In a rare show of bipartisan unity, the Kentucky Senate unanimously approved a bill on Wednesday designed to protect children from sexual extortion, commonly known as “sextortion.” The legislation, Senate Bill 73, now moves to the House for further consideration.
The bill seeks to make sextortion a felony, simplify the process for victims to seek legal damages, and mandate that schools educate students about the dangers of sextortion. An amendment to the bill specifies that this education must be age-appropriate. For fourth and fifth graders, schools must communicate directly with parents. Starting in sixth grade, educational materials will be provided directly to students in schools.
Sextortion occurs when a perpetrator obtains sexually explicit images or videos of a victim and threatens to release them unless their demands—which may include money, sexual favors, or other forms of blackmail—are met.
Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the importance of the legislation. “This is about protecting our children from predators who exploit them,” she said.
Sen. David Yates, D-Louisville, called the bill “long overdue” and stressed the urgency of addressing the issue. “We have to take action when these vultures prey on our children. It’s critical for the state to step in,” he said.
Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, shared her personal experiences as a mother of teenagers. “I’ve been shocked by what’s happening in our schools—elementary, middle, and high schools—as kids gain access to technology at younger ages,” she said. “This isn’t just something happening elsewhere; it’s happening in my own home, to my kids, and to their friends. In today’s digital world, a single photo or video can spread like wildfire before parents even know about it. This bill gives law enforcement the tools they need to protect our children.”
The bill’s unanimous passage reflects a shared commitment across party lines to address the growing threat of sextortion and safeguard Kentucky’s youth.
