Kentucky 2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 2 R · 1 D cosponsors

HB 529 — AN ACT relating to the Parole Board and declaring an emergency.

Last action — signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 46)

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed House
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 30, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Andy Beshear (Democratic) on April 07, 2026.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

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A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 92% · high confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 3 sponsors

    3 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (2 R · 1 D) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 2 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Summary

Amend KRS 439.320 to establish a term of 4 years for members of the Parole Board; allow the Governor to extend a term not more than 1 year if the expiration of the term causes more than 2 terms to expire in the same calendar year; allow the board to utilize panels of 2 or more members for parole and final parole revocation hearings; amend KRS 439.340 to change the time for parole review eligibility to 180 or more days to serve.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

192 added · 262 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent amendment to HB 529 clarifies the structure and appointment process of the Parole Board by specifying that board members must have at least five years of relevant experience or prior service on the board. It also ensures that political diversity is maintained by limiting the number of members from the same political party to six. These changes are important because they aim to create a more qualified and balanced Parole Board, which can lead to fairer and more informed decisions regarding parole.

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UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 529/GA AN ACT relating to the Parole Board and declaring an emergency.
CHAPTER 46 1 CHAPTER 46 ( HB 529 ) AN ACT relating to the Parole Board and declaring an emergency.
(b) The members of the board shall serve for staggered terms of four (4) years and until their successors are appointed and have qualified, so that no more Page 1 of 9 HB052910.100 - 1856 - XXXX 2/18/2026 2:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 529/GA than three (3) terms shall expire in a given year[The members of the board shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor, but for no more than four (4) years without reappointment].
(b) The members of the board shall serve for staggered terms of four (4) years and until their successors are appointed and have qualified, so that no more than three (3) terms shall expire in a given year[The members of the board shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor, but for no more than four (4) years without reappointment].
Upon removal, the Governor shall file in the office of the Secretary of State a complete statement of all charges made against Page 2 of 9 HB052910.100 - 1856 - XXXX 2/18/2026 2:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 529/GA the member and the findings upon the charges[thereupon] with a record of the proceedings.
Upon removal, the Governor shall file in the office of the Secretary of State a complete statement of all Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY charges made against the member and the findings upon the charges[thereupon] with a record of the proceedings.
It shall be the duty of The department of Corrections to] supplement this report with any material the board may request, and submit the report to the board.
It shall be the duty of the Department of Corrections to] supplement this report with any material the board may request, and submit the report to the board.
The board in its discretion may request the parole board of another Page 3 of 9 HB052910.100 - 1856 - XXXX 2/18/2026 2:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 529/GA state confining prisoners pursuant to KRS 196.610 to interview eligible prisoners and make a parole recommendation to the board.
The board in its discretion may request the parole board of another state confining prisoners pursuant to KRS 196.610 to interview eligible prisoners and make a parole recommendation to the board.
A prisoner shall be placed on parole only when arrangements have been made for his or her proper employment or for his or her maintenance and care, and when the board believes he or she is able and willing to fulfill the obligations of a law- abiding[law abiding] citizen.
A prisoner shall be placed on parole only when arrangements have been made for his or her proper employment or for his or her maintenance and care, and when the board believes he or she is able and willing to fulfill the obligations of a law-abiding[law abiding] citizen.
(b) Except as provided in this section, the board shall promulgate[adopt] administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A with respect to the eligibility of prisoners for parole, the conduct of parole and parole revocation hearings and all other matters that come before it, or conditions to Page 4 of 9 HB052910.100 - 1856 - XXXX 2/18/2026 2:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 529/GA be imposed upon parolees.
(b) Except as provided in this section, the board shall promulgate[adopt] administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A with respect to the eligibility of prisoners for parole, the conduct of parole and parole revocation hearings and all other matters that come before it, or conditions to be imposed upon parolees.
