Kentucky

Chief Justice Minton honored for work on penal code reform

Gov. Steve Beshear and the Kentucky General Assembly recognized Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr. for his efforts as a member of the Task Force on the Penal Code and Controlled Substances Act as the governor signed House Bill 463 into law March 3.

HB 463 is designed to decrease the state's prison population, reduce crime and incarceration costs and increase public safety. The task force made recommendations for this landmark legislation.

Gov. Beshear acknowledged Chief Justice Minton in his remarks before signing the bill. Sen. Tom Jensen and Rep. John Tilley, who served as co-chairs for the task force, presented Chief Justice Minton with a citation from the General Assembly in recognition of his work on the task force. This is a unique honor as the General Assembly normally issues citations from the House or the Senate but not a citation from the full body.

"I'm pleased we're making progress in tackling the problems facing our penal code," Chief Justice Minton said. "With all three branches involved in this deliberative process, I'm confident the outcome will be positive for Kentucky."

CLICK ON HB 463 IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE LAW AS PASSED.