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HB 327
Kentucky House•Introduced
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.txtUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301AN ACT relating to pretrial release.2 Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:3Section 1. KRS 431.066 is amended to read as follows:4 (1) As used in[For purposes of] this section and Section 2 of this Act:[,]5(a) "Enhanced scrutiny offense" means a violation of KRS 189A.010(5)(c) or6(d), 209.990(2), (3), or (4), 218A.1432, 507A.040, 507A.050, 508.020,7508.025, 508.030 excluding minor injury or no visible injury, 508.040(2)(a)8or (b), 508.050, 508.060, 508.075, 508.078, 508.100, 508.110, 508.120,9508.140, 508.150, 509.020, 509.040, 510.120, 510.130, 511.020, 513.030,10513.040, 515.020, 515.030, 515.040, 518.090, 525.020, 527.205, 529.100, or11529.110;12(b) "Money bail" means any financial condition of release, including cash,13property, a percentage of cash bail, secured, unsecured, or otherwise;14(c) "Standard conditions" means the defendant shall:151. Not commit a local, state, or federal offense;162. Appear for all required court appearances; and173. Avoid all contact with any alleged victim and any potential witness18who may testify concerning the charge, unless or until the court19removes this condition;20(d) "Verified and eligible defendant" means a defendant who pretrial services is21able to interview and assess, and whose identity pretrial services is able to22confirm through investigation; and23(e) "Violent or sexual offense" means an offense that would classify a24defendant as a violent offender under KRS 439.3401 or an offense under25KRS Chapter 510, KRS 529.100 involving commercial sexual activity, or26KRS 530.020, 530.064(1)(a), 531.310, or 531.320.27 (2) A verified and eligible defendant shall not be detained on money bail unless he orPage 1 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301she meets the money bail requirements of subsection (3) of Section 2 of this Act.2 (3) (a) Pretrial services shall use a validated pretrial risk assessment tool to3determine whether a verified and eligible defendant presents a low,4moderate, or high risk of failing to appear for required court appearances5or committing a criminal offense while on pretrial release pending6adjudication.7(b) The validated pretrial risk assessment tool shall weigh a defendant's risk of8failing[When a court considers pretrial release and bail for an arrested9defendant, the court shall consider whether the defendant constitutes a flight10risk, is unlikely] to appear for required court appearances[trial], or being[or11is likely to be] a danger to the public if released, by considering factors that12may include but are not limited to prior failure to appear for scheduled13court appearances, prior criminal history, types of offenses, and any other14factors determined appropriate or necessary by pretrial services[. In making15this determination, the court shall consider the pretrial risk assessment for a16verified and eligible defendant along with the factors set forth in KRS17431.525].18(c) The validated pretrial risk assessment tool shall be regularly validated and19adjusted to ensure that it is predictive of pretrial outcomes and accurately20predicts risk across all racial groups, ethnic groups, and genders. The tool21shall be adjusted to ensure accuracy and to minimize disparate results.22 (4)[(3)] (a) If a verified and eligible defendant:231. Poses a low or moderate risk as determined under subsection (3) of24this section;252. Has been charged with a violation, misdemeanor, or Class D felony;263. Has not been charged with a violent or sexual offense;274. Has not been charged with an enhanced scrutiny offense; andPage 2 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 83015. Has not been charged with a violation of KRS 17.510, 17.545, 17.546,217.549, 119.255, 189A.010(5)(b) to (d), 209.990, 235.240 for a second3or subsequent offense, 403.763, 456.120, 456.180, 507.050, 508.0304with minor or no visible injury, 508.070, 508.080, 508.120, 508.155,5509.030, 509.080, 511.085, 514.080, 520.090, 524.040, 525.120,6525.125, 525.130, 525.135, 525.205, 527.020, 529.020, 529.040(2),7529.070, 529.080, 529.090, 530.010, 530.060, 531.020, 531.030,8531.040, 531.050, 531.060, 531.090, 531.100, 531.335, 531.340,9531.350, 531.360, or 531.370;10the defendant shall be released on his or her own recognizance by a pretrial11officer, unless the defendant has been convicted of a violent or sexual12offense within five (5) years prior to his or her current offense, in which13case the pretrial officer, upon approval of his or her pretrial supervisor,14may refer the defendant to the court.15(b) If a pretrial officer refers a defendant to the court pursuant to paragraph16(a) of this subsection, the court may:171. Order the defendant released on his or her own recognizance subject18to standard conditions;192. Impose additional nonfinancial conditions as outlined in KRS 431.06420and 431.518 and Section 5 of this Act; or213. Either on its own or by motion of the prosecutor, detain the defendant22until a detention hearing is held pursuant to Section 2 of this Act.23 (5) (a) When the court is making a bail determination for[If] a verified and eligible24defendant, if the defendant:251. Poses a low risk as