By AP
Frankfort, KY – A Kentucky legislative panel has approved a proposal that calls for the state Supreme Court to test a plan to open some juvenile court hearings to the public. The House Judiciary Committee voted 9-1 Wednesday to refer the proposal to the full House for consideration. Under the legislation, the Supreme Court would test a plan to open some child abuse and parental rights hearings in only a handful of courtrooms. Such hearings have traditionally been closed in Kentucky. Democratic state Representative Susan Westrom of Lexington says the proposal could later be expanded statewide if no problems arise in the test courtrooms. State Representative Brent Yonts, the lone dissenter, says he worries the move may not be in the best interest of the juveniles involved.