Child sex offenders could be banned from trick-or-treating under Lexington lawmaker's bill
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — It may be a little early to start planning your Halloween costume this year, but one lawmaker aims to make the holiday safer.'I just don't think anybody had thought about it. It seems to be a relatively new idea. This passed just within the last couple of years in Ohio. It seems to be catching on from state to state and gaining momentum,' Rep. Chad Aull (D-Lexington) told FOX 56 News.
Can sex offenders hand out Halloween candy in Kentucky? Here's what the law says
'It's critical': Kentucky lawmaker aiming to bar sex offenders from Halloween events with minors
Lexington lawmaker Chad Aull believes it's one simple way to keep families a little safer in spooky season. House Bill 42 is only a page long, but it would make it illegal for anyone who has committed sex crimes against a minor to participate in a 'Halloween-related activity.'
'Whether that's trick or treating or going to a costume party during and around the holiday of Halloween, specifically,' Aull said.
Kentucky law doesn't have any guidelines about restricting offenders on the holiday. The bill would legally define 'Halloween-related activities' to mean:
'An activity involving minors organized around and concerning the celebration of Halloween that occurs any time during the fourteen (14) days before or after October 31 of each year, including but not limited to:
Trick-or-treating;
A costume party where minors are in attendance; or
Any event involving the distribution of candy to minors.'
'We were very strict and very strategic in how we drafted the bill to make sure we didn't accidentally include anything else,' Aull said.
Kentucky hunters bring in near record-breaking deer harvest
This Kentucky wellness center provides mental health resources to first responders
Child sex offenders could be banned from trick-or-treating under Lexington lawmaker's bill
Aull is basing this bill around a similar no-candy law recently passed in Ohio. While it covers a broad range of activities, there is a carveout to allow wearing a costume for a legitimate work-related event or the commercial sale of candy and Halloween merchandise—but again, without minors involved.
The first violation would be a Class A misdemeanor, and any following would be a felony. The bill has gained bipartisan backing and is waiting to be heard when lawmakers return in February for the remainder of the session.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Panel held to discuss possible cuts to Medicaid
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Local health care workers and Democrats held a panel on Tuesday, June 10 discussing how Medicaid budget cuts could impact Colorado Springs. Data shows 19% of the 5th Congressional District, which covers most of El Paso County, are enrolled in Medicaid. Organizers of the panel said that number could drop if President Donald Trump signs his so-called 'Big Beautiful Bill.' The bill adds restrictions to who would be eligible for Medicaid, which Republicans argue would cut down on fraud. However, those at the panel on Tuesday disagree, arguing these cuts will impact services across the board. They said the only way to make sure your voice is heard is to speak up to the lawmakers who represent you. 'Call your representatives. There is somebody, they ain't going to answer the phone, but there is somebody who can answer the phone. Get out. Speak your mind. Talk to your neighbor. Find out what goes on,' said Leeann Webster with CA Home Health Care. The senate is currently debating the controversial bill. Both Colorado Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennett both indicated they will not vote in favor of the measure. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Judge rejects Newsom's emergency request to limit Trump LA troop deployment
A judge has rejected California Gov. Gavin Newsom's (D) emergency request to limit President Trump's Los Angeles troop deployment. Newsom had earlier Tuesday asked a federal judge to immediately intervene to limit Trump's deployment of the National Guard in L.A., asking for an emergency ruling by 1 p.m. PDT that day. U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, however, granted the Trump administration's request for more time to respond to Newsom's request. The administration has until 11 a.m. PDT Wednesday to submit its arguments. 'The court did not deny or rule on the Governor's request for a temporary restraining order. The court set a hearing for Thursday, after the federal government and the state file additional briefs, and we anticipate the court will rule on the request for a TRO a short time later,' a Newsom spokesperson told The Hill on Tuesday when reached for comment. Trump and Newsom have gone after each other amid the recent immigration protests in Los Angeles, with Trump even saying he would support arresting the Golden State governor. 'The President of the United States just called for the arrest of a sitting Governor. This is a day I hoped I would never see in America. I don't care if you're a Democrat or a Republican, this is a line we cannot cross as a nation — this is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism,' Newsom shot back in a post on X Monday at Trump. Vice President Vance also took swings on Monday at Newsom, responding to Newsom's post about Trump's comments on his arrest by telling him to 'Do your job.' 'That's all we're asking,' he added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Motorcyclist critically injured in KCMO after hitting guardrail
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – One person was critically injured after a motorcycle crash in Kansas City on Tuesday evening. The incident was reported just before 7:10 p.m. Investigations revealed that a red Honda Goldwing motorcycle was traveling eastbound on 350 Highway. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri The motorcyclist failed to navigate a curve and went off the roadway hitting a guardrail and being ejected off the motorcycle. The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital with critical injuries and is currently in stable condition, according to police. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, according to KCPD. The crash is still under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.