A Kentucky state lawmaker wants to make parents and guardians liable to civil suits if a minor in their care causes gun violence.

State Representative Ken Banta, a Republican from Fort Mitchell, is expected to file the bill during the 2025 General Assembly that starts in January.

According to the Kentucky Lantern, the bill says if a minor hurts or threatens someone with a gun, the victims could sue the parents or guardians and collect damages.

Banta told the Lana Turner, quote, I have constituents that tell me their kids are literally afraid to go to school.

We just need to start zeroing in on if you're under 18, your parents are responsible for your behavior and quote.

State Representative Tina Bowser, now a Democrat from Louisville, will co-sponsor the bill.

Banta says she's had a favorable discussion about the bill with House Speaker David Osborne.

We'll talk more about this with NPR's Ryland Barton in just a few minutes.

Lexington is a step closer to declaring gun violence a public health threat, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.

A gun violence task force just recommended that move to the Lexington Fayette Urban County Council's Social Services and Public Safety Committee.

If the full Urban County Council agrees.

It would let the city give full resources to deal with the gun violence problem in much the same way Lexington deals with the opioid crisis or domestic violence.