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HB 327

Kentucky HouseIntroduced

Summary

HB 327, aN ACT relating to pretrial release, was introduced in the House on Jan 12, 2026 by Rep. George Brown (D) with 2 co-sponsors. It was referred to Judiciary, and last saw action on Jan 20, 2026: to Judiciary (H).


Record

Text

HB 327 has 2 co-sponsors.

hb327/introduced.txt
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AN ACT relating to pretrial release.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:
Section 1. KRS 431.066 is amended to read as follows:
(1) As used in[For purposes of] this section and Section 2 of this Act:[,]
(a) "Enhanced scrutiny offense" means a violation of KRS 189A.010(5)(c) or
(d), 209.990(2), (3), or (4), 218A.1432, 507A.040, 507A.050, 508.020,
508.025, 508.030 excluding minor injury or no visible injury, 508.040(2)(a)
or (b), 508.050, 508.060, 508.075, 508.078, 508.100, 508.110, 508.120,
508.140, 508.150, 509.020, 509.040, 510.120, 510.130, 511.020, 513.030,
513.040, 515.020, 515.030, 515.040, 518.090, 525.020, 527.205, 529.100, or
529.110;
(b) "Money bail" means any financial condition of release, including cash,
property, a percentage of cash bail, secured, unsecured, or otherwise;
(c) "Standard conditions" means the defendant shall:
1. Not commit a local, state, or federal offense;
2. Appear for all required court appearances; and
3. Avoid all contact with any alleged victim and any potential witness
who may testify concerning the charge, unless or until the court
removes this condition;
(d) "Verified and eligible defendant" means a defendant who pretrial services is
able to interview and assess, and whose identity pretrial services is able to
confirm through investigation; and
(e) "Violent or sexual offense" means an offense that would classify a
defendant as a violent offender under KRS 439.3401 or an offense under
KRS Chapter 510, KRS 529.100 involving commercial sexual activity, or
KRS 530.020, 530.064(1)(a), 531.310, or 531.320.
(2) A verified and eligible defendant shall not be detained on money bail unless he or
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she meets the money bail requirements of subsection (3) of Section 2 of this Act.
(3) (a) Pretrial services shall use a validated pretrial risk assessment tool to
determine whether a verified and eligible defendant presents a low,
moderate, or high risk of failing to appear for required court appearances
or committing a criminal offense while on pretrial release pending
adjudication.
(b) The validated pretrial risk assessment tool shall weigh a defendant's risk of
failing[When a court considers pretrial release and bail for an arrested
defendant, the court shall consider whether the defendant constitutes a flight
risk, is unlikely] to appear for required court appearances[trial], or being[or
is likely to be] a danger to the public if released, by considering factors that
may include but are not limited to prior failure to appear for scheduled
court appearances, prior criminal history, types of offenses, and any other
factors determined appropriate or necessary by pretrial services[. In making
this determination, the court shall consider the pretrial risk assessment for a
verified and eligible defendant along with the factors set forth in KRS
431.525].
(c) The validated pretrial risk assessment tool shall be regularly validated and
adjusted to ensure that it is predictive of pretrial outcomes and accurately
predicts risk across all racial groups, ethnic groups, and genders. The tool
shall be adjusted to ensure accuracy and to minimize disparate results.
(4)[(3)] (a) If a verified and eligible defendant:
1. Poses a low or moderate risk as determined under subsection (3) of
this section;
2. Has been charged with a violation, misdemeanor, or Class D felony;
3. Has not been charged with a violent or sexual offense;
4. Has not been charged with an enhanced scrutiny offense; and
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5. Has not been charged with a violation of KRS 17.510, 17.545, 17.546,
17.549, 119.255, 189A.010(5)(b) to (d), 209.990, 235.240 for a second
or subsequent offense, 403.763, 456.120, 456.180, 507.050, 508.030
with minor or no visible injury, 508.070, 508.080, 508.120, 508.155,
509.030, 509.080, 511.085, 514.080, 520.090, 524.040, 525.120,
525.125, 525.130, 525.135, 525.205, 527.020, 529.020, 529.040(2),
529.070, 529.080, 529.090, 530.010, 530.060, 531.020, 531.030,
531.040, 531.050, 531.060, 531.090, 531.100, 531.335, 531.340,
531.350, 531.360, or 531.370;
the defendant shall be released on his or her own recognizance by a pretrial
officer, unless the defendant has been convicted of a violent or sexual
offense within five (5) years prior to his or her current offense, in which
case the pretrial officer, upon approval of his or her pretrial supervisor,
may refer the defendant to the court.
(b) If a pretrial officer refers a defendant to the court pursuant to paragraph
(a) of this subsection, the court may:
1. Order the defendant released on his or her own recognizance subject
to standard conditions;
2. Impose additional nonfinancial conditions as outlined in KRS 431.064
and 431.518 and Section 5 of this Act; or
3. Either on its own or by motion of the prosecutor, detain the defendant
until a detention hearing is held pursuant to Section 2 of this Act.
