FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams announced plans to hold a ceremonial signing Tuesday for House Bill 4, legislation that criminalizes the sexual grooming of minors in the state for the first time.

Rep. Marianne Proctor, R-Union, who sponsored the measure, said the bill closes a significant gap in Kentucky law. The legislation passed both chambers of the General Assembly with overwhelming support, including unanimous House passage in February.

The bill defines grooming as actions directed at a minor that are intended to establish an emotional connection through manipulation or trust building, with the goal of facilitating sexual conduct.

Under the measure, grooming would be classified as a Class A misdemeanor when the suspect is at least 18 years old and the victim is younger than 14. For those in trusted positions such as teachers or coaches, grooming a minor is a Class D felony unless the minor is younger than 12, in which case it is a Class C felony.

According to Proctor's testimony before the committee, "one in 10 children are sexually abused" in Kentucky. The bill includes exceptions for legitimate professional communications with minors by teachers, doctors and other professionals.

Child advocates say the bill is long overdue, with Kentucky now joining a growing number of states with such legislation. The legislation passed with bipartisan support, marking a shift from reactive to proactive intervention.

The bill signing is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Kentucky Secretary of State Office, 1025 Capital Center Drive, Suite 201, in Frankfort.