determined under subsection (3) of this section;262. Has been charged with a Class A, B, or C felony; and273. Has not been charged with a violent or sexual offense or with anPage 3 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301enhanced scrutiny offense;[of flight, is likely to appear for trial, and is2not likely to be a danger to others,]3the court shall order the defendant released on his or her[unsecured bond or4on the defendant's] own recognizance subject to standard[such other]5conditions[ as the court may order].6(b) When the court is making a bail determination for a verified and eligible7defendant, if the defendant:81. Poses a low risk as determined under subsection (3) of this section;92. Has been charged with a Class A, B, or C felony; and103. Has not been charged with a violent or sexual offense but has been11charged with an enhanced scrutiny offense;12the court shall order the defendant released on his or her own recognizance13subject to standard conditions and may impose additional nonfinancial14conditions as outlined in KRS 431.064 and 431.518 and Section 5 of this15Act.16(c) When the court is making a bail determination for a verified and eligible17defendant, if the defendant:181. Poses a low risk as determined under subsection (3) of this section;19and202. Has been charged with a violent or sexual offense;21the court may order the defendant released on his or her own recognizance22subject to standard conditions, may impose additional nonfinancial23conditions as outlined in KRS 431.064 and 431.518 and Section 5 of this24Act, or may, either on its own or by motion of the prosecutor, detain the25defendant until a detention hearing is held pursuant to Section 2 of this Act.26 (6)[(4)] (a) When the court is making a bail determination for[If] a verified and27eligible defendant, if the defendant:Page 4 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 83011. Poses a moderate risk as determined under subsection (3) of this2section;32. Has been charged with a Class A, B, or C felony; and43. Has not been charged with a violent or sexual offense or with an5enhanced scrutiny offense;[of flight, has a moderate risk of not6appearing for trial, or poses a moderate risk of danger to others,]7the court shall order[release] the defendant released on his or her own8recognizance subject to standard[under the same] conditions[ as in9subsection (3) of this section] and may impose additional nonfinancial10conditions as outlined in KRS 431.064 and 431.518 and Section 5 of this Act11[but shall consider ordering the defendant to participate in global positioning12system monitoring, controlled substance testing, increased supervision, or13such other conditions as the court may order].14(b) When the court is making a bail determination for a verified and eligible15defendant, if the defendant:161. Poses a moderate risk as determined under subsection (3) of this17section;182. Has been charged with a Class A, B, or C felony; and193. Has not been charged with a violent or sexual offense but has been20charged with an enhanced scrutiny offense;21the court may order the defendant released on his or her own recognizance22subject to standard conditions, may impose additional nonfinancial23conditions as outlined in KRS 431.064 and 431.518 and Section 5 of this24Act, or may, either on its own or by motion of the prosecutor, detain the25defendant until a detention hearing is held pursuant to Section 2 of this Act.26(c) When the court is making a bail determination for a verified and eligible27defendant, if the defendant:Page 5 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 83011. Poses a moderate risk as determined under subsection (3) of this2section; and32. Has been charged with a violent or sexual offense;4the court shall detain the defendant until a detention hearing is held5pursuant to Section 2 of this Act.6 (7)[(5)] (a) When the court is making a bail determination for a verified and7eligible defendant, if the defendant:81. Poses a high risk as determined under subsection (3) of this section;92. Has been charged with a violation, misdemeanor, or Class D felony;10and113. Has not been charged with a violent or sexual offense or with an12enhanced scrutiny offense;13the court shall order the defendant released on his or her own recognizance14subject to standard conditions and may impose additional nonfinancial15conditions as outlined in KRS 431.064 and 431.518 and Section 5 of this16Act.17(b) When the court is making a bail determination for a verified and eligible18defendant, if the defendant:191. Poses a high risk as determined under subsection (3) of this section;202. Has been charged with a Class A, B, or C felony; and213. Has not been charged with a violent or sexual offense or with an22enhanced scrutiny offense;23the court may order the defendant released on his or her own recognizance24subject to standard conditions, may impose additional nonfinancial25conditions as outlined in KRS 431.064 and 431.518 and Section 5 of this26Act, or may, either on its own or by motion of the prosecutor, detain the27defendant until a detention hearing is held pursuant to Section 2 of this Act.Page 6 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301(c) When the court is making a bail determination for a verified and eligible2defendant, if the defendant:31. Poses a high risk as