Whitney/Strong

HB 299 recently advanced in Frankfort after passing the House, and it now sits in the Senate. Hearing bipartisan support for this legislation was an encouraging reminder that progress is possible when we treat gun safety like the nonpartisan issue it is.

“I’m a mom of three young kids…” That is where this starts for so many people. Not with politics, but with love, protection, and the realization that no family is untouched by the fear of gun violence. This moment also gave us hope.

We’re excited to welcome two new members to the Whitney/Strong Organization Board: Dr. Heather Felton and Barbara Lankford. Dr. Felton is a Louisville pediatrician and faculty member at the UofL. Barbara is an executive career coach and leadership development advocate.

London is stepping into the role of Interim Board Chair. London has been a dedicated board member since July 2023, but her connection to our mission began even earlier through her suicide prevention work with the Louisville Health Advisory Board.

HB 299 has passed the House. HB 299 would ban auto sears, commonly called Glock switches. Next: the bill moves to the Senate, where it will be assigned to a committee for consideration. We are hopeful momentum will continue and we’ll keep sharing updates as it advances.

If your lawmaker sits on the House VMAPP Committee and voted in support, please send them an email of thanks for their vote. Next, the bill will move to the floor.

Thank you to the Kentucky Chiefs of Police Association, the Kentucky Sheriffs' Association , the Catholic Conference of Kentucky, the Kentucky Psychological Association, and the many others who worked to make this moment possible.

HB 299, AKA the "Glock switch ban", passed favorably out of the House's VMAPP Committee.

StoryRise raffle tickets are live! Only 100 raffle tickets will be sold for each item, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. buff.ly/938MVDN

Kentucky leaders are paying attention to the rise of illegal “Glock switches”. Law enforcement across the Commonwealth is urging the General Assembly to pass HB 299 so Kentucky has clear tools to address these devices at the state level. Read their Ietter to learn more.

Thursday, Feb 26 | 8:30 AM–12:30 PM KY Capitol Annex, Frankfort Partner: Sandy Hook Promise Register: buff.ly/aUwiUw2

Never advocated before? No problem. We’ll schedule your meetings, you’ll be with a group, and we’ll prep everyone with one virtual training ahead of time.

Capitol Day sign-ups are open. Join us in Frankfort on Thursday, February 26.

Capitol Day sign ups are open and we want you with us in Frankfort. Join Whitney/Strong to meet with lawmakers and show support for practical, bipartisan policies, including the effort to ban auto sears, often called Glock switches. Register here: buff.ly/xG8Y8iH

2025 brought heavy challenges, but you continued to choose to make our communities safer alongside Whitney/Strong—and that choice made all the difference. Thank you.

Kentucky, we have hopeful news early in session. On Jan. 9, Rep. Jason Nemes filed HB 299 to ban auto sears, AKA “Glock switches”, statewide. These small devices convert a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon, greatly increasing the risk of mass injury and death.

That generosity is already fueling education and prevention efforts across our region, and there is more to do. Thank you for continuing to stand with us. Let's keep going! buff.ly/je0W09w

Because of you, Season of Strong has built real momentum. Together, our community unlocked the matching gift and raised more than $30,000 so far to support Whitney/Strong’s work!

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give this season, this is one of them. Donate: buff.ly/je0W09w

We’re grateful, too. For the people who refuse to accept the headlines as “normal.” For those who choose steady action over cynicism. For supporters who make lifesaving education, safe storage tools, and real progress possible.

"In this holiday season, I am grateful there are people and organizations like Whitney/Strong who champion for all of us, the right things and in the right way.” — Randy