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SCR 89

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION directing the establishment of the Kentucky Restoration of Voting Rights Task Force.

2025 Regular Session

A legislative task force would review Kentucky’s felony disenfranchisement rules and propose constitutional or statutory changes to restore voting rights after sentence completion.

2nd reading, to Rules
#civilrights #electionsandvoting #legislativeresearchcommission #reportsmandated #studiesdirected #taskforces #legislativebranch
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Bill Summary · SCR 89

Summary — SCR 89 (Kentucky): Restoration of Voting Rights Task Force

Status (as filed): Concurrent resolution introduced in the 2025 legislative session directing the Legislative Research Commission (LRC) to establish a Restoration of Voting Rights Task Force. The resolution directs the task force to meet during the 2025 interim and to deliver recommendations for consideration in the 2026 Regular Session.

Purpose / Intent

SCR 89 directs creation of a legislative task force to review Kentucky’s current rules on felony disenfranchisement (noting Section 145 of the Kentucky Constitution) and to develop recommendations — including possible constitutional amendments or statutory changes — to restore voting rights to people convicted of felonies who have completed their sentences. The resolution frames the effort as balancing accountability, fairness, reintegration, and election integrity.

Key provisions

  • Establishes the “Restoration of Voting Rights Task Force,” to be created by the Legislative Research Commission (LRC).
  • Scope of review:
    • Examine current constitutional language and statutory law governing disenfranchisement of individuals convicted of felonies.
    • Review existing proposals and laws from other jurisdictions.
    • Solicit input from impacted individuals, subject-matter experts, and stakeholders.
    • Develop recommendations for legislative or constitutional changes to restore voting rights to persons who have completed sentences.
  • Membership (subject to LRC approval):
    • Ten legislative members: five House members (four appointed by the Speaker, one by the House Minority Floor Leader — one House appointee to serve as co‑chair) and five Senate members (four appointed by the Senate President, one by the Senate Minority Floor Leader — one Senate appointee to serve as co‑chair).
    • Authority to add additional non‑legislative members if deemed necessary.
  • Operations:
    • Staffed by the LRC.
    • Required to meet at least monthly during the 2025 interim (unless the LRC directs otherwise).
  • Reporting deadlines:
    • Task force must submit a report of findings and recommendations to the LRC no later than December 1, 2025 for referral to the General Assembly and consideration in the 2026 Regular Session.
  • LRC authority:
    • The LRC may alternatively assign the study to an interim joint committee or subcommittee and may set an alternative study completion date.

Who would be affected

  • Primary: Kentuckians with felony convictions who have completed their sentences (potentially eligible for restored voting rights if recommendations are adopted).
  • Secondary: election administrators, county clerks, courts, advocacy organizations, and the General Assembly (if legislative or constitutional changes are pursued).
  • Broader civic impact: potential changes in voter rolls, re‑enfranchisement procedures, and related administrative or legal processes.

Potential impact and next steps

  • If the task force issues recommendations endorsing statutory or constitutional change, the General Assembly could introduce bills or place constitutional amendments on the ballot in subsequent sessions.
  • Administrative changes may be required to implement any statutory restoration process (forms, verification procedures, notice to formerly incarcerated individuals, etc.).
  • Because the resolution contemplates constitutional language review, any recommended changes affecting Article/Section 145 could require a constitutional amendment process (legislative approval and, if applicable, voter ratification).

Timeline highlights

  • Task force meetings: at least monthly during the 2025 interim.
  • Final report due: December 1, 2025 (for referral to the 2026 Regular Session).
  • LRC may modify assignment or timeline by referring the matter to an interim committee.

If you want, I can:
- Extract likely implementation issues (administrative costs, verification procedures).
- Draft a one‑page checklist of stakeholders to consult for the task force.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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