force’s data and research working group. “We often think about law enforcement or helping survivors or prevention.”

Dr. Harden said the bill seems to follow a few of the recommendations, such as increasing the capability for comprehensive anti-trafficking work and focusing on proactive law enforcement efforts. He also said combatting human trafficking goes beyond the work of law enforcement.

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“[Stakeholders] also include people who are working with survivors, they include healthcare workers, education, academics, there’s a whole realm of different sectors that are involved in anti-trafficking work in Kentucky,” he said.

In 2020, Rep. Miles cosponsored House Bill 2, which added offenses to what qualifies as a sex crime. The bill passed unanimously in both chambers and received Gov. Andy Beshear’s signature.

Rep. Miles said she has a similar feeling about this year’s HB3.

“This is one of those topics that anyone and everybody is very supportive [of] except for the criminals that are involved in it.” she said.

Another part of HB3 that Rep. Miles said is important is making sure trafficking victims have access to resources available for help. The bill would require places like hotels, bus station and airports to post signs or window clings with that information.

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If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, help can be found through the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888).



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Kentucky woman, 35, charged with homicide after using abortion pills then burying fetus in backyard

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Kentucky woman, 35, charged with homicide after using abortion pills then burying fetus in  backyard


A Kentucky woman was charged with fetal homicide after allegedly using abortion pills and burying the fetus in a Christmas-wrapped lightbulb box in her backyard — when she got pregnant following an affair.

Melinda Spencer, 35, was arrested Wednesday after going to a Campton health care clinic, where she told staff members she used medication purchased online to end her pregnancy, which is illegal in the state, according to Kentucky State Police, FOX 56 reported.

Police said Spencer allegedly admitted to taking the pills on Dec. 26 and burying the fetus — described as a “developed male infant” — two days later in a shallow grave at her Flat Mary Road home.

Melinda Spencer, 35, was charged with fetal homicide after taking abortion pills to end her pregnancy in Kentucky, where that is illegal. Kentucky State Police

After obtaining a search warrant, cops found the remains wrapped in a white rag and stuffed in the holiday-decorated box inside a plastic bag, court documents showed.

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Spencer later confessed that she allegedly ordered the pregnancy-ending drugs after conceiving with a man who was not her boyfriend, claiming she didn’t want him to find out, police said, per the outlet.

Authorities said she wanted to “abort the fetus on her own.”

Cops found the remains wrapped in a white rag and stuffed in the holiday-decorated box inside a plastic bag in her backyard. AP

It’s unclear how long she was pregnant before taking the pills.

An autopsy has reportedly been scheduled to establish how developed the fetus was.

In Kentucky, nearly all abortions are illegal, with a doctor only authorized to perform one to prevent death or serious injury to the mother.

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The deadly offense makes her eligible for the death penalty. Getty Images

There are no exceptions for rape or incest.

State law also bars the distribution of abortion medication.

Spencer was charged with first-degree fetal homicide, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and first-degree promoting contraband, the outlet reported.

The homicide offense makes her eligible for the death penalty. She also faces life behind bars if convicted.

Spencer is being held at Three Forks Regional Jail in Beattyville.

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Lancaster resident describes Kentucky earthquake experience

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Lancaster resident describes Kentucky earthquake experience


LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – A 3.1 magnitude earthquake hit Kentucky Sunday afternoon with an epicenter between Richmond and Lancaster, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The USGS “Did You Feel It” survey received reports from people in Richmond, Danville, Stanford, Lancaster and Lexington.

Caroline Boyd, a retired nurse from Lancaster, was reading at home when the earthquake began at 12:47 p.m.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say shaking but it felt like a rumbling in my basement or even outside,” Boyd said.

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Boyd said she felt and heard the ground beneath her rumble followed by a loud boom.

“I thought to myself what on earth is that? Because there is no trains or train station nearby, so I knew it was not a train. So, I just sat there and listened. I would say it lasted about 10 to 15 seconds,” Boyd said.

After the tremor, Boyd called her neighbors and then the sheriff’s office. Dispatchers told her there had been an earthquake.

Dustin Price, deputy director and public information officer for Garrad County Emergency Management Agency, said the agency first heard from Bluegrass 911 about reports of a loud boom and shaking.

“Approximately we were able to confirm through the state that there was a confirmed 3.1 magnitude earthquake that hit through Garrad County,” Price said.

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No injuries or property damage were reported, according to Price.

Boyd said she was thankful the earthquake did not cause more serious problems.

“Even if I would’ve had to relocate if there was a problem. I have two pets, so it could’ve been really bad,” Boyd said.

Garrad County EMA said they are thankful for all the agencies who helped respond to the incident.

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3.2 magnitude earthquake with no immediate reports of damage confirmed in Garrard County

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3.2 magnitude earthquake with no immediate reports of damage confirmed in Garrard County


GARRARD COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — Governor Andy Beshear reports that a 3.2 magnitude earthquake has been reported in Garrard County.

“This range does not typically produce sizable damage – just shaking – and thankfully, that is all that’s been reported so far,” Beshear said on social media Sunday.

According to the Lincoln County EMA, the earthquake happened around 12:47 p.m. with a shallow depth of 8 kilometers.

NWS Louisville reports the location of the quake to have been near the Garrard/Madison County line.

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Multiple agencies are also reporting no immediate reports of damage.





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