Keturah Joy Herron (born March 22,1980) is an American politician from Kentucky. They are a Democrat and represent District 35 in the Kentucky Senate.[1] When elected in 2022,they were the first out LGBTQ+ member in the Kentucky House of Representatives.[2] They are only the second out member of the Kentucky General Assembly following Ernesto Scorsone,former state senator,who came out while in office in 2003. After Scorsone left the legislature in 2008,there was no LGBTQ+ representation in either chamber until Herron.[3]
In early adulthood,Herron's cousin was incarcerated,leading to them assuming guardianship of her two minor sons. Because of this,Herron gained a first-hand understanding of how the criminal justice system can affect Kentucky families.[8]
In their time in the House of Representatives,Herron has worked to address issues around gun violence and has pushed for an Office of Community Safety. Herron has also worked towards restoring voting rights to those who were formerly incarcerated. They have also advocated for pay raises for teachers.[12]
In 2016 Herron worked in the Administrative Office of Courts,and worked with youth that were in trouble with the law,and in the process of deciding whether or not they should go to court. She had the lowest court referral rate out of anyone in the office. When questioned,she responded she did what she thought was ‘common sense’,and talked to the families before deciding,which none of the other office workers had done. This lead to the courts changing their policies.
2022 had marked Herron's first bill passed on the House floor,HR 644,which aimed to establish an office of gun violence prevention. During their campaigning in 2022,they focused on several highlighted key issues such as voter rights/restoration,criminal justice reform,increasing the minimum wage,education/workforce issues,and child abuse and violence prevention. Herron is often credited for getting Breonna Taylor's law passed through the Louisville Metro Council,an ordinance banning “No-Knock”warrants. In 17 days following the death of Breonna Taylor caused by the Louisville police,Herron pushed for Breonna's Law—which outlaws no-knock warrants—and was passed by the Louisville Metro Council. Less than a year later,they formed a bipartisan coalition that successfully passed a statewide prohibition on no-knock warrants via the General Assembly.[13][14]
In 2024,Herron spoke out in opposition of the Safer Kentucky Act (HB 5),which would criminalize the act of sleeping in cars,or outside in public areas,as part of many proposed policy and law changes. 24 SR 22,“A Resolution adjourning the Senate in honor and loving memory of Thomas Eugene,“Tom Brahm”,was adjourned through a voice vote also in 2024.
Legislation
Since 2022,Herron has been a primary sponsor of the following bills which have been considered by at least one house:[15]
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