Bill > SB261

This bill amends Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 532.045 to expand the definition of "position of authority" to explicitly include alcohol and drug counselors who are licensed or certified under KRS Chapter 309. Specifically, the bill adds these counselors to the existing list of professionals and roles that are considered to have authority over others, such as parents, teachers, coaches, and healthcare providers. The broader context of this law relates to restrictions on probation for certain sexual offenses, particularly those involving minors. By adding alcohol and drug counselors to the definition of "position of authority," the bill potentially increases legal protections for vulnerable individuals (such as minors) who might be receiving counseling services, by making it harder for counselors who sexually abuse their clients or patients to receive probation if convicted. The bill also makes a minor grammatical change by adding "her" as a pronoun option in one section. The amendment reflects an effort to recognize the potential for abuse of power in counseling relationships and to provide legal mechanisms to address such misconduct.