(5) (a) When the court is making a bail determination for[If] a verified and eligible
defendant, if the defendant:
1. Poses a low risk as determined under subsection (3) of this section;
2. Has been charged with a Class A, B, or C felony; and
3. Has not been charged with a violent or sexual offense or with an
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enhanced scrutiny offense;[of flight, is likely to appear for trial, and is
not likely to be a danger to others,]
the court shall order the defendant released on his or her[unsecured bond or
on the defendant's] own recognizance subject to standard[such other]
conditions[ as the court may order].
(b) When the court is making a bail determination for a verified and eligible
defendant, if the defendant:
1. Poses a low risk as determined under subsection (3) of this section;
2. Has been charged with a Class A, B, or C felony; and
3. Has not been charged with a violent or sexual offense but has been
charged with an enhanced scrutiny offense;
the court shall order the defendant released on his or her own recognizance
subject to standard conditions and may impose additional nonfinancial
conditions as outlined in KRS 431.064 and 431.518 and Section 5 of this
Act.
(c) When the court is making a bail determination for a verified and eligible
defendant, if the defendant:
1. Poses a low risk as determined under subsection (3) of this section;
and
2. Has been charged with a violent or sexual offense;
the court may order the defendant released on his or her own recognizance
subject to standard conditions, may impose additional nonfinancial
conditions as outlined in KRS 431.064 and 431.518 and Section 5 of this
Act, or may, either on its own or by motion of the prosecutor, detain the
defendant until a detention hearing is held pursuant to Section 2 of this Act.
(6)[(4)] (a) When the court is making a bail determination for[If] a verified and
eligible defendant, if the defendant:
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1. Poses a moderate risk as determined under subsection (3) of this
section;
2. Has been charged with a Class A, B, or C felony; and
3. Has not been charged with a violent or sexual offense or with an
enhanced scrutiny offense;[of flight, has a moderate risk of not
appearing for trial, or poses a moderate risk of danger to others,]
the court shall order[release] the defendant released on his or her own
recognizance subject to standard[under the same] conditions[ as in
subsection (3) of this section] and may impose additional nonfinancial
conditions as outlined in KRS 431.064 and 431.518 and Section 5 of this Act
[but shall consider ordering the defendant to participate in global positioning
system monitoring, controlled substance testing, increased supervision, or
such other conditions as the court may order].
(b) When the court is making a bail determination for a verified and eligible
defendant, if the defendant:
1. Poses a moderate risk as determined under subsection (3) of this
section;
2. Has been charged with a Class A, B, or C felony; and
3. Has not been charged with a violent or sexual offense but has been
charged with an enhanced scrutiny offense;
the court may order the defendant released on his or her own recognizance
subject to standard conditions, may impose additional nonfinancial
conditions as outlined in KRS 431.064 and 431.518 and Section 5 of this
Act, or may, either on its own or by motion of the prosecutor, detain the
defendant until a detention hearing is held pursuant to Section 2 of this Act.
(c) When the court is making a bail determination for a verified and eligible
defendant, if the defendant:
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1. Poses a moderate risk as determined under subsection (3) of this
section; and
2. Has been charged with a violent or sexual offense;
the court shall detain the defendant until a detention hearing is held
pursuant to Section 2 of this Act.
(7)[(5)] (a) When the court is making a bail determination for a verified and
eligible defendant, if the defendant:
1. Poses a high risk as determined under subsection (3) of this section;
2. Has been charged with a violation, misdemeanor, or Class D felony;
and
3. Has not been charged with a violent or sexual offense or with an
enhanced scrutiny offense;
the court shall order the defendant released on his or her own recognizance
subject to standard conditions and may impose additional nonfinancial
conditions as outlined in KRS 431.064 and 431.518 and Section 5 of this
Act.
(b) When the court is making a bail determination for a verified and eligible
defendant, if the defendant:
1. Poses a high risk as determined under subsection (3) of this section;
2. Has been charged with a Class A, B, or C felony; and
3. Has not been charged with a violent or sexual offense or with an
enhanced scrutiny offense;
the court may order the defendant released on his or her own recognizance
subject to standard conditions, may impose additional nonfinancial
conditions as outlined in KRS 431.064 and 431.518 and Section 5 of this
Act, or may, either on its own or by motion of the prosecutor, detain the
defendant until a detention hearing is held pursuant to Section 2 of this Act.
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(c) When the court is making a bail determination for a verified and eligible
defendant, if the defendant:
1. Poses a high risk as determined under subsection (3) of this section;
