Bill > HB463

This bill aims to reform Kentucky's criminal justice system by focusing on reducing recidivism and improving offender outcomes through evidence-based practices. Key provisions include establishing a sentencing policy that prioritizes public safety and offender accountability, mandating that judges consider risk and needs assessments and the likely impact of sentences on future criminal behavior, and requiring all supervision and treatment programs to utilize evidence-based practices and be regularly evaluated. The bill also introduces new definitions for terms like "case plan," "criminal risk factors," and "evidence-based practices" within existing statutes, modifies penalties for certain drug offenses, introduces deferred prosecution programs for first and second offenses of possession of controlled substances, and allows for the expungement of records upon successful completion of treatment or probation for certain offenses. Additionally, it revises parole eligibility and supervision requirements, establishes a system of graduated sanctions for probation violations, and outlines procedures for reinvesting cost savings from reduced incarceration into treatment programs. The bill also includes provisions for pretrial risk assessments, drug courts, and changes to how correctional facilities are managed and funded, with specific sections taking effect at different times.