determined under subsection (3) of this section;4and52. Has been charged with a violent or sexual offense or with an6enhanced scrutiny offense;7the court shall detain the defendant until a detention hearing is held8pursuant to Section 2 of this Act.9 (8) If a verified and eligible defendant has been charged with a felony offense under10KRS Chapter 218A:11(a) In addition to any conditions outlined in paragraph (b) of this subsection,12the defendant may be subject to any substance abuse screening or treatment13recommended by pretrial services as ordered by the court;14(b) Pretrial services shall perform substance abuse screenings and may refer15the defendant for substance abuse treatment; and16(c) A defendant's refusal to participate in the screening shall not disqualify the17defendant from being granted pretrial release.18 (9) The Supreme Court may make any procedural rules necessary to implement this19section[(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, regardless of the20amount of the bail set, the court shall permit the defendant a credit of one hundred21dollars ($100) per day as a payment toward the amount of the bail set for each day22or portion of a day that the defendant remains in jail prior to trial. Upon the service23of sufficient days in jail to have sufficient credit to satisfy the bail, the defendant24shall be released from jail on the conditions specified in this section or in this25chapter.26(b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection shall not apply to:271. Any person convicted of, pleading guilty to, or entering an Alford pleaPage 7 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301to a felony offense under KRS Chapter 510, KRS 529.100 involving2commercial sexual activity, KRS 530.020, 530.064(1)(a), 531.310, or3531.320, or who is a violent offender as defined in KRS 439.3401; or42. A defendant who is found by the court to present a flight risk or to be a5danger to others.6(c) For purposes of this subsection, "a day or portion of a day" means any time7spent in a detention facility following booking.8(d) A defendant shall not earn credit pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection9while also earning credit pursuant to KRS 534.070.10 (6) If a court determines that a defendant shall not be released pursuant to subsection11(5) of this section, the court shall document the reasons for denying the release in a12written order.13 (7) The jailer shall be responsible for tracking the credit earned by a defendant pursuant14to subsection (5) of this section].15SECTION 2. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 431 IS CREATED TO16 READ AS FOLLOWS:17 (1) A detention hearing shall be held within five (5) days of a verified and eligible18defendant being detained pursuant to Section 1 of this Act. The detention hearing19may be held at arraignment.20 (2) (a) At the detention hearing, if the defendant poses:211. A low or moderate risk and was detained pursuant to Section 1 of this22Act; or232. A high risk and was detained pursuant to Section 1 of this Act but is24not eligible for money bail pursuant to subsection (3) of this section;25the court shall determine whether any nonfinancial condition, or26combination of conditions, outlined in KRS 431.064 and 431.518 and27Section 5 of this Act will reasonably ensure the appearance of the defendantPage 8 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301for required court appearances and the safety of the public.2(b) The court shall, in determining whether there are conditions of release that3will reasonably ensure the appearance of the defendant for required court4appearances and the safety of the public, consider the following:51. Whether the offense involves violence, obstruction of public6administration under KRS Chapter 519, or interference with judicial7administration under KRS Chapter 524; and82. The history and characteristics of the defendant, including:9a. The defendant’s character, physical and mental condition,10family ties, employment, financial resources, length of residence11in the community, community ties, past conduct, history relating12to drug or alcohol abuse, criminal history, and record13concerning appearance at court proceedings;14b. Whether, at the time of the current offense or arrest, the15defendant was on probation, on parole, on supervised release, or16on other release pending trial, sentencing, appeal, or completion17of sentence for an offense under local, state, or federal law; and18c. The nature and seriousness of the danger to any person or the19community that would be posed by the defendant’s release.20(c) There shall be a rebuttable presumption that no condition or combination of21conditions of release will reasonably ensure the safety of the public if the22court finds by probable cause that the defendant committed:231. A violent or sexual offense while armed with a deadly weapon or24dangerous instrument;252. A violent or sexual offense and has previously been convicted of a26violent or sexual offense which was committed while on release27pending trial for a local, state, or federal offense;Page 9 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 83013. A violent or sexual offense while on release pending trial for a local,2state, or federal offense;34. Two (2) or more violent or sexual offenses in separate incidents that4are