and
2. Has been charged with a violent or sexual offense or with an
enhanced scrutiny offense;
the court shall detain the defendant until a detention hearing is held
pursuant to Section 2 of this Act.
(8) If a verified and eligible defendant has been charged with a felony offense under
KRS Chapter 218A:
(a) In addition to any conditions outlined in paragraph (b) of this subsection,
the defendant may be subject to any substance abuse screening or treatment
recommended by pretrial services as ordered by the court;
(b) Pretrial services shall perform substance abuse screenings and may refer
the defendant for substance abuse treatment; and
(c) A defendant's refusal to participate in the screening shall not disqualify the
defendant from being granted pretrial release.
(9) The Supreme Court may make any procedural rules necessary to implement this
section[(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, regardless of the
amount of the bail set, the court shall permit the defendant a credit of one hundred
dollars ($100) per day as a payment toward the amount of the bail set for each day
or portion of a day that the defendant remains in jail prior to trial. Upon the service
of sufficient days in jail to have sufficient credit to satisfy the bail, the defendant
shall be released from jail on the conditions specified in this section or in this
chapter.
(b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection shall not apply to:
1. Any person convicted of, pleading guilty to, or entering an Alford plea
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to a felony offense under KRS Chapter 510, KRS 529.100 involving
commercial sexual activity, KRS 530.020, 530.064(1)(a), 531.310, or
531.320, or who is a violent offender as defined in KRS 439.3401; or
2. A defendant who is found by the court to present a flight risk or to be a
danger to others.
(c) For purposes of this subsection, "a day or portion of a day" means any time
spent in a detention facility following booking.
(d) A defendant shall not earn credit pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection
while also earning credit pursuant to KRS 534.070.
(6) If a court determines that a defendant shall not be released pursuant to subsection
(5) of this section, the court shall document the reasons for denying the release in a
written order.
(7) The jailer shall be responsible for tracking the credit earned by a defendant pursuant
to subsection (5) of this section].
SECTION 2. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 431 IS CREATED TO
READ AS FOLLOWS:
(1) A detention hearing shall be held within five (5) days of a verified and eligible
defendant being detained pursuant to Section 1 of this Act. The detention hearing
may be held at arraignment.
(2) (a) At the detention hearing, if the defendant poses:
1. A low or moderate risk and was detained pursuant to Section 1 of this
Act; or
2. A high risk and was detained pursuant to Section 1 of this Act but is
not eligible for money bail pursuant to subsection (3) of this section;
the court shall determine whether any nonfinancial condition, or
combination of conditions, outlined in KRS 431.064 and 431.518 and
Section 5 of this Act will reasonably ensure the appearance of the defendant
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for required court appearances and the safety of the public.
(b) The court shall, in determining whether there are conditions of release that
will reasonably ensure the appearance of the defendant for required court
appearances and the safety of the public, consider the following:
1. Whether the offense involves violence, obstruction of public
administration under KRS Chapter 519, or interference with judicial
administration under KRS Chapter 524; and
2. The history and characteristics of the defendant, including:
a. The defendant’s character, physical and mental condition,
family ties, employment, financial resources, length of residence
in the community, community ties, past conduct, history relating
to drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, and record
concerning appearance at court proceedings;
b. Whether, at the time of the current offense or arrest, the
defendant was on probation, on parole, on supervised release, or
on other release pending trial, sentencing, appeal, or completion
of sentence for an offense under local, state, or federal law; and
c. The nature and seriousness of the danger to any person or the
community that would be posed by the defendant’s release.
(c) There shall be a rebuttable presumption that no condition or combination of
conditions of release will reasonably ensure the safety of the public if the
court finds by probable cause that the defendant committed:
1. A violent or sexual offense while armed with a deadly weapon or
dangerous instrument;
2. A violent or sexual offense and has previously been convicted of a
violent or sexual offense which was committed while on release
pending trial for a local, state, or federal offense;
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3. A violent or sexual offense while on release pending trial for a local,
state, or federal offense;
4. Two (2) or more violent or sexual offenses in separate incidents that
are joined in the case before the court; or
5. A violent or sexual offense in which the victim sustained a physical
injury.