(5) (a) In addition to or in conjunction with each hearing conducted under subsection (2) of this section for any prisoner convicted of a Class A, B, or C felony or a Class D felony included within the definition of "sex crime" in KRS 17.500 and prior to the granting of a parole to any such prisoner, the[ Parole] board shall conduct a hearing of which the following persons shall receive not less than forty-five (45) nor more than ninety (90) days' notice:
(5) (a) In addition to or in conjunction with each hearing conducted under subsection (2) of this section for any prisoner convicted of a Class A, B, or C felony or a Class D felony included within the definition of "sex crime" in KRS 17.500 and prior to the granting of a parole to any such prisoner, the[ Parole] board CHAPTER 46 3 shall conduct a hearing of which the following persons shall receive not less than forty-five (45) nor more than ninety (90) days' notice:
(b) Notice to the Commonwealth's attorney shall be by mail, fax, or electronic Page 5 of 9 HB052910.100 - 1856 - XXXX 2/18/2026 2:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 529/GA means at the discretion of the board, and shall be in a manner that ensures receipt at the Commonwealth's attorney's business office.
(b) Notice to the Commonwealth's attorney shall be by mail, fax, or electronic means at the discretion of the board, and shall be in a manner that ensures receipt at the Commonwealth's attorney's business office.
(d) Notice to the victim or the next of kin of subsequent considerations for parole after the initial consideration shall not be sent if the victim or the next of kin Page 6 of 9 HB052910.100 - 1856 - XXXX 2/18/2026 2:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 529/GA gives notice to the board that he or she no longer wants to receive the[such] notices.
(d) Notice to the victim or the next of kin of subsequent considerations for parole after the initial consideration shall not be sent if the victim or the next of kin gives notice to the board that he or she no longer wants to receive the[such] notices.
(7) Victims of Class D felonies not included within the definition of "sex crime" in Page 7 of 9 HB052910.100 - 1856 - XXXX 2/18/2026 2:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 529/GA KRS 17.500 may submit comments in person or in writing to the board upon all issues relating to the parole of a prisoner.
(7) Victims of Class D felonies not included within the definition of "sex crime" in KRS 17.500 may submit comments in person or in writing to the board upon all issues relating to the parole of a prisoner.
(8) Any hearing provided for in subsections (5), (6), and (7) of this section shall be open to the public unless the persons having a right to appear before the board as specified in those subsections request closure of hearing for reasons of personal safety, in which event the hearing shall be closed.
(8) Any hearing provided for in subsections (5), (6), and (7) of this section shall be open to the public unless the persons having a right to appear before the board as specified in those subsections request closure of hearing Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY for reasons of personal safety, in which event the hearing shall be closed.
(13) When the board grants parole contingent upon completion of a program, the commissioner, or his or her designee, shall determine the most appropriate placement in a program operated by the department or a residential or Page 8 of 9 HB052910.100 - 1856 - XXXX 2/18/2026 2:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 529/GA nonresidential program within the community approved by the department.
(13) When the board grants parole contingent upon completion of a program, the commissioner, or his or her designee, shall determine the most appropriate placement in a program operated by the department or a residential or nonresidential program within the community approved by the department.
Page 9 of 9 HB052910.100 - 1856 - XXXX 2/18/2026 2:51 PM GA
Signed by Governor April 7, 2026.
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Action History

  1. signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 46)

  2. delivered to Governor

  3. enrolled, signed by President of the Senate

  4. enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House

  5. received in House

  6. 3rd reading, passed 38-0

  7. passed over and retained in the Consent Orders of the Day

  8. posted for passage in the Consent Orders of the Day for Tuesday, March 24 2026

  9. 2nd reading, to Rules as a consent bill

  10. reported favorably, 1st reading, to Consent Calendar

  11. to Judiciary (S)

  12. to Committee on Committees (S)

  13. received in Senate

  14. 3rd reading, passed 99-0 with Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendment (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)

  15. floor amendment (1) filed to Committee Substitute

  16. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, February 13 2026

  17. 2nd reading, to Rules

  18. reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)

  19. to Judiciary (H)

  20. to Committee on Committees (H)

  21. introduced in House

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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3 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 135 not signed on

Sponsors (3)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (135)

135 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 135 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