joined in the case before the court; or55. A violent or sexual offense in which the victim sustained a physical6injury.7(d) After considering the information outlined in paragraph (b) of this8subsection and the existence, if any, of a rebuttable presumption under9paragraph (c) of this subsection, if the court finds by clear and convincing10evidence that no condition, or combination of conditions, outlined in KRS11431.064 and 431.518 and Section 5 of this Act will reasonably ensure the12appearance of the defendant for required court appearances and the safety13of the public, the court shall order the defendant detained before trial. If the14court orders the defendant detained before trial, the court shall make15written findings of fact and a written statement for the reasons for the16detention.17 (3) (a) At the detention hearing, if the defendant:181. Poses a high risk and was detained pursuant to Section 1 of this Act;192. Poses a risk of failing to appear for required court appearances;203. Does not pose a danger to the public if released; and214. Has not been charged with a violent or sexual offense;22the court may impose money bail in addition to any conditions outlined in23KRS 431.064 and 431.518 and Section 5 of this Act for the sole purpose of24reasonably ensuring the appearance of the defendant for required court25appearances. The court shall not impose money bail to ensure the26protection or the safety of the community, to ensure that the defendant will27not obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process, or for thePage 10 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301purpose of preventing the release of the defendant. If imposed, the amount2of money bail shall be set in accordance with Section 6 of this Act.3(b) In considering whether to impose money bail under paragraph (a) of this4subsection, the court may upon its own motion, or shall upon the motion of5the Commonwealth, conduct an inquiry into the source of the property to be6designated for potential forfeiture or offered as collateral to secure a bond,7and shall decline to accept the designation or the use as collateral of8property that, because of its source, will not reasonably ensure the9appearance of the defendant at required court appearances.10 (4) At the detention hearing, the defendant shall:11(a) Have the right to be represented by counsel and, if financially unable to12obtain adequate representation, to have counsel appointed; and13(b) Be afforded an opportunity to testify. However, the defendant's testimony14shall not be admissible on the issue of guilt in any other judicial15proceedings, except:161. Proceedings under KRS 520.070 and 520.080;172. In revocation hearings;183. In perjury proceedings; and194. For the purpose of impeachment in any subsequent proceedings.20 (5) After the court has determined pursuant to this section to either detain or release21a verified and eligible defendant prior to trial, the determination may be reviewed22at any time before trial by the court either upon its own motion or upon motion of23either party if:24(a) The court finds that information exists that was not known to the movant at25the time of the determination and that has a material bearing on the issue of26whether there are conditions of release that will reasonably ensure the27appearance of the defendant for required court appearances or the safety ofPage 11 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301the public; or2(b) Based on the Commonwealth's motion, the court finds probable cause that3the defendant has failed to comply with the conditions of release. The court4may either summon the defendant to appear at a hearing or issue a warrant5for the defendant's arrest. If a defendant is arrested pursuant to this6paragraph, a detention hearing shall be held within five (5) days of arrest.7 (6) This section shall not be construed as modifying or limiting the verified and8eligible defendant's presumption of innocence.9Section 3. KRS 27A.360 is amended to read as follows:10 The court disposition level of the system shall consist of at least the following11 information as relates to bond and pretrial release:12 (1) Whether or not the defendant was released on bail or pretrial release;13 (2) If the defendant is released on money bail under Section 2 of this Act:14(a) The amount of the bail;15(b) Whether the bail was cash, property, a percentage of cash bail, secured,16unsecured, or otherwise;17(c) Whether the conditions of bail were satisfied; and18(d) Whether or not the bail was returned, forfeited, credited to the public advocate19or otherwise; and20 (3) If released on any other form of pretrial release:21(a) Whether or not released on own recognizance;22(b) Whether release was upon conditions, if so what conditions; and23(c) Whether the conditions of release were satisfied.24Section 4. KRS 222.204 is amended to read as follows:25 (1) A person who has been arrested and placed in jail prior to trial for violation of KRS26222.202 and has not had two (2) prior convictions in the previous twelve (12)27months for violation of KRS 222.202 shall be released[ as set forth by the SupremePage 12 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301Court Rule of Criminal Procedure uniform schedule of bail]:2(a) To an adult who is willing to accept responsibility for the defendant through