(d) After considering the information outlined in paragraph (b) of this
subsection and the existence, if any, of a rebuttable presumption under
paragraph (c) of this subsection, if the court finds by clear and convincing
evidence that no condition, or combination of conditions, outlined in KRS
431.064 and 431.518 and Section 5 of this Act will reasonably ensure the
appearance of the defendant for required court appearances and the safety
of the public, the court shall order the defendant detained before trial. If the
court orders the defendant detained before trial, the court shall make
written findings of fact and a written statement for the reasons for the
detention.
(3) (a) At the detention hearing, if the defendant:
1. Poses a high risk and was detained pursuant to Section 1 of this Act;
2. Poses a risk of failing to appear for required court appearances;
3. Does not pose a danger to the public if released; and
4. Has not been charged with a violent or sexual offense;
the court may impose money bail in addition to any conditions outlined in
KRS 431.064 and 431.518 and Section 5 of this Act for the sole purpose of
reasonably ensuring the appearance of the defendant for required court
appearances. The court shall not impose money bail to ensure the
protection or the safety of the community, to ensure that the defendant will
not obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process, or for the
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purpose of preventing the release of the defendant. If imposed, the amount
of money bail shall be set in accordance with Section 6 of this Act.
(b) In considering whether to impose money bail under paragraph (a) of this
subsection, the court may upon its own motion, or shall upon the motion of
the Commonwealth, conduct an inquiry into the source of the property to be
designated for potential forfeiture or offered as collateral to secure a bond,
and shall decline to accept the designation or the use as collateral of
property that, because of its source, will not reasonably ensure the
appearance of the defendant at required court appearances.
(4) At the detention hearing, the defendant shall:
(a) Have the right to be represented by counsel and, if financially unable to
obtain adequate representation, to have counsel appointed; and
(b) Be afforded an opportunity to testify. However, the defendant's testimony
shall not be admissible on the issue of guilt in any other judicial
proceedings, except:
1. Proceedings under KRS 520.070 and 520.080;
2. In revocation hearings;
3. In perjury proceedings; and
4. For the purpose of impeachment in any subsequent proceedings.
(5) After the court has determined pursuant to this section to either detain or release
a verified and eligible defendant prior to trial, the determination may be reviewed
at any time before trial by the court either upon its own motion or upon motion of
either party if:
(a) The court finds that information exists that was not known to the movant at
the time of the determination and that has a material bearing on the issue of
whether there are conditions of release that will reasonably ensure the
appearance of the defendant for required court appearances or the safety of
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the public; or
(b) Based on the Commonwealth's motion, the court finds probable cause that
the defendant has failed to comply with the conditions of release. The court
may either summon the defendant to appear at a hearing or issue a warrant
for the defendant's arrest. If a defendant is arrested pursuant to this
paragraph, a detention hearing shall be held within five (5) days of arrest.
(6) This section shall not be construed as modifying or limiting the verified and
eligible defendant's presumption of innocence.
Section 3. KRS 27A.360 is amended to read as follows:
The court disposition level of the system shall consist of at least the following
information as relates to bond and pretrial release:
(1) Whether or not the defendant was released on bail or pretrial release;
(2) If the defendant is released on money bail under Section 2 of this Act:
(a) The amount of the bail;
(b) Whether the bail was cash, property, a percentage of cash bail, secured,
unsecured, or otherwise;
(c) Whether the conditions of bail were satisfied; and
(d) Whether or not the bail was returned, forfeited, credited to the public advocate
or otherwise; and
(3) If released on any other form of pretrial release:
(a) Whether or not released on own recognizance;
(b) Whether release was upon conditions, if so what conditions; and
(c) Whether the conditions of release were satisfied.
Section 4. KRS 222.204 is amended to read as follows:
(1) A person who has been arrested and placed in jail prior to trial for violation of KRS
222.202 and has not had two (2) prior convictions in the previous twelve (12)
months for violation of KRS 222.202 shall be released[ as set forth by the Supreme
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Court Rule of Criminal Procedure uniform schedule of bail]:
(a) To an adult who is willing to accept responsibility for the defendant through a
signature verification on a form determined by the Administrative Office of
the Courts;
(b) If eligible for money bail under Section 2 of this Act, upon payment of[he
pays] the requisite amount of bail on a bail schedule issued by the court;
