© 2024 WUKY
background_fid.jpg
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Paul To Push Felon Voting Rights Bill In Frankfort

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul will appear before a state Senate committee on Wednesday in support of restoring voting rights for some felons.

The proposal,  which would involve amending Kentucky's Constitution, has won House approval and is being considered by the State and Local Government Committee. Paul's office said Republican Joe Bowen, the committee chairman, invited Paul to testify.

Paul, a potential GOP presidential candidate in 2016, has urged passage of the measure, saying voting rights are "sacred."

If approved, the measure would go on Kentucky's November ballot. Voters would decide whether to amend the state constitution to automatically restore voting rights for some felons who completed their sentences and terms of probation.

Felons now can have their right to vote restored in Kentucky by petitioning the governor.