a3signature verification on a form determined by the Administrative Office of4the Courts;5(b) If eligible for money bail under Section 2 of this Act, upon payment of[he6pays] the requisite amount of bail on a bail schedule issued by the court;7(c) At such time as he or she is able to safely care for himself or herself, but in8no event shall he or she be detained for more than eight (8) hours following9his or her arrest;10(d) If he or she is ordered released by a court of competent jurisdiction; or11(e) Unless the[such] person's release is precluded by other provisions of law.12 (2) The jail or facility authorized by county or city ordinance agreeing to care for the13person releasing the defendant shall be considered as acting in good faith and shall14not be liable for subsequent acts of the defendant upon release.15Section 5. KRS 431.520 is amended to read as follows:16 Except as provided in Sections 1 and 2 of this Act, any person charged with an offense17 shall be ordered released by a court of competent jurisdiction pending trial on his or her18 personal recognizance, and[ or upon the execution of an unsecured bail bond in an19 amount set by the court or as fixed by the Supreme Court as provided by KRS 431.540,20 unless the court determines in the exercise of its discretion that such a release will not21 reasonably assure the appearance of the person as required, or the court determines the22 person is a flight risk or a danger to others. When such a determination is made,] the23 court may[shall, either in lieu of or in addition to the above methods of release,] impose24 any of the following conditions of release:25 (1) Place the person in the custody of a designated person or organization agreeing to26supervise him or her;27 (2) Place restrictions on the travel, association, or place of abode of the person duringPage 13 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301the period of release;2 (3) For those eligible for money bail under Section 2 of this Act, require the execution3of a bail bond:4(a) With sufficient personal surety or sureties acceptable to the court; in5determining the sufficiency of such surety or sureties, the court shall consider6his or her character,[ his] place of residence,[ his] relationship with the7defendant, and[ his] financial and employment circumstances;[ or]8(b) With the ten percent (10%) deposit as provided in KRS 431.530; [provided9that if the defendant is permitted to earn credit toward bail pursuant to KRS10431.066, that credit shall be applied to the ten percent (10%) deposit; ]or11(c) With the deposit of cash equal to the amount of the bond or in lieu thereof12acceptable security as provided in KRS 431.535;13 (4) If the person's record indicates a history of controlled substance or alcohol abuse:14(a) Order the person to submit to periodic testing for use of controlled substances15or alcohol and pay a reasonable fee, not to exceed the actual cost of the test16and analysis, as determined by the court with the fee to be collected by the17circuit clerk, held in an agency account, and disbursed, on court order, solely18to the agency or agencies responsible for testing and analysis as compensation19for the cost of the testing and analysis performed under this subsection. If the20person is declared indigent, the testing fee may be waived by the court. The21Administrative Office of the Courts shall establish pilot projects to implement22the provisions of this subsection; or23(b) Order the person to use an alcohol monitoring device, as defined in KRS24431.068. All costs associated with the device, including administrative and25operating costs, shall be paid by the defendant. If the court determines that the26defendant is indigent, and a person, county, or other organization has not27agreed to pay the costs for the defendant in an attempt to reduce incarcerationPage 14 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301expenses and increase public safety, the court shall consider other conditions2of release provided for in this section;3 (5) (a) During all or part of a person's period of release pursuant to this section, order4the person to participate in a global positioning monitoring system program5operated by a county pursuant to KRS 67.372 and 67.374 under the same6terms and conditions provided under KRS 431.517.7(b) If the person is charged with a sex crime as defined in KRS 17.500, consider8requiring that he or she be monitored electronically, and shall consider9requiring the person be subject to home incarceration;10 (6) Impose any nonfinancial conditions[other condition] deemed reasonably necessary11to ensure[assure] appearance as required, including a condition requiring that the12person return to custody after specified hours;13 (7) A court authorizing the release of a person pursuant to this section shall:14(a) Issue[cause the issuance of] an appropriate order containing a statement of the15conditions imposed, if any; and[, shall cause such person to be informed]16(b) Inform the person of the penalties applicable to violations of the conditions17of his or her release[,] and[ shall cause him to be informed] that a warrant for18his or her arrest will be issued immediately upon any such violation;19 (8) A person for whom conditions of release are imposed and who after twenty-four20(24) hours from the time of the imposition