(c) At such time as he or she is able to safely care for himself or herself, but in
no event shall he or she be detained for more than eight (8) hours following
his or her arrest;
(d) If he or she is ordered released by a court of competent jurisdiction; or
(e) Unless the[such] person's release is precluded by other provisions of law.
(2) The jail or facility authorized by county or city ordinance agreeing to care for the
person releasing the defendant shall be considered as acting in good faith and shall
not be liable for subsequent acts of the defendant upon release.
Section 5. KRS 431.520 is amended to read as follows:
Except as provided in Sections 1 and 2 of this Act, any person charged with an offense
shall be ordered released by a court of competent jurisdiction pending trial on his or her
personal recognizance, and[ or upon the execution of an unsecured bail bond in an
amount set by the court or as fixed by the Supreme Court as provided by KRS 431.540,
unless the court determines in the exercise of its discretion that such a release will not
reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required, or the court determines the
person is a flight risk or a danger to others. When such a determination is made,] the
court may[shall, either in lieu of or in addition to the above methods of release,] impose
any of the following conditions of release:
(1) Place the person in the custody of a designated person or organization agreeing to
supervise him or her;
(2) Place restrictions on the travel, association, or place of abode of the person during
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the period of release;
(3) For those eligible for money bail under Section 2 of this Act, require the execution
of a bail bond:
(a) With sufficient personal surety or sureties acceptable to the court; in
determining the sufficiency of such surety or sureties, the court shall consider
his or her character,[ his] place of residence,[ his] relationship with the
defendant, and[ his] financial and employment circumstances;[ or]
(b) With the ten percent (10%) deposit as provided in KRS 431.530; [provided
that if the defendant is permitted to earn credit toward bail pursuant to KRS
431.066, that credit shall be applied to the ten percent (10%) deposit; ]or
(c) With the deposit of cash equal to the amount of the bond or in lieu thereof
acceptable security as provided in KRS 431.535;
(4) If the person's record indicates a history of controlled substance or alcohol abuse:
(a) Order the person to submit to periodic testing for use of controlled substances
or alcohol and pay a reasonable fee, not to exceed the actual cost of the test
and analysis, as determined by the court with the fee to be collected by the
circuit clerk, held in an agency account, and disbursed, on court order, solely
to the agency or agencies responsible for testing and analysis as compensation
for the cost of the testing and analysis performed under this subsection. If the
person is declared indigent, the testing fee may be waived by the court. The
Administrative Office of the Courts shall establish pilot projects to implement
the provisions of this subsection; or
(b) Order the person to use an alcohol monitoring device, as defined in KRS
431.068. All costs associated with the device, including administrative and
operating costs, shall be paid by the defendant. If the court determines that the
defendant is indigent, and a person, county, or other organization has not
agreed to pay the costs for the defendant in an attempt to reduce incarceration
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expenses and increase public safety, the court shall consider other conditions
of release provided for in this section;
(5) (a) During all or part of a person's period of release pursuant to this section, order
the person to participate in a global positioning monitoring system program
operated by a county pursuant to KRS 67.372 and 67.374 under the same
terms and conditions provided under KRS 431.517.
(b) If the person is charged with a sex crime as defined in KRS 17.500, consider
requiring that he or she be monitored electronically, and shall consider
requiring the person be subject to home incarceration;
(6) Impose any nonfinancial conditions[other condition] deemed reasonably necessary
to ensure[assure] appearance as required, including a condition requiring that the
person return to custody after specified hours;
(7) A court authorizing the release of a person pursuant to this section shall:
(a) Issue[cause the issuance of] an appropriate order containing a statement of the
conditions imposed, if any; and[, shall cause such person to be informed]
(b) Inform the person of the penalties applicable to violations of the conditions
of his or her release[,] and[ shall cause him to be informed] that a warrant for
his or her arrest will be issued immediately upon any such violation;
(8) A person for whom conditions of release are imposed and who after twenty-four
(24) hours from the time of the imposition of the[said] conditions continues to be
detained as a result of his or her inability to meet the conditions of release shall,
upon written application or upon the court's own motion, be entitled to have the
conditions reviewed by the court which imposed them. A person who is ordered
released on a condition which requires that he or she return to custody after
