In the midst of a legislative session bogged down with controversies over redistricting, expanded gaming, dramatic budget cuts, requiring a prescription for Pseudoephederine, Medicaid, etc., etc. our lobbyists have been working hand-in-hand with House Judiciary John Tilley to find the right time to move ahead on our dating violence legislation.
We are happy to report that yesterday Chairman Tilley took the important step of filing HB 498 – the bill that ultimately will be the vehicle for addressing this important issue!
The Frankfort vernacular to describe this bill is that it is a “jacket” – a bill that has been filed but will be significantly amended as it comes for a vote in the House Judiciary Committee. This amendment process in the Committee will include language that will allow those in dating relationships to seek Protective Orders.
Chairman Tilley has devoted a great deal of time to study of the issues and data we have gathered and shared on the No1atRisk Facebook Page and Twitter Page. He also has been working behind the scenes to communicate the personal importance and priority he has for passage of this legislation with Senate Judiciary Chairman Tom Jensen. As you know, Senator Jensen has been the most ardent opponent of dating violence legislation in the past.
In the coming weeks, these discussions will continue between the the House and Senate leadership. In the meantime, we will continue to provide updates on Facebook and Twitter in order to build a team of advocates ready to lobby for the bill when the time comes.
We will be in touch with you just as soon as we know when the bill will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee and when we are ready to begin the public relations and grassroots lobbying push!! In the meantime, if you aren’t already following us on Facebook (No1@Risk) and Twitter (@no1atrisk), please do so.
Thank you, as always, for your commitment to this bill