of the[said] conditions continues to be21detained as a result of his or her inability to meet the conditions of release shall,22upon written application or upon the court's own motion, be entitled to have the23conditions reviewed by the court which imposed them. A person who is ordered24released on a condition which requires that he or she return to custody after25specified hours shall, upon written application or upon the court's own motion, be26entitled to a review by the court which imposed the condition; or27 (9) If at any time following release of a defendant and before he or she is required toPage 15 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301appear for trial, the court is advised of a material change in the defendant's2circumstances or that he or she has not complied with all conditions imposed upon3his or her release, the court having jurisdiction may:4(a) Order the arrest of the defendant;5(b) Enter an order requiring the defendant and[,] his or her surety or sureties to6appear and show cause why the bail bond should not be forfeited or the7conditions of the defendant's[his] release be changed; or8(c) Both.9A copy of the[said] order shall be served upon the defendant and[,] his or her10surety or sureties. If the defendant fails to appear before the court as ordered or if,11after hearing, the court finds the conditions of release have not been complied with,12the court may change the conditions imposed or forfeit the bail bond or any portion13thereof and enter a judgment for the Commonwealth against the defendant and his14or her surety or sureties for the amount of the bail bond or any portion thereof and15cost of the proceedings.16Section 6. KRS 431.525 is amended to read as follows:17 (1) For those eligible for money bail under Section 2 of this Act, the amount of the18bail shall be:19(a) Sufficient to ensure[insure] compliance with the conditions of release set by20the court;21(b) Not oppressive;22(c) Commensurate with the nature of the offense charged;23(d) Considerate of the past criminal acts and the reasonably anticipated conduct24of the defendant if released; and25(e) Considerate of the financial ability of the defendant.26 (2) When a person is eligible for money bail under Section 2 of this Act and is27charged with an offense punishable by fine only, the amount of the bail bond setPage 16 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301shall not exceed the amount of the maximum penalty and costs.2 (3) When a person is eligible for money bail under Section 2 of this Act and has been3convicted of an offense and only a fine has been imposed, the amount of the bail4shall not exceed the amount of the fine.5 (4) When a person is eligible for money bail under Section 2 of this Act and has been6charged with one (1) or more misdemeanors, the amount of the bail for all charges7shall be encompassed by a single amount of bail that shall not exceed the amount of8the fine and court costs for the one (1) highest misdemeanor charged. This9subsection shall apply only to misdemeanor offenses not involving physical injury10or sexual contact.11 (5) When a person is eligible for money bail under Section 2 of this Act and has been12convicted of a misdemeanor offense and a sentence of jail, probation, conditional13discharge, or sentence other than a fine only has been imposed, the amount of bail14for release on appeal shall not exceed double the amount of the maximum fine that15could have been imposed for the one (1) highest misdemeanor offense for which the16person was convicted. This subsection shall apply only to misdemeanors not17involving physical injury or sexual contact.18 (6) [The provisions of this section shall not apply to a defendant who is found by the19court to present a flight risk or to be a danger to others.20 (7) If a court determines that a defendant shall not be released pursuant to subsection21(6) of this section, the court shall document the reasons for denying the release in a22written order.23 (8) ]The Administrative Office of the Courts shall establish pilot projects to implement24controlled substance or alcohol abuse testing as specified under this subsection. If25the person's record indicates a history of controlled substance or alcohol abuse, the26court may order the person to submit to periodic testing for use of controlled27substances or alcohol and to pay a reasonable fee, not to exceed the actual cost ofPage 17 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301the test and analysis, as determined by the court, with the fee to be collected by the2circuit clerk, held in an agency account, and disbursed, on court order, solely to the3agency or agencies responsible for testing and analysis as compensation for the cost4of the testing and analysis performed under this subsection. If the person is declared5indigent, the testing fee may be waived by the court. If the court finds the6conditions of release have not been complied with, the court may change the7conditions imposed or forfeit the bail bond or any portion thereof and enter a8judgment for the Commonwealth against the person and his or her surety or9sureties for the amount of the bail bond or any portion thereof and the cost of the10proceedings.11Section 7. KRS 431.530 is amended to read as follows:12 (1) Any person who has been permitted to execute a bail bond in