specified hours shall, upon written application or upon the court's own motion, be
entitled to a review by the court which imposed the condition; or
(9) If at any time following release of a defendant and before he or she is required to
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appear for trial, the court is advised of a material change in the defendant's
circumstances or that he or she has not complied with all conditions imposed upon
his or her release, the court having jurisdiction may:
(a) Order the arrest of the defendant;
(b) Enter an order requiring the defendant and[,] his or her surety or sureties to
appear and show cause why the bail bond should not be forfeited or the
conditions of the defendant's[his] release be changed; or
(c) Both.
A copy of the[said] order shall be served upon the defendant and[,] his or her
surety or sureties. If the defendant fails to appear before the court as ordered or if,
after hearing, the court finds the conditions of release have not been complied with,
the court may change the conditions imposed or forfeit the bail bond or any portion
thereof and enter a judgment for the Commonwealth against the defendant and his
or her surety or sureties for the amount of the bail bond or any portion thereof and
cost of the proceedings.
Section 6. KRS 431.525 is amended to read as follows:
(1) For those eligible for money bail under Section 2 of this Act, the amount of the
bail shall be:
(a) Sufficient to ensure[insure] compliance with the conditions of release set by
the court;
(b) Not oppressive;
(c) Commensurate with the nature of the offense charged;
(d) Considerate of the past criminal acts and the reasonably anticipated conduct
of the defendant if released; and
(e) Considerate of the financial ability of the defendant.
(2) When a person is eligible for money bail under Section 2 of this Act and is
charged with an offense punishable by fine only, the amount of the bail bond set
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shall not exceed the amount of the maximum penalty and costs.
(3) When a person is eligible for money bail under Section 2 of this Act and has been
convicted of an offense and only a fine has been imposed, the amount of the bail
shall not exceed the amount of the fine.
(4) When a person is eligible for money bail under Section 2 of this Act and has been
charged with one (1) or more misdemeanors, the amount of the bail for all charges
shall be encompassed by a single amount of bail that shall not exceed the amount of
the fine and court costs for the one (1) highest misdemeanor charged. This
subsection shall apply only to misdemeanor offenses not involving physical injury
or sexual contact.
(5) When a person is eligible for money bail under Section 2 of this Act and has been
convicted of a misdemeanor offense and a sentence of jail, probation, conditional
discharge, or sentence other than a fine only has been imposed, the amount of bail
for release on appeal shall not exceed double the amount of the maximum fine that
could have been imposed for the one (1) highest misdemeanor offense for which the
person was convicted. This subsection shall apply only to misdemeanors not
involving physical injury or sexual contact.
(6) [The provisions of this section shall not apply to a defendant who is found by the
court to present a flight risk or to be a danger to others.
(7) If a court determines that a defendant shall not be released pursuant to subsection
(6) of this section, the court shall document the reasons for denying the release in a
written order.
(8) ]The Administrative Office of the Courts shall establish pilot projects to implement
controlled substance or alcohol abuse testing as specified under this subsection. If
the person's record indicates a history of controlled substance or alcohol abuse, the
court may order the person to submit to periodic testing for use of controlled
substances or alcohol and to pay a reasonable fee, not to exceed the actual cost of
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the test and analysis, as determined by the court, with the fee to be collected by the
circuit clerk, held in an agency account, and disbursed, on court order, solely to the
agency or agencies responsible for testing and analysis as compensation for the cost
of the testing and analysis performed under this subsection. If the person is declared
indigent, the testing fee may be waived by the court. If the court finds the
conditions of release have not been complied with, the court may change the
conditions imposed or forfeit the bail bond or any portion thereof and enter a
judgment for the Commonwealth against the person and his or her surety or
sureties for the amount of the bail bond or any portion thereof and the cost of the
proceedings.
Section 7. KRS 431.530 is amended to read as follows:
(1) Any person who has been permitted to execute a bail bond in accordance with KRS
431.520(3)(b) shall deposit with the clerk of the court before which the action is
pending a sum of money equal to ten percent (10%) of the bail, but in no event shall
such deposit be less than ten dollars ($10)[ unless the defendant earned full credit
toward the applicable amount of bail pursuant to KRS 431.066, in which case the
defendant shall not be required to make a deposit with the clerk of the court].
(2) Upon making the deposit required under subsection (1) of this section,[depositing
