Bill > SB225

This bill proposes an amendment to Section 145 of the Kentucky Constitution to modify voting rights for individuals with felony convictions. Currently, people convicted of certain felonies are permanently disenfranchised, but the proposed amendment would automatically restore voting rights upon completion of imprisonment, probation, or parole, with exceptions for serious election-related crimes like treason, bribery, and election fraud. Specifically, individuals convicted of felonies would regain their right to vote immediately after serving their sentence, and their broader civil rights would be automatically restored five years after completing their sentence. The bill also includes provisions that if a person is subsequently convicted of another felony, they would again lose voting rights until completing their new sentence. The proposed amendment will be submitted to Kentucky voters for ratification or rejection at the next regular election, with the Secretary of State responsible for publishing the details and ensuring the amendment appears on ballots. The goal is to provide a more structured and automatic path to voting rights restoration for individuals who have completed their criminal sentences, promoting civic reintegration while maintaining safeguards for serious election-related offenses.

Government Affairs

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/sb225.html