LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A bill aimed at giving people a second chance is gaining traction in the state legislature, with advocates saying it could help remove barriers for those in recovery working to rebuild their lives.
What You Need to Know
Senate Bill 290 would allow certain low-level criminal records to be cleared, giving eligible Kentuckians in recovery a fresh start.
Advocates say criminal records often prevent access to jobs and housing, even after individuals have completed their sentences.
The bill includes a process for victims to object and ensures serious crimes are not eligible for expungement.
If passed, the law would take effect in 2032.
People in recovery often continue to face challenges long after serving their time.
Supporters of Senate Bill 290 say the effort is finally making progress.
“People make mistakes every day, and it’s hard when those mistakes are just stuck with you for life,” said Kati Penn, program director at Still Waters, a recovery center.
The legislation would allow certain low-level offenses to be cleared, offering individuals a path to move forward. Advocates say it’s a long-overdue step.
“We’ve been working on it for a couple of years and always getting beat down over it,” said Odell Hager, director of outreach at Still Waters. “This year, we finally got it through committee, and it’s heading to the floor for a vote, so it’s a big win.”
Hager said he has seen firsthand how criminal records create obstacles, especially when it comes to employment.
“We’re seeing barriers where people can’t get jobs because of their record,” he said. “Even though they’ve paid their dues and waited the required time, that record still follows them.”
Advocates say the impact goes beyond employment. Securing stable housing can also be difficult, which can disrupt recovery efforts.
“They get discouraged because they’re trying so hard, and a lot of the time it becomes a trigger,” Penn said. “They start to feel like they’ll never move forward, so they lose hope.”
State Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, said the bill is designed to create real opportunities for people who have made changes in their lives.
“They’ve put their past behind them and worked to become productive,” Storm said. “This should be an option available to them.”
Penn said she sees the positive impact of recovery every day.
“When we celebrate completions and see people go from clients to staff, giving back to others, it’s incredibly meaningful,” she said. “Those moments make all the challenges worth it.”
Storm added that the bill includes safeguards, allowing victims to object and ensuring serious crimes are excluded. He also noted that the state is transitioning to an electronic system, which will streamline the review of eligible cases.
If approved, the measure would take effect in 2032.
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