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Capitol Chat: a closer look at some proposed constitutional amendments

WUKY | By Alan Lytle

Published March 4, 2025 at 5:33 AM EST

Republican Senator Chris McDaniel is sponsoring legislation that would put new curbs on the pardoning power of the governor.

This week on Capitol Chat Laura Cullen Glasscock, editor and publisher of the Frankfort-based Kentucky Gazette highlights bills currently making their way through the legislature that would require a constitutional amendment. One deals with curbing the governor's power to issue pardons, another involves the elimination of "slavery or indentured servitude" as legal punishments for crimes. They also discuss updating the verbiage for elected office oath takers. If you've ever witnessed a public swearing in ceremony in Kentucky you already know what we're talking about.

Info on Senate Bill 126:
https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25rs/sb126.html

Info on Senate Bill 67:
https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25rs/sb67.html

Info on House Bill 121
https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25rs/hb121.html

25RS HB 121 - Legislative Research Commission
Last Action: 02/04/25: to Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H) Title: AN ACT proposing an amendment to Section 25 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime.
apps.legislature.ky.gov

Info on Senate Bill 163:

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25rs/sb163.html

25RS SB 163 - Legislative Research Commission
Last Action: 02/18/25: to State & Local Government (S) Title: AN ACT proposing an amendment to Section 25 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to slavery and involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime.
apps.legislature.ky.gov

A little more about Kentucky's "Dueling Clause"

https://www.sos.ky.gov/land/resources/articles/Documents/CodeDuello.pdf

Kentucky and the Code Duello
Kentucky and the Code Duello In Kentucky dueling remains a serious matter. In Section 228 of the state’s constitution there remains a link with Kentucky’s violent past.
www.sos.ky.gov