It's that time of year when a couple of states, including Kentucky see a new set of laws go into effect.

The KY General Assembly passed more than 200 bills during the 60-day session that concluded this past April. The new laws go into effect 90 days after the session closes so that puts the middle of July in focus. Let's take a look at what's new on the books.

House Bill 258 has stiffer penalties for first-time offenders charged with torturing a dog or a cat. First-time offenders will now be charged with a Class D felony instead of a misdemeanor.

House Bill 174 states that parents have access to their child's medical records. Children 13 and older must sign a waiver for parents to have access.

One of the highlighted laws going into effect next week is House Bill 5 which looks "to crack down on violent and repeat offenders". It allows a prosecutor to file a manslaughter charge against anyone who sells or distributes the powerful drug fentanyl which can cause a fatal overdose. Parts of the bill, dubbed the "Safer Kentucky Act" looks to stop unlawful street camping and it sets limits on charitable bail organizations.

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Senate Bill 45 calls for Kentucky State Police to create a new alert system to help find missing people over the age of 17. The "Ashanti Alert" will be used for adults who are missing and may have been kidnapped or may be in physical danger while the "Ian Alert" will be used if a child is missing and may be in physical danger.

On the education side, Senate Bill 167 calls for elementary schools to teach cursive handwriting and ensure students are proficient in cursive by the end of fifth grade. House Bill 446 would require every bus rider or at least one of their parents or guardians to sign a transportation agreement with their school district. The agreement would outline expectations for students and parents/guardians and explain the consequences of misbehavior. House Bill 142 bans all tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products in Kentucky public schools.

House Bill 30 will allow the Kentucky Department of Veteran Affairs to create a suicide prevention program for service members, veterans, and their families.

Finally, House Bill 378 changes the official state rock from agate to coal. It also changes the official mineral from coal to calcite and the official state gemstone from freshwater pearl to Kentucky agate.

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