What Happened With Criminal Justice This Session
In January, lawmakers headed into the 2018 Kentucky General Assembly with information about and the need to address the state’s...
Criminal Justice
Legislative Session Was About Shift and Shaft
The 2018 Kentucky General Assembly featured larger throngs of protestors than any session in recent memory. Thousands of Kentuckians trekked to Frankfort to stand up to an agenda they saw...
Fact Sheet: HB 169 “Gang” Bill is Not an Evidence-Based Approach
House Bill 169 is not a data-driven solution to gang violence prevention. Research shows such an approach does not reduce violent crime, could intensify gang activity and would likely disproportionately...
If You Hate Gangs, Don’t Support this Bill
No one wants to see Kentucky’s young people drawn into gangs. But to prevent that from happening, we need evidence-based strategies that help people make better choices and strengthen communities....
Four Main Ways House Criminal Justice Bill Creates Savings
The criminal justice reform bill that follows recommendations from the state’s Criminal Justice Policy Assessment Council, House Bill 396, is scheduled to be heard in committee this week. Supporters of...
Governor’s Proposed Additional Investment in Justice System Still Limited
Even with some increased investment in the justice system proposed in the governor’s budget, many areas within the system would continue to just get by, while others would be facing...
2 Gen Approach to Kentucky’s Opioid Epidemic Needed
Click here to view a pdf of the brief. As one of the states hardest hit by the national opioid epidemic, Kentucky struggles with high rates of addiction, incarceration, overdose...
Gang Bill Unproven and Costly Approach
House Bill 169 proposes to make charges and related sentences much harsher for some crimes committed by individuals identified as gang members. This is an unproven approach to addressing gang...
Group Provides Insight Into Growth of Kentucky’s Inmate Population
The Kentucky Justice Reinvestment Work Group, which held its third meeting this week, plans to propose criminal justice reforms in December for consideration during the 2018 General Assembly. The first...
New Study Provides More Evidence Harsher Penalties Are Not Solution to State’s Drug Problems
At the same time our state is increasing criminal penalties for heroin, a new analysis further bolsters existing research showing such an approach is not an effective way to address...