Introduced

Passed House

Passed Senate

Became law

Adjourned sine die. The bill was pending when the session ended, so it did not pass.

Last action · January 15, 2026

To Judiciary (H)

Introduced January 8, 2026

House

Adjourned Sine Die

2026 Regular Session

HB255

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.

Courts Crimes and Punishments Criminal Procedure Juries and Jurors Rules Of Evidence Crime Victims

Read the full text Kentucky Legislature LegiScan

AI-generated. Always verify with primary sources

Plain-language summary

Beta

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

Open official bill text (PDF)·Report a problem with the summary