Bill introduced to replace Kentucky death penalty with life without parole

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KBSI) — A proposal in the Kentucky legislature could change how the state handles its most serious criminal cases.

Senate Bill 350 would eliminate the death penalty in Kentucky and replace it with mandatory life sentences without the possibility of parole or probation.

The legislation was introduced by state Senators Gerald Neal and Stephen Meredith. Supporters of the bill say the proposal is meant to reconsider the role of capital punishment in the state’s justice system.

Kentucky has not carried out an execution in nearly 20 years. Previous attempts to abolish the death penalty in the state have been introduced in past legislative sessions but have not advanced.

If passed, the bill would make life without parole the most severe punishment available under Kentucky law.

FOX23 reached out to several Kentucky officials and organizations for comment about the legislation. As of publication, responses had not yet been received.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.