Kentucky lawmaker continuing push for Angela’s Law

HENDERSON, Ky (WEHT) – One Kentucky lawmaker is continuing her push for Angela’s Law.

For several years, Representative Samara Heavrin of Leitchfield has made it her mission to pass Angela’s Law, which would make the rape of a murder or kidnapping victim after their death eligible for the death penalty.

The bill is named after Angela Kerr, who was killed in 2021.

She says Kerr’s family has been a big advocate for change.

“You know they’re taking their pain and making it a law to help families in the future, and I just really commend the Kerr family for doing that. For helping, future families if this happens to their loved ones, they get a different opportunity.”

After years of trying, the 2024 version of the bill was discussed in a judiciary meeting. Representative Heavrin says this is a step forward.

“We got some really great feedback from members of some possible changes we could make, but also from the House chairman. There are 1,000 bills filed, and I think this year with us having been in front of the Judiciary Committee, during the interim, that this will really give us a chance to get this legislation through.”

Saying in instances like Kerr’s, this change is needed.

“The harshest penalties of the law are reserved for those who commit the worst crimes, and this is no different.”