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'Blue Lives Matter' Bill To Expand Hate Crimes Law Heads To Governor

Police caution tape
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A 17-year-old has been charged as an adult for attempted murder after police say he fired shots at Clarksville Police Chief Mark Palmer's home in September.

Kentucky lawmakers have given final approval to a bill that would expand the state's hate crimes law to include targeting police officers and other emergency responders.

The measure cleared the Senate on Tuesday and now goes to Gov. Matt Bevin.

The bill applies to law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical crews. It would make them a protected class under a law that currently applies to crimes motivated by race, religion, sexual orientation or national origin.

Under state law, an offender's hate crime status can be cited by judges in denying probation at sentencing or by a parole board in denying parole.

Last year, Louisiana became the first state to expand its hate crime laws to protect police, firefighters and emergency medical crews.