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State Capitol

Bevin Announces Legislation To Prohibit Sanctuary Cities

Stu Johnson

Gov. Matt Bevin was in Lexington Friday to announce a legislative proposal to prohibit sanctuary cities in Kentucky.

Bevin said the measure is proactive as no local municipalities are currently claiming sanctuary city status.

“But we also don’t want a slippery slope," he said.  The proposed legislation is "just to clarify and get out in front of it."

Each speaker at the press conference said the focus of the proposal is ensuring free-flowing information among all law enforcement agencies to ensure  public safety.  Jason Rothermund is the president of the Fraternal Order of Police Bluegrass Lodge No. 4. 

“We don’t get to make a determination when we respond to a scene, prior to responding, or we don’t base our actions upon somebody’s status.  We simply respond to help somebody that needs us,” noted Rothermund.

Arnold Farr is part of the Poor People’s Campaign. He attended Bevin's press confernce. He said  cooperation already occurs between law enforcement agencies. He said each community should be able to set its own policies.  “We know members of our community and it’s our job to protect each other.  But, when at the federal level, an entire group is criminalized and then we are asked to get in step with that, I just don’t see any reason to do that,” said Farr.

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton issued a statement, saying initial review the legislation shows it doesn’t seem to conflict with local policies.  She added Lexington is not a sanctuary city and it’s one of the safest in the country because of police partnerships.

Western Kentucky Senator Danny Carrol said the legislation could be taken up in a special session or next year in regular session.

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