A group of Kentucky House Republicans has unveiled a new plan to fight crime.

Without a doubt, we have an epidemic of crime in our commonwealth.

With Jefferson County leading as the epicenter of this crisis.

In recent years, we have experienced record rates of homicides in urban and rural areas.

Carjackings are up 206% just in Louisville.

And our overdose death rate in Kentucky is 57% above the national average.

Considering that the first duty of any civilized society is to protect its honest citizens from those who prey on their innocent fellow citizens.

Our team is taking action.

The Safer Kentucky Act, as it's called, contains 18 provisions, including a three strikes law that will require life in prison without the possibility of parole for anyone convicted of a third violent felony offense.

It also requires prosecutors to seek the death penalty when evidence shows a law enforcement officer was intentionally killed while performing his or her duties and allows for the death penalty or life in prison without parole for knowingly selling fentanyl or a fentanyl derivative that causes a fatal overdose.

Another provision would establish a Kentucky State Police post in Jefferson County.

The law makers all from Louisville, were asked where the officers would come from, since many law enforcement agencies around the state are struggling with staffing issues.

Based on our analysis of why we want Kentucky Kentucky State Police to offer resources to Jefferson County, I'll just make it very clear we by no means want Kentucky State Police on the streets of Louisville policing day to day.

We want resources that can free up lmpd officers to provide that street patrol that we so desperately need in our county.

Other provisions in the proposal include would protect business owners from being prosecuted if they are if they use a reasonable amount of force to stop a shoplifter.

It also establishes a wiretapping law for Kentucky, creates a stand alone carjacking law, and will require parents to attend their children's juvenile court hearings or face penalties.

The lawmakers did not have an estimated cost for the plan, but they say they were meeting with a budget committee this week to review it.

House Democratic caucus leaders said while they have yet to see the proposed legislation, the General Assembly, quote, has enacted bipartisan smart on crime initiatives over the years that have made a true difference.

End quote.

We'll have more on the GOP anti-crime plan in a bit when I speak with public radio journalist Ryland Barton.