FRANKFORT (Kentucky Today) – State Rep. Chad Aull, D-Lexington, is planning to reintroduce legislation to make Halloween safer for children by preventing Kentucky sex offenders from participating in Halloween-related activities involving minors.
The proposal, which he says he will present during the 2026 General Assembly, would keep sex offenders who have been convicted of crimes against children from handing out candy to young trick-or-treaters or from attending Halloween costume parties where children are present.
“We want children to enjoy trick-or-treating knowing they’ll be safe,” Aull stated. “Halloween should be a time for laughter, family, and community, not anxiety or danger. Kentucky law already prevents registered sex offenders from living near schools or childcare centers. This bill is another common-sense step that has worked well in other states.”
Violating the proposed law would be a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail. However, any repeat offenses would see charges elevated to a Class D felony, which carries a one to five years in prison sentence, if convicted.
Aull filed a similar bill during the General Assembly’s 2025 session, House Bill 42, but it did not receive approval from lawmakers, as it failed to receive a hearing after being referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
If approved by both the House and Senate and signed by the Governor, the bill’s restrictions would apply to Halloween activities conducted within 14 days before or after Oct. 31 of each year.
In the upcoming legislative session, Aull says he also plans to sponsor legislation that would eliminate the statute of limitations for child sex abuse cases, which currently stands at 10 years after a survivor’s 18th birthday, to ensure that survivors can seek justice on their own timeline.
“Justice delayed should never be justice denied, especially for survivors of childhood sexual abuse,” Aull stated.
The 2026 regular session of the General Assembly is scheduled to begin on Jan. 6.