accordance with KRS13431.520(3)(b) shall deposit with the clerk of the court before which the action is14pending a sum of money equal to ten percent (10%) of the bail, but in no event shall15such deposit be less than ten dollars ($10)[ unless the defendant earned full credit16toward the applicable amount of bail pursuant to KRS 431.066, in which case the17defendant shall not be required to make a deposit with the clerk of the court].18 (2) Upon making the deposit required under subsection (1) of this section,[depositing19said sum] the defendant shall be released from custody subject to all conditions of20release imposed by the court.21 (3) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, if the conditions of release have22been performed and the defendant has been discharged from all obligations in the23action, the clerk of the court shall return to the defendant, unless the court orders24otherwise, ninety percent (90%) of the sum deposited and shall retain as bail costs25ten percent (10%) of the amount deposited; provided, however, in no event shall the26amount retained by the clerk as bail costs be less than five dollars ($5). [It is further27provided that ]The court shall order the clerk of court to pay into the publicPage 18 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301advocate special account any amount of the sum deposited by the defendant, in2excess of bail costs, which in its sound discretion represents a reasonable fee for3any public advocate legal or investigative services provided for the defendant under4KRS Chapter 31, but in no event shall the amount [so ]paid to the public advocate5special account as public advocate legal and investigative fees be less than five6dollars ($5) per case. At the request of the defendant the court may order the7amount repayable to defendant from the[such] deposit to be paid to defendant's8attorney of record.9 (4) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, if a final judgment for a fine10and court costs or either is entered in the prosecution of an action in which a deposit11has been made in accordance with subsection (1) of this section, the balance of12the[such] deposit, after deduction of bail costs and public advocate fees as provided13for in subsection (3) of this section, shall be applied to the satisfaction of the14judgment.15 (5) If the defendant has performed all conditions of release and if the defendant is16found not guilty of the offense for which bail was posted, or if all charges against17him or her relating to the offense for which bail was posted are dropped or18dismissed, then all bail money deposited by the defendant or by another person on19his or her behalf shall be returned to him or her with no deductions [therefrom ]as20provided in subsection (3) or (4) of this section.21Section 8. KRS 431.540 is amended to read as follows:22 (1) The Supreme Court may by rule or order prescribe a uniform schedule of amounts23of bail in designated nonviolent Class D felonies, misdemeanors, and violations for24defendants eligible for money bail under Section 2 of this Act.[;]25 (2)[(1)] Except as provided in subsection (3)[(2)] of this section, when the amount of26bail is fixed by the[such] rule or order of the Supreme Court for a particular27offense, the clerk of the court or other public officers [so ]authorized by the court'sPage 19 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301order shall accept cash bail in the prescribed amount or the deposit authorized by2KRS 431.530 and release the defendant to appear in accordance with the conditions3of the bail bond. A receipt shall be delivered to the defendant for the bail so taken4and within a reasonable time the[such] bail shall be deposited with the clerk of the5court having jurisdiction of the offense.6 (3)[(2)] A court may, in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, refuse to set bail in7the amount prescribed by the[such] rule or order of the Supreme Court, but, in so8doing, the court must set forth in writing its reasons for the[such] refusal.9Section 9. KRS 452.260 is amended to read as follows:10 If the defendant is in custody, the order for the change of venue shall be accompanied by11 an order for his or her removal by the sheriff or jailer of the county in which he or she is12 held, with such sufficient guard as the court directs, and for his or her delivery to the13 jailer of the county where the trial is to be held. If the defendant is under recognizance or14 bond for his or her appearance, he or she shall be ordered to appear before[, before the15 order is granted, give sufficient bail for his appearance at] the proper court[, or be16 surrendered into the custody of the proper officer].17Section 10. KRS 431.510 is amended to read as follows:18 (1) As used in this section:19(a) 1. "Bail bondsman" means any person, partnership, or corporation engaged20for profit in the business of:21a. Furnishing bail, making bonds, or entering into undertakings, as22surety, for the appearance of persons charged with any criminal23offense or violation of law or ordinance punishable by fine,24imprisonment, or death, before any of the courts of this state; or25b. Securing the payment of fines imposed and of costs assessed by26those courts upon final disposition[ thereof].272. The business of a bail bondsman is limited to the