CONSENT PASSAGE OF HB 529

Passed 38 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 5000
Republican 33000
Total 38000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (38)
Member Party Vote
Cassie Chambers Armstrong Democrat Yea
Gary Clemons Democrat Yea
Gerald A. Neal Democrat Yea
Karen Berg Democrat Yea
Keturah J. Herron Democrat Yea
Aaron Reed Republican Yea
Amanda Mays Bledsoe Republican Yea
Brandon J. Storm Republican Yea
Christian McDaniel Republican Yea
Craig Richardson Republican Yea
Danny Carroll Republican Yea
David P. Givens Republican Yea
Donald Douglas Republican Yea
Gary Boswell Republican Yea
Greg Elkins Republican Yea
Jared Carpenter Republican Yea
Jason Howell Republican Yea
Jason Nemes Republican Yea
Jimmy Higdon Republican Yea
Julie Raque Adams Republican Yea
Lindsey Tichenor Republican Yea
Matt Nunn Republican Yea
Matthew Deneen Republican Yea
Max Wise Republican Yea
Michael Meredith Republican Yea
Nick Wilson Republican Yea
Phillip Wheeler Republican Yea
Rick Girdler Republican Yea
Robby Mills Republican Yea
Robert Stivers Republican Yea
Robin L. Webb Republican Yea
Scott Madon Republican Yea
Shelley Funke Frommeyer Republican Yea
Stephen West Republican Yea
Steve Rawlings Republican Yea
Tom Smith Republican Yea
Wade Williams Republican Yea
Walker Thomas Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Pass

Passed 99 Yea · 0 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 19001
Republican 79000
Unaffiliated 1000
Total 99001
% of votes cast 99%0%0%1%
How each member voted (100)
Member Party Vote
Lewis C — Yea
Adam Moore Democrat Yea
Adrielle Camuel Democrat Yea
Al Gentry Democrat Yea
Anne Gay Donworth Democrat Yea
Ashley Tackett Laferty Democrat Yea
Beverly Chester-Burton Democrat Yea
Chad Aull Democrat Yea
Daniel Grossberg Democrat Yea
Erika Hancock Democrat Yea
George Brown Jr. Democrat Yea
Joshua Watkins Democrat Yea
Lindsey Burke Democrat Yea
Lisa Willner Democrat Yea
Mary Lou Marzian Democrat Yea
Matthew Lehman Democrat Yea
Nima Kulkarni Democrat Yea
Pamela Stevenson Democrat Not Voting
Rachel Roarx Democrat Yea
Sarah Stalker Democrat Yea
Tina Bojanowski Democrat Yea
Aaron Thompson Republican Yea
Adam Bowling Republican Yea
Amy Neighbors Republican Yea
Bill Wesley Republican Yea
Bobby McCool Republican Yea
Candy Massaroni Republican Yea
Chris Freeland Republican Yea
Chris Fugate Republican Yea
DJ Johnson Republican Yea
Daniel Elliott Republican Yea
Daniel Fister Republican Yea
David Hale Republican Yea
David Meade Republican Yea
David W. Osborne Republican Yea
Deanna Gordon Republican Yea
Derek Lewis Republican Yea
Emily Callaway Republican Yea
Felicia Rabourn Republican Yea
J.T. Payne Republican Yea
James Tipton Republican Yea
Jared Bauman Republican Yea
Jason Nemes Republican Yea
Jason Petrie Republican Yea
Jennifer Decker Republican Yea
Jim Gooch Jr. Republican Yea
John Blanton Republican Yea
John Hodgson Republican Yea
Josh Branscum Republican Yea
Josh Bray Republican Yea
Josh Calloway Republican Yea
Ken Fleming Republican Yea
Ken Upchurch Republican Yea
Kevin Jackson Republican Yea
Kim Banta Republican Yea
Kim Holloway Republican Yea
Kim King Republican Yea
Kimberly Poore Moser Republican Yea
Marianne Proctor Republican Yea
Mark Hart Republican Yea
Mary Beth Imes Republican Yea
Matt Lockett Republican Yea
Matthew Koch Republican Yea
Michael Meredith Republican Yea
Michael Sarge Pollock Republican Yea
Mike Clines Republican Yea
Mitch Whitaker Republican Yea
Myron