(AP) — The Kentucky House
has passed a bill that would reclassify some non-violent felony offenses as
misdemeanors in an effort to reduce corrections costs.
The measure
would create a new misdemeanor category — gross misdemeanor — that
would include some low-level offenses now classified as felonies. It would
apply to such offenses as flagrant non-support, second-degree criminal
possession of a forged instrument and second-degree forgery.
High-level
misdemeanors carry up to 12 months in jail, while Class D felony offenses
result in one to five years in prison. Supporters say the bill could save the state
about $20 million.
The bill's
lead sponsor is Democratic Rep. Brent Yonts of Greenville. The measure passed
the House on a 65-30 vote Friday and goes to the Senate.
The
legislation is House Bill 412.