said sum] the defendant shall be released from custody subject to all conditions of
release imposed by the court.
(3) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, if the conditions of release have
been performed and the defendant has been discharged from all obligations in the
action, the clerk of the court shall return to the defendant, unless the court orders
otherwise, ninety percent (90%) of the sum deposited and shall retain as bail costs
ten percent (10%) of the amount deposited; provided, however, in no event shall the
amount retained by the clerk as bail costs be less than five dollars ($5). [It is further
provided that ]The court shall order the clerk of court to pay into the public
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advocate special account any amount of the sum deposited by the defendant, in
excess of bail costs, which in its sound discretion represents a reasonable fee for
any public advocate legal or investigative services provided for the defendant under
KRS Chapter 31, but in no event shall the amount [so ]paid to the public advocate
special account as public advocate legal and investigative fees be less than five
dollars ($5) per case. At the request of the defendant the court may order the
amount repayable to defendant from the[such] deposit to be paid to defendant's
attorney of record.
(4) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, if a final judgment for a fine
and court costs or either is entered in the prosecution of an action in which a deposit
has been made in accordance with subsection (1) of this section, the balance of
the[such] deposit, after deduction of bail costs and public advocate fees as provided
for in subsection (3) of this section, shall be applied to the satisfaction of the
judgment.
(5) If the defendant has performed all conditions of release and if the defendant is
found not guilty of the offense for which bail was posted, or if all charges against
him or her relating to the offense for which bail was posted are dropped or
dismissed, then all bail money deposited by the defendant or by another person on
his or her behalf shall be returned to him or her with no deductions [therefrom ]as
provided in subsection (3) or (4) of this section.
Section 8. KRS 431.540 is amended to read as follows:
(1) The Supreme Court may by rule or order prescribe a uniform schedule of amounts
of bail in designated nonviolent Class D felonies, misdemeanors, and violations for
defendants eligible for money bail under Section 2 of this Act.[;]
(2)[(1)] Except as provided in subsection (3)[(2)] of this section, when the amount of
bail is fixed by the[such] rule or order of the Supreme Court for a particular
offense, the clerk of the court or other public officers [so ]authorized by the court's
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order shall accept cash bail in the prescribed amount or the deposit authorized by
KRS 431.530 and release the defendant to appear in accordance with the conditions
of the bail bond. A receipt shall be delivered to the defendant for the bail so taken
and within a reasonable time the[such] bail shall be deposited with the clerk of the
court having jurisdiction of the offense.
(3)[(2)] A court may, in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, refuse to set bail in
the amount prescribed by the[such] rule or order of the Supreme Court, but, in so
doing, the court must set forth in writing its reasons for the[such] refusal.
Section 9. KRS 452.260 is amended to read as follows:
If the defendant is in custody, the order for the change of venue shall be accompanied by
an order for his or her removal by the sheriff or jailer of the county in which he or she is
held, with such sufficient guard as the court directs, and for his or her delivery to the
jailer of the county where the trial is to be held. If the defendant is under recognizance or
bond for his or her appearance, he or she shall be ordered to appear before[, before the
order is granted, give sufficient bail for his appearance at] the proper court[, or be
surrendered into the custody of the proper officer].
Section 10. KRS 431.510 is amended to read as follows:
(1) As used in this section:
(a) 1. "Bail bondsman" means any person, partnership, or corporation engaged
for profit in the business of:
a. Furnishing bail, making bonds, or entering into undertakings, as
surety, for the appearance of persons charged with any criminal
offense or violation of law or ordinance punishable by fine,
imprisonment, or death, before any of the courts of this state; or
b. Securing the payment of fines imposed and of costs assessed by
those courts upon final disposition[ thereof].
2. The business of a bail bondsman is limited to the acts, transactions, and
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undertakings described in this paragraph[ and to no other]; and
(b) "Charitable bail organization" means an organization, including but not
limited to an organization exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code, that solicits or accepts donations from the public for the
purpose of:
1. Furnishing bail, making bonds, or entering into undertakings, as surety,
whether through direct payment or by payment through a third party, for
the appearance of persons charged with any criminal offense or violation
of law or ordinance punishable by fine, imprisonment, or death before
