Juvenile Justice Bill Clears House With More Funding

House Bill 3 initially proposed close to $9 million to reopen Louisville's downtown detention center. The version passed Tuesday raises that to $17 million.

By Grace McKenna

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A bill to reopen Louisville's downtown juvenile detention center cleared a major hurdle Tuesday, passing out of the House.

Lawmakers passed House Bill 3, from Rep. Kevin Bratcher (R-District 29) by a wide margin, after approving significant funding changes during a morning committee hearing. 

Juvenile justice took center stage in Frankfort this session, after several violent outbursts at Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) facilities. 

Bratcher proposed HB3 to reopen Louisville's downtown facility, once operated by the city, and put it under the purview of the DJJ. 

Initially, Bratcher proposed about $9 million to make upgrades to the facility, which has been closed for several years. 

 

 

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