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 · February 13, 2026

To Judiciary (H)

Introduced February 6, 2026

House

Adjourned Sine Die

2026 Regular Session

HB588

AN ACT relating to the abolition of the death penalty.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 532 to abolish the death penalty and replace it with life imprisonment without parole for inmates presently sentenced to death; amend KRS 532.030, relating to authorized dispositions for felony offenses, to remove the death penalty; amend KRS 533.010, relating to probation, to prohibit probation for a person sentenced to life without parole or life without parole for 25 years; amend KRS 640.010 to define terms; amend KRS 640.040,…

Children and Minors Courts Crimes and Punishments Criminal Procedure Deaths Corrections Impact

Read the full text Kentucky Legislature LegiScan

AI-generated. Always verify with primary sources

Plain-language summary

Beta

This bill would end the use of the death penalty in Kentucky, replacing it with life in prison without the possibility of parole. People currently on death row would have their sentences changed to life without parole under this proposal. It also makes related changes to how courts handle sentencing for serious crimes, including restrictions on how juvenile offenders can be sentenced. Who it may affect: people currently on death row, individuals convicted of capital offenses, juvenile offenders facing serious felony charges, and families of victims involved in capital cases.

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