Probation Reform and Expungement Bills Pass in Kentucky Senate

Justice Action Network Applauds Prioritization of Justice Reform in Time of Crisis

FRANKFORT, Ky. –Justice Action Network applauds the passage of two key criminal justice reform measures in the Kentucky Senate.

The bills passed with broad, bipartisan support and were backed organizations across the political spectrum, from Right on Crime to the ACLU of Kentucky. 

House Bill 284, sponsored by Rep. Derek Lewis, establishes a compliance credit program for felony probation. Individuals on probation would receive time off their probation for successfully earning a GED or other educational or vocational credentials, successful completion of a drug treatment program and working a steady job. The bill passed with a 22-8 vote.

House Bill 327, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Bratcher, establishes automatic expungement of records of those acquitted of criminal charges or whose case has been dismissed with prejudice. These are individuals who are factually or procedurally innocent but who, under our current statutory setup, still have a criminal record.The bill passed with a 26-5 vote.

“As the legislature rushes to address priority legislation during this crisis, we are grateful that they considered criminal justice reform essential enough for a final floor vote,” said Justice Action Network Executive Director Holly Harris. “The measures pass today will help ease the burden on our justice system, save taxpayer money, and give people a real chance to rebuild their lives. We thank legislative leadership, including Senate and House Judiciary Chairs Whitney Westerfield and Jason Petrie, and Representatives Derek Lewis and Kevin Bratcher for their sponsorship, and we look forward to the Governor signing these bills into law. As we know, everything in Leader Mitch McConnell’s backyard gets a national platform, and I’m grateful to my Commonwealth for continuing to set a national example for bipartisan criminal justice reform work.”

Right on Crime, a national campaign to promote successful, conservation solutions on American criminal justice policy, advocated for both measures and applauded their passage. “We believe Kentucky will see cost savings in corrections, maintain public safety, and improve workforce participation,” said Aubrey Vaughan Travis, Kentucky State Director of Right on Crime. 

Amanda Hall, ACLU of Kentucky Smart Justice Organizer,lauded the measures. “Criminal justice reform benefits the citizens of the Bluegrass State,” she said. “We hope legislators continue working together in this bipartisan spirit to reform our justice system.”

After House concurrence, both bills will move to the Governor’s desk.