acts, transactions, andPage 20 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301undertakings described in this paragraph[ and to no other]; and2(b) "Charitable bail organization" means an organization, including but not3limited to an organization exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal4Revenue Code, that solicits or accepts donations from the public for the5purpose of:61. Furnishing bail, making bonds, or entering into undertakings, as surety,7whether through direct payment or by payment through a third party, for8the appearance of persons charged with any criminal offense or violation9of law or ordinance punishable by fine, imprisonment, or death before10any of the courts of this state; or112. Securing the payment of fines imposed and of costs assessed by any of12the courts of this state upon final disposition[ thereof].13 (2) It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the business of bail bondsman or to14otherwise for compensation or other consideration:15(a) Furnish bail or funds or property to serve as bail; or16(b) Make bonds or enter into undertakings as surety;17for the appearance of persons charged with any criminal offense or violation of law18or ordinance punishable by fine, imprisonment, or death, before any of the courts of19this state, or to secure the payment of fines imposed and of costs assessed by such20courts upon a final disposition.21 (3) It shall be unlawful for any charitable bail organization to:22(a) Furnish bail or funds or property to serve as bail in an amount of five23thousand dollars ($5,000) or more; or24(b) Make bonds or enter into undertakings as surety in an amount of five25thousand dollars ($5,000) or more;26for the appearance of persons charged with any criminal offense or violation of law27or ordinance punishable by fine or imprisonment before any of the courts of thisPage 21 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301state, or to secure the payment of fines imposed and of costs assessed by those2courts upon a final disposition.3 (4) Notwithstanding subsection (3) of this section, it shall be unlawful for any4charitable bail organization to furnish bail or funds or property to serve as bail, or to5make bonds or enter into undertakings as surety, regardless of amount, for any6person:7(a) Alleged to have committed an offense:81. Of domestic violence and abuse as defined in KRS 403.720;92. Of dating violence and abuse as defined in KRS 456.010; or103. That would classify the person as a violent offender under KRS11439.3401;12(b) Held under a civil court order or warrant issued under KRS 222.430 to13222.437; or14(c) Who has previously received bail or funds or property to serve as bail from a15charitable bail organization.16 (5) Any person who posts bail or bond on behalf of any organization under this section17shall provide [a ]photo identification.18 (6) A charitable bail organization shall maintain and annually report the following19information to the Legislative Research Commission for referral to the Interim Joint20Committee on Judiciary no later than October 31 of each year, and shall make21publicly available on the organization's website, or by publishing in a newspaper of22general circulation that complies with the requirements of KRS 424.120 if the23organization does not maintain a website:24(a) The expenditures of the organization, including a separate reporting of the25amount furnished for bail, or funds or property to serve as bail; and26(b) The number of individuals and classification of offenses for those individuals27for which any bail, or funds or property to serve as bail, has been provided.Page 22 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM JacketedUNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 8301 (7) Any bond posted by a charitable organization under this section that is ordered2forfeited as a result of the commission of a new criminal offense shall be distributed3to the victim of the new criminal offense, if a victim is identified.4 (8) Nothing contained in this section shall serve to release any bail bondsman5previously licensed by this state from the obligation of undischarged bail bond6liability existing on June 19, 1976.7 (9) KRS 431.510 to 431.550 shall not be construed to[ limit or repeal KRS 431.021 or8to] prevent licensed insurers providing security required by Subtitle 39 of KRS9Chapter 304 and nonprofit associations from posting or causing to be posted by10licensed insurers security or acting as surety for their insureds or members for an11offense arising from the operation of a motor vehicle, provided that the[such]12posting of security or acting as surety is merely incidental to the terms and13conditions of an insurance contract or a membership agreement and [provided14further ]that no separate premium or charge for that service[therefor] is required15from the insureds or members.16Section 11. The following KRS section is repealed:17 431.021 Guaranteed arrest bond certificate of surety company to be accepted in lieu of18cash bail in traffic cases.Page 23 of 23XXXX 12/18/2025 10:13 AM Jacketed
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.
History
HB 327 has taken 3 actions since Jan 12, 2026, the latest on Jan 20, 2026.
| Chamber | Action | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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