Frankfort, KY — Legislation intended to clarify criminal trespass laws to enhance worker safety in Kentucky has advanced out of the state House.
Sponsored by Reps. Michael Meredith (R-Brownsville) and Vanessa Grossl (R-Georgetown), H.B. 306 would expand the elements of the state’s second-degree criminal trespass laws to include knowingly entering or remaining in a workplace where notice against trespass is given “while engaging in disruptive or threatening behavior.”
Under the bill, a second or subsequent second-degree criminal trespass within three years would be considered a Class A misdemeanor, while a second or subsequent third-degree offense within that time would be a Class B misdemeanor.
During a House hearing on the bill, Meredith said the legislation is aimed at addressing individuals who engage in a pattern of disruptive behavior. It also would expand the definition of a building in state statutes to mean any “structure, vehicle, watercraft or aircraft” where people live or assemble for business, government, education, religion, entertainment or public transportation.
“This bill simply tries to make our workplaces safer for employees and employers against the threats of folks who might be mad as disgruntled customers or disgruntled former employees,” Meredith said.
The House approved the bill with an 83-7 vote on Jan. 27. It now moves to the Senate.
