Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) recently received two major awards for his work to aid victims of crime and for his dedication to children and families in Tennessee.
On Friday, Ketron received the Legislator of the Year award from the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. The award was presented during their annual Pearl and Pinstripes event in Nashville. Ketron worked with the Coalition to pass legislationin the Senate this year to change the standard for when a court may terminate parental rights to a child who was conceived as the result of rape to help victims. He also passed legislation to delete a provision in previous law that allowed an alleged offender the right to have notice of and suspend all action concerning their victim's claim for compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund.
On Monday, he received an award from the Child Advocacy Centers at their Connecting for Children's Justice Conference in Murfreesboro recognizing him for "dedication to the children and families of Tennessee connecting for children's justice." Ketron has been a strong supporter of child advocacy in the State Senate. He shared the Child Advocacy Center honors with House Speaker Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) and House Majority Leader Glen Casada (R-Thompson Station).
In addition, Ketron was recognized at the End Slavery Voice of Freedom event on Tuesday in Nashville for his efforts to combat human trafficking. He passed several bills this year aimed at curbing the problem and providing more services for minor victims.
"All of these groups are phenomenal partners in working to make Tennessee a stronger place for families and children," said Sen. Ketron. "I am humbled to receive these two awards and appreciate all the good work that these organizations do to make Tennessee a safer and better place to live.
