FRANKFORT, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear has signed two bills that increase the penalties for charges related to hazing and driving under the influence.
The two pieces of legislation honor the lives of two Kentucky teens who died in 2021, Lofton Hazelwood and Lily Fairfield. Beshear was joined by the teens' families as he signed the bills into law on Monday, March 27.
"These families have experienced the unimaginable," the governor said. "Today we not only stand with them to lift up their beautiful children -- children of God who were taken far too soon -- we stand with them in making changes that can help save other Kentuckians."
What will "Lofton's Law" do?
Lofton's Law, or Senate Bill 9, was passed by lawmakers following the October 2021 hazing death of University of Kentucky freshman Lofton Hazelwood, 18.
Beshear says since their son's death, Lofton's parents have fought for legislation that increases the penalty for hazing that results in physical harm or death to a Class D felony.
Hazing that doesn't cause physical harm will now be increased to a Class A misdemeanor.
"It's a phone call no one should have to get," Lofton's mother, Tracey, said. "This is not going to bring my baby back, but it will save other lives and that is all we can hope for -- the safety of other students."
What will "Lily's Law" do?
16-year-old Lily Fairfield, who was a North Oldham High School student, was killed after a driver under the influence crashed into the car her sister, Zoe, was driving on their way to school.
The driver, Theresa Devine, had been cited and released just three days prior on a DUI charge.
"A preventable tragedy stole my little sister's bright life and a piece of our hearts," Zoe Fairfield said.
House Bill 262, or Lily's Law, mandates that a person is guilty of vehicular homicide, now a Class B felony, when they cause the death of someone while driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
It also requires anyone arrested for drunk driving to be detained for at least six hours after their arrest, two hours longer than the current statute requires. The thought is to allow more time to perform proper background checks, look for prior offenses and guarantee offenders are sober when they leave.
Lily's family hopes the new law will prevent tragedies and keep other families from having to endure the pain they've experienced for more than a year.
"Things like this happen every day, and I don't want anyone else to feel how I felt that morning," Zoe Fairfield said.
When asked how proud her sister would be of her family's efforts, Zoe said, "I think she would be so happy that I'm doing this for her, and I'm doing this for other people that are driving."
The Fairfield family says this is just the start and wants more requirements put in place, eventually.
"[We want it so] people have to actually seek treatment after an event," said father Mark Fairfield. "It has to be something that makes them think before they do it, and seek other methods to get home."
If Lily's Law helps push legislation in that direction, they say it would be a win for everyone.
Beshear says HB 262 also amends state law to clarify that a breath test must be performed following the standard operating procedures adopted by the Department of Criminal Justice Training.
He said previously, the statute read that the manufacturer's self-approved instructors or instructions adopted by the Department of Criminal Justice Training were acceptable.
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