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A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION directing the establishment of the Kentucky 1
Restoration of Voting Rights Task Force. 2
WHEREAS, the right to vote is a foundational principle of American democracy, 3
reinforcing civic responsibility and engagement; and 4
WHEREAS, Section 145 of the Constitution of Kentucky excludes from the right of 5
suffrage individuals convicted of a felony, ensuring accountability and upholding the rule 6
of law; and 7
WHEREAS, many Kentuckians who have completed their sentences have 8
demonstrated a commitment to reentering society as law-abiding and productive citizens; 9
and 10
WHEREAS, the current process for restoring voting rights is often complex and 11
inefficient, creating unnecessary obstacles for individuals seeking to fully reintegrate into 12
their communities; and 13
WHEREAS, promoting responsible civic participation through an efficient, fair, 14
and secure voting rights restoration process strengthens public trust in government and 15
the electoral system; and 16
WHEREAS, there is a need to ensure that any changes to voting rights restoration 17
are carefully considered, maintaining a balance between accountability, fairness, and 18
election integrity; and 19
WHEREAS, Kentucky has an interest in reviewing and refining its approach to 20
voting rights restoration while upholding the security and credibility of its electoral 21
process; 22
NOW, THEREFORE, 23
Be it resolved by the Senate of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 24
Kentucky, the House of Representatives concurring therein: 25
Section 1. The Legislative Research Commission shall establish the Restoration 26
of Voting Rights Task Force. The task force shall review, study, and make 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 1970
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recommendations regarding the current language of the Constitution relating to the right 1
to vote, and possible constitutional amendments or statutory changes to restore voting 2
rights to individuals with felony convictions who have completed their sentences. The 3
task force shall review existing laws and proposed amendments regarding voting rights 4
restoration, seek input from impacted individuals and experts, and develop 5
recommendations for legislative or constitutional amendments to be considered by the 6
General Assembly. 7
Section 2. The task force shall be composed of the following members with 8
final membership of the task force being subject to the consideration and approval of the 9
Legislative Research Commission: 10
(1) Five members of the House of Representatives, four of whom shall be 11
appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, with one serving as co-chair 12
of the task force, and one of whom shall be appointed by the Minority Floor Leader of the 13
House of Representatives; 14
(2) Five members of the Senate, four of whom shall be appointed by the President 15
of the Senate, with one serving as co-chair of the task force, and one of whom shall be 16
appointed by the Minority Floor Leader of the Senate; and 17
(3) Any additional members as deemed necessary by the task force to fulfill its 18
objectives. 19
Section 3. The task force shall meet at least monthly during the 2025 Interim of 20
the General Assembly unless otherwise directed by the commission, and shall be staffed 21
by the Legislative Research Commission. 22
Section 4. The task force shall submit a report of its findings and 23
recommendations to the Legislative Research Commission no later than December 1, 24
2025, for referral to the General Assembly and consideration in the 2026 Regular 25
Session. 26
Section 5. Provisions of this Resolution to the contrary notwithstanding, the 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 1970
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Legislative Research Commission shall have the authority to alternatively assign the 1
issues identified herein to an interim joint committee or subcommittee thereof, and to 2
designate a study completion date. 3