GOVERNOR SIGNS SENATE BILL 73 TO STRENGTHEN KENTUCKY’S LAWS AGAINST SEXUAL EXTORTION

GOVERNOR SIGNS SENATE BILL 73 TO STRENGTHEN KENTUCKY’S LAWS AGAINST SEXUAL EXTORTION

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Julie Raque Adams addresses growing threat, enhances protections for victims

FRANKFORT, KY (March 20, 2025)— Senate Bill (SB) 73, a comprehensive measure aimed at combating sexual extortion and protecting Kentucky’s most vulnerable residents, has officially been signed into law. Sponsored by Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, the legislation establishes clear criminal penalties for perpetrators and strengthens legal protections for victims.

“This is a critical step in protecting children and vulnerable individuals from one of the fastest-growing crimes in our country,” Adams said. “SB 73 sends a clear message: those who use threats and coercion to exploit others will be held accountable under Kentucky law.”

Sexual extortion, often called “sextortion,” is a form of exploitation where perpetrators use threats—such as releasing sensitive images—to force victims into sexual acts, create explicit content, or provide money or valuables. SB 73 makes sexual extortion a felony offense when the perpetrator possesses compromising material and threatens to use it against a victim. If no material exists but threats are still made, the offense is classified as a misdemeanor.

The legislation also provides tougher penalties in cases where

• the perpetrator has a prior sexual offense conviction,

• the perpetrator holds a position of authority or trust over the victim,

• a deadly weapon is used or threatened, and

• the victim is a minor, suffers serious injury, or attempts suicide as a result of the crime.

An amendment focused on clarifying these provisions to ensure that the language of the law is clear and effective, while maintaining the full intent of the bill and avoiding unintended consequences.

In addition to criminal penalties, SB 73 creates civil remedies to allow victims and their families to seek damages. The law also mandates education and awareness initiatives in Kentucky schools and colleges to help prevent sexual extortion and ensure students and parents know where to turn for help.

“We can’t undo the damage these crimes cause, but we can make sure victims have support and hold offenders fully accountable,” Adams added. “I’m proud to see this bill become law, and I’m grateful to my colleagues and the Governor for standing with victims of this horrific crime.”

For more information on SB 73 and the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly, visit www.kylegislature.gov

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Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, represents Kentucky’s 36th Senate District in eastern Jefferson County. Adams chairs the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee. She also serves as a member of the Senate Committees on Banking and Insurance, Health Services, and State and Local Government. Adams is an Administrative Regulations Review Subcommittee member and recently served as a 2024 Kentucky Housing Task Force Member.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Sen. Raque Adams, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate136.jpg.

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