Some big bills have made their way to Kentucky General Assembly this week, including the Safer Kentucky Act and a bill to change the election year for state constitutional officers.
The Safer KY Act is an 18-point plan aimed at tackling crime at many levels and modernizing criminal statutes. The proposal calls for heightened penalties for crimes like attempted murder and carjacking and would also create a “three strikes” law that would require life without parole for people convicted of three separate violent felonies.
Bill sponsor Representative Jared Bauman says it is the legislature’s solemn duty to protect its citizens, and this measure would aim to do just that.
The legislation has come under scrutiny, especially from those voicing concerns over a portion of the bill that would ban the homeless from camping on streets. Advocates for the homeless request additional capacity in shelters and additional housing options which would require funding if the bill were to pass. The bill is expected to undergo changes before it is submitted in a final proposal.
Senate Bill 10 has been filed by Senator Chris McDaniel and change the electing year for Governor, Ag. Commissioner, Attorney General, State Auditor, State Treasurer and Secretary of State from odd-numbered years to even-numbers ones.
That would make them coincide with presidential elections, and Senator McDaniel says it would just ensure more voter turnout during those vital elections.
That would have to be approved on the ballot by the voters and wouldn’t come into effect until 2032. That’s not the only election related bill to come up this week—Senate Bill 61 would look to eliminate no-excuse, in-person early voting. That bill has had some backlash, particularly from Secretary of State Michael Adams.