AN ACT relating to criminal procedure.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 532 to allow evidence relevant to sentencing to be introduced by the Commonwealth and evidence in mitigation or support of leniency to be introduced by the defendant during sentencing hearings in non-felony cases.

Introduced: January 8, 2026

Last action: January 15, 2026

To Judiciary (H)

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This bill would change the rules for sentencing hearings in non-felony criminal cases. It would allow prosecutors to present evidence supporting a harsher sentence and allow defendants to present evidence asking for a lighter sentence or leniency. Currently, these rules apply in felony cases, and this bill would extend a similar process to lower-level criminal matters. Who it may affect: people charged with misdemeanors or other non-felony offenses, as well as prosecutors and defense attorneys handling those cases.

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