HIGDON SPONSORS RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH KENTUCKY VOTING RIGHTS RESTORATION TASK FORCE
Measure approved by committee on Thursday
FRANKFORT, KY (March 6, 2025)—The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a resolution sponsored by Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, on Thursday to examine Kentucky’s process for restoring voting rights to individuals with felony convictions. The resolution would create the Kentucky Restoration of Voting Rights Task Force, which would review existing laws and recommend potential legislative or constitutional changes.
“Kentucky has long debated how to balance accountability with second chances,” Higdon said. “This task force will allow us to take a thorough, thoughtful approach to ensure any changes to the voting rights restoration process are fair, secure, transparent, and not always sweeping and unilateral as it currently stands.”
Under Executive Order 2019-003, those convicted of non-violent felonies automatically regain their voting rights upon completing their sentences, including any supervised release. However, those convicted of violent offenses, treason, election bribery, or certain other serious crimes are not eligible for automatic restoration and must apply individually through the process outlined in the Department of Corrections regulations. Additionally, individuals convicted under federal law or in other states must seek reinstatement through the established application process.
The proposed task force would be composed of House and Senate members and additional stakeholders as needed. It would meet regularly during the 2025 Interim to study existing laws, hear from impacted individuals and experts, and develop recommendations. A final report would be submitted to the General Assembly by December 1, for potential legislative action in the 2026 Regular Session.
With the approval of the resolution on Thursday, it is now eligible for consideration by the full Senate.
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Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including LaRue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. Higdon serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, overseeing efforts to craft biennial road plans, advance Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure, and improve public safety. He also serves as Senate co-chair of the Public Pension Oversight Board, focusing on stabilizing and strengthening Kentucky’s pension systems through reform and surplus investment. Additionally, Higdon is a member of the Senate Committees on Education; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and Licensing and Occupations. During the 2024 interim, he served as a Kentucky Housing Task Force member.
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