Latest news with #MaryAnnPratt
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kentucky bill to increase toughness on repeated protection order violators advances in senate
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Thursday was an emotional time for members of the Kentucky Senate Judiciary Committee who voted on a bill to get tougher on those who violate emergency protective orders (EPOs) in Kentucky. Mary Ann Pratt told her story on Thursday in support of a bill that would escalate the third conviction of violating an EPO from a misdemeanor to a class D felony. Bill giving schools time to make up for lost days gets approval despite changes: Here's what lawmakers added Pratt told the committee about numerous attacks as well as threats she was subjected to from her husband since late 2022. 'How many times do I have to go through this?' Pratt asked. 'I'll worry when he gets out. What's it going to be? Is it going to be just a little? I'm posting. I love you a post, or is it going to be 'I'm going to kill you.'' Read more of the latest Kentucky news The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill on Thursday. It is now on its way to the full Kentucky Senate for debate. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Repeat violators of protective orders would face stiffer penalties under bill moving in legislature
Mary Ann Pratt testified in support of a bill that would increase penalties for repeat violations of a domestic violence protective order. Rep. James Tipton, R-Lawrenceburg, right, is sponsoring House Bill 38, Feb. 12, 2025. (LRC Public Information) This story discusses domestic violence. If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also contact any of Kentucky's 15 domestic violence programs. FRANKFORT — In 2022, Mary Ann Pratt woke to an attack from her now-ex-husband. He beat her and threatened to kill her, she told members of the Kentucky House Judiciary Committee. He had a loaded gun next to him, she said. Pratt eventually got free and called 911. Her attacker was arrested, and she obtained a protective order. Despite that order, she said, he repeatedly violated it — both in-person and technologically. In one instance, she said, he sat outside her house in his ankle monitor, waiting for her. 'Tip of the iceberg:' Kentucky releases domestic violence data report At one point, she said he told her 'he would kill me to the point that if I was reincarnated, I would come back as a f- – – ing abortion.' Through tears, Pratt asked committee members to support a bill that would toughen penalties for violations of protective orders in Kentucky. Court documents show the case against her alleged attacker is ongoing and that that the charges against him include violation of a protective order. Sponsored by Rep. James Tipton, R-Taylorsville, House Bill 38 would make it a Class D felony to violate a protective order on the third instance. It's currently a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by a year-long sentence. The felony could increase punishment to five years. 'No one should have to be worried about being constantly harassed,' Tipton told committee members, who unanimously approved his bill. 'No one should have to live in fear of being physically harmed or possibly killed.' Some committee members questioned if current statutes on stalking would cover cases like Pratt's. Minority Floor Leader Rep. Pamela Stevenson, D-Louisville, said 'whatever rules we have on the books are not working' and that Tipton's bill would just add a layer of protection. 'When does it stop? When do I get to actually sleep? And when will my voice and everyone else's voice be heard?' Pratt asked lawmakers through tears. 'That's why I came today. I wanted to show that I'm a person, and no one should live in fear every day. I have locks on my doors, I have alarms on my windows, I have multiple cameras up. … I carry a gun. I never thought I would be that person, but it's the only way I can see to save myself, if I have to.' HB 38 can go to the House floor for a full chamber vote now, then, if it passes there, head to the Senate. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
