HB 70 Passes Committee!

Bright and early at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, House Bill to restore voting rights to former felons who have served their time got its first 2011 hearing in the state legislature - starting with the House Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee.

In addition to a range of powerful testimony from the usual allies (Catholic Conference, NAACP, Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney David Stengel, the Public Advocate, and Rep. Jesse Crenshaw), we found a new ally on this issue in a group of conservative citizens and Tea Party members who came out in support of HB 70. Adrienne Gilbert of Larue County testified for the bill and called on fellow conservatives, particularly in the senate, to pass HB 70. 

In debating the bill, several legislators shared personal stories indicating how much felony disenfranchisement hurts their respective communities. Representative Kevin Bratcher (R) noted that the legislature creates more "felons" nearly every year by expanding the list of offenses that are considered felonies. He voted for HB 70 and also suggested that we take a hard look at sentencing guidelines and re-think them.

HB 70 passed the committee nearly unanimously with just one "no" vote and the rest yeses.  Now the bill advances to a vote of the full House. So call your state Representative today and encourage them to vote yes. The toll-free Legislative Message Line is 800-372-7181. Or call them directly at 502-564-8100.

On February 24, we'll have our big Restoration of Voting Rights Rally and Lobby Day at the state capitol in Frankfort. Plan to come out and join us!