We have reaction today to House Bill five.

Better known as the Safer Kentucky Act filed yesterday in Frankfort, the broad anti-crime bill has undergone a lot of changes since it was first introduced last summer.

And Bill sponsor Republican Representative Jared Bowman of Louisville says it's possible more changes could be made.

I definitely think there'll be some challenges and we're and what we're looking forward to those.

To be honest, that's sometimes where we learn the most from from those that want to challenge our way of thinking.

So I look forward to those challenges and hope that it helps us put forward the most effective policy for our state.

One provision that hasn't changed is a three strikes rule.

It would mean life without parole for anyone convicted of a third violent felony.

With very few exceptions.

Speaking at a news conference yesterday, the House Majority whip, Representative Jason Nemeth, suggested the three strikes language reflects the overarching goal of combating violent crime in Kentucky.

This bill is about better identifying those who are going to commit violence against us, finding them and putting them in jail for a long time.

My favorite part of the bill.

Dozens of House members have quickly signed on as co-sponsors of House Bill five, with more expected to follow.

The bill would also create a stand alone carjacking law, increasing penalties for several crimes, cracking down on drive by shootings and limiting bail payments by charitable organizations to less than $5,000.

The ACLU of Kentucky spoke against the bill yesterday, pointing to the state's already high incarceration rates.

And over the last ten years.

Here's what we know that the General Assembly has done.

They've passed a lot of laws that have increased penalties and created new crimes.

Criminalization penalties don't make us safe.

We need to invest in mental health, substance use disorder, affordable housing, transportation and education.

All of those things make us a safer place.

Kentucky has significantly increased the number of drug treatment beds trying to tackle an underlying cause for crime.

Representative Nimah says more efforts to address drug addiction could be forthcoming.