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FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Smart on Crime Coalition released the following statement on Monday after the Kentucky House of Representatives passed both expungement and probation compliance credit measures without opposition. The bills now move on to the State Senate.

“The Kentucky Smart on Crime Coalition applauds the House of Representatives for passing HB327 and HB284,” said Kate Shanks, Vice President of Public Affairs for the Kentucky Chamber on behalf of the Kentucky Smart on Crime Coalition.

“HB327, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Bratcher, is a sensible measure that improves our Commonwealth’s expungement statutes by removing barriers to work. Our broad-based coalition is pleased with the steady progress legislators are making each year on the expungement issue.

We’re equally heartened to see Rep. Derek Lewis’s probation compliance credit bill, HB284, clear the House. This legislation would finally align incentives for probation to match those of parole. This will encourage treatment of substance use disorder and support work opportunities in order to reduce recidivism.

Our coalition encourages the Senate to pass these meaningful bills without delay to make our Commonwealth safer and our workforce stronger.”

About Kentucky Smart on Crime:

Kentucky Smart on Crime, a broad-based coalition working for common-sense justice reforms that enhance public safety, strengthen communities, and promote cost effective sentencing alternatives. Partner organizations include American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions, Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, Kentucky Council of Churches, Catholic Conference of Kentucky, Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs, Inc. and Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Kentucky Youth Advocates. For more information, visit: kysmartoncrime.com or @kysmartoncrime on Twitter.