Bill > HB255

This bill, by creating a new section of Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 532, aims to standardize sentencing procedures in non-felony criminal cases. Specifically, it mandates that in non-felony cases, a jury will first determine guilt or a related verdict, and if found guilty, the court will then hold a sentencing hearing before the same jury. During this hearing, the Commonwealth can present evidence relevant to sentencing, such as the defendant's prior convictions, the nature of those offenses, details about their release from previous sentences, their current legal status (like probation or parole), and the impact of the crime on the victim. The defendant, in turn, is allowed to present evidence to support leniency or argue for a lighter sentence. After hearing all evidence and arguments, the jury will recommend a sentence and whether it should be served concurrently (at the same time) or consecutively (one after another). If the jury cannot reach an agreement on the sentence, the judge will then determine the punishment.

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https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb255.html