AN ACT proposing to amend Sections 77 and 240 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to limiting the Governor's ability to grant pardons and commute sentences.

Propose to amend Section 77 of the Constitution of Kentucky to prohibit the Governor's ability to grant pardons or commute sentences beginning 30 days prior to a gubernatorial election and ending at that gubernatorial inauguration; amend Section 240 of the Constitution of Kentucky to conform; provide ballot language; submit to voters for ratification or rejection.

Introduced: January 7, 2025

Last action: March 5, 2025

To Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H)

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This bill proposes a change to the Kentucky Constitution that would prevent the Governor from issuing pardons or reducing sentences during a specific window of time — starting 30 days before a gubernatorial election and lasting until the next Governor is inaugurated. Because it is a constitutional amendment, it would not become law on its own; instead, it would be placed on the ballot for Kentucky voters to approve or reject. The change is aimed…

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