any of the courts of this state; or
2. Securing the payment of fines imposed and of costs assessed by any of
the courts of this state upon final disposition[ thereof].
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of bail bondsman or to
otherwise for compensation or other consideration:
(a) Furnish bail or funds or property to serve as bail; or
(b) Make bonds or enter into undertakings as surety;
for the appearance of persons charged with any criminal offense or violation of law
or ordinance punishable by fine, imprisonment, or death, before any of the courts of
this state, or to secure the payment of fines imposed and of costs assessed by such
courts upon a final disposition.
(3) It shall be unlawful for any charitable bail organization to:
(a) Furnish bail or funds or property to serve as bail in an amount of five
thousand dollars ($5,000) or more; or
(b) Make bonds or enter into undertakings as surety in an amount of five
thousand dollars ($5,000) or more;
for the appearance of persons charged with any criminal offense or violation of law
or ordinance punishable by fine or imprisonment before any of the courts of this
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state, or to secure the payment of fines imposed and of costs assessed by those
courts upon a final disposition.
(4) Notwithstanding subsection (3) of this section, it shall be unlawful for any
charitable bail organization to furnish bail or funds or property to serve as bail, or to
make bonds or enter into undertakings as surety, regardless of amount, for any
person:
(a) Alleged to have committed an offense:
1. Of domestic violence and abuse as defined in KRS 403.720;
2. Of dating violence and abuse as defined in KRS 456.010; or
3. That would classify the person as a violent offender under KRS
439.3401;
(b) Held under a civil court order or warrant issued under KRS 222.430 to
222.437; or
(c) Who has previously received bail or funds or property to serve as bail from a
charitable bail organization.
(5) Any person who posts bail or bond on behalf of any organization under this section
shall provide [a ]photo identification.
(6) A charitable bail organization shall maintain and annually report the following
information to the Legislative Research Commission for referral to the Interim Joint
Committee on Judiciary no later than October 31 of each year, and shall make
publicly available on the organization's website, or by publishing in a newspaper of
general circulation that complies with the requirements of KRS 424.120 if the
organization does not maintain a website:
(a) The expenditures of the organization, including a separate reporting of the
amount furnished for bail, or funds or property to serve as bail; and
(b) The number of individuals and classification of offenses for those individuals
for which any bail, or funds or property to serve as bail, has been provided.
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(7) Any bond posted by a charitable organization under this section that is ordered
forfeited as a result of the commission of a new criminal offense shall be distributed
to the victim of the new criminal offense, if a victim is identified.
(8) Nothing contained in this section shall serve to release any bail bondsman
previously licensed by this state from the obligation of undischarged bail bond
liability existing on June 19, 1976.
(9) KRS 431.510 to 431.550 shall not be construed to[ limit or repeal KRS 431.021 or
to] prevent licensed insurers providing security required by Subtitle 39 of KRS
Chapter 304 and nonprofit associations from posting or causing to be posted by
licensed insurers security or acting as surety for their insureds or members for an
offense arising from the operation of a motor vehicle, provided that the[such]
posting of security or acting as surety is merely incidental to the terms and
conditions of an insurance contract or a membership agreement and [provided
further ]that no separate premium or charge for that service[therefor] is required
from the insureds or members.
Section 11. The following KRS section is repealed:
431.021 Guaranteed arrest bond certificate of surety company to be accepted in lieu of
cash bail in traffic cases.
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Amend KRS 431.066 to limit the use of money bail to certain high-risk defendants and create a preventive detention process for defendants of select risk levels and charge types; create a new section of KRS Chapter 431 to establish a preventive detention hearing process and define the limited circumstances in which money bail may be imposed; amend various other sections to conform; repeal KRS 431.021, relating to guaranteed arrest bond certificates.

Sponsors

Rep. George Brown (D) sponsors HB 327, and 2 members have co-sponsored it.

Committees

HB 327 went before 2 committees: Committee On Committees and Judiciary.

Committee On Committees
Committee On Committees
Referred to · Jan 12, 2026 · 52 Bills
Judiciary
Judiciary
Referred to · Jan 20, 2026 · 117 Bills

History

HB 327 has taken 3 actions since Jan 12, 2026, the latest on Jan 20, 2026.

ChamberAction
Jan 20, 2026
House
to Judiciary (H)
Jan 12, 2026
House
introduced in House
Jan 12, 2026
House
to Committee on Committees (H)

Votes

HB 327 has not gone to a roll call.


Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · legiscan.com