Kentucky, January 20, 2026
Kentucky lawmakers have proposed Logan’s Law, a bill aimed at reforming the state’s justice system to impose stricter conditions on the release of violent offenders. Named after six-year-old Logan Tipton, who was killed in 2015, the law seeks to better categorize violent offenders, extend parole eligibility, and overhaul reentry supervision processes. This bipartisan effort, led by Representatives TJ Roberts and Dan Fister, addresses significant concerns in public safety following a notable case that exposed flaws in the current justice system.
Frankfort, Kentucky – On January 16, 2026, Kentucky lawmakers introduced House Bill 422, known as Logan’s Law, which aims to reform the state’s justice system by imposing stricter conditions on the release of violent offenders. The bill is named in honor of six-year-old Logan Tipton, who was tragically killed in 2015.
Key Provisions of Logan’s Law
- Expanded Definition of Violent Offender: The bill seeks to broaden and clarify the criteria for classifying individuals as violent offenders, ensuring that those who pose significant risks to public safety are appropriately categorized.
- Increased Parole Eligibility Period: It proposes extending the minimum time before certain offenders can be considered for parole, thereby enhancing public safety by keeping dangerous individuals incarcerated longer.
- Reform of Mandatory Reentry Supervision: The legislation aims to overhaul the mandatory reentry supervision process, addressing concerns that current practices may not adequately protect the community from individuals released under supervision.
- Reevaluation of Insanity Defense and Split Verdicts: The bill calls for a reassessment of how the insanity defense is applied and how split verdicts—where a defendant is found not guilty by reason of insanity but guilty of lesser charges—are handled in sentencing.
Background on Logan Tipton’s Case
In 2015, Logan Tipton was fatally stabbed in his Versailles, Kentucky, home. The assailant, Ronald Exantus, was charged with Logan’s murder but was found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was, however, convicted on three counts of assault for attacking other members of the Tipton family and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Despite being denied release three times by the Kentucky Parole Board, Exantus was released on mandatory reentry supervision in October 2025. He was re-arrested in Florida a week later for failing to register as a felon and is currently serving out his sentence in Kentucky. This case highlighted perceived gaps in Kentucky’s justice system, prompting legislative action to prevent similar situations in the future.
Legislative Support and Community Response
Representatives TJ Roberts and Dan Fister, who sponsored Logan’s Law, emphasized the bill’s focus on protecting families from the pain and heartbreak experienced by the Tipton family. The legislation has garnered bipartisan support, with more than half of Kentucky House members signing on as cosponsors. The Tipton family has been actively involved in advocating for this reform, working alongside Representative Fister to create the bill in Logan’s name. The community’s response underscores a collective desire for justice system reforms that prioritize public safety and accountability.
Next Steps
Logan’s Law has been officially filed in the Kentucky Legislature and is set to undergo the legislative process, which includes committee reviews and votes in both the House and Senate. If passed, the bill will lead to significant changes in Kentucky’s approach to sentencing and parole, particularly concerning violent offenders. The legislative journey of Logan’s Law will be closely monitored by both lawmakers and the public, reflecting the state’s commitment to justice system reform and the memory of Logan Tipton.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Logan’s Law?
Logan’s Law is a bill introduced in Kentucky’s legislature aimed at reforming the state’s justice system by imposing stricter conditions on the release of violent offenders. It is named in honor of six-year-old Logan Tipton, who was tragically killed in 2015.
What are the key provisions of Logan’s Law?
The key provisions include expanding the definition of a violent offender, increasing the minimum time before certain offenders can be considered for parole, reforming mandatory reentry supervision, and reevaluating the insanity defense and split verdicts in sentencing.
Why was Logan’s Law introduced?
The bill was introduced in response to the case of Ronald Exantus, who was convicted of assaulting members of the Tipton family and was released on mandatory reentry supervision despite being denied parole multiple times. His subsequent re-arrest highlighted perceived gaps in Kentucky’s justice system, prompting legislative action to prevent similar situations in the future.
Who are the sponsors of Logan’s Law?
Representatives TJ Roberts and Dan Fister are sponsoring Logan’s Law. They have emphasized the bill’s focus on protecting families from the pain and heartbreak experienced by the Tipton family and have worked alongside the Tipton family to create the bill in Logan’s name.
What is the current status of Logan’s Law?
Logan’s Law has been officially filed in the Kentucky Legislature and is set to undergo the legislative process, which includes committee reviews and votes in both the House and Senate. If passed, the bill will lead to significant changes in Kentucky’s approach to sentencing and parole, particularly concerning violent offenders.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Expanded Definition of Violent Offender | Broadens and clarifies criteria for classifying individuals as violent offenders to ensure those posing significant risks are appropriately categorized. |
| Increased Parole Eligibility Period | Proposes extending the minimum time before certain offenders can be considered for parole, enhancing public safety by keeping dangerous individuals incarcerated longer. |
| Reform of Mandatory Reentry Supervision | Aims to overhaul the mandatory reentry supervision process to better protect the community from individuals released under supervision. |
| Reevaluation of Insanity Defense and Split Verdicts | Calls for reassessment of how the insanity defense is applied and how split verdicts are handled in sentencing. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fresh Fare Expands with New Ready-Made Meal Store in Lexington
Local Business Takes Stand to Support Logan’s Law
Tragic Drowning Incidents in Kentucky Claim Two Lives
Violent Offender Rearrested After Early Release in Florida
Lawmakers in Kentucky Respond to Controversial Child Killer Release
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
