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Bill > HB327


KY HB327

KY HB327
AN ACT relating to pretrial release.


summary

Introduced
01/12/2026
In Committee
01/20/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Amend KRS 431.066 to limit the use of money bail to certain high-risk defendants and create a preventive detention process for defendants of select risk levels and charge types; create a new section of KRS Chapter 431 to establish a preventive detention hearing process and define the limited circumstances in which money bail may be imposed; amend various other sections to conform; repeal KRS 431.021, relating to guaranteed arrest bond certificates.

AI Summary

This bill aims to reform pretrial release procedures by limiting the use of money bail to specific high-risk defendants and establishing a process for preventive detention, which is when a defendant is held in jail before trial. It introduces a risk assessment tool to evaluate defendants' likelihood of failing to appear in court or committing new crimes, and generally favors release on one's own recognizance unless a defendant poses a significant risk. The bill also clarifies the circumstances under which money bail can be imposed, emphasizing that it should primarily ensure court appearance rather than public safety, and repeals a provision related to guaranteed arrest bond certificates for traffic cases.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

to Judiciary (H) (on 01/20/2026)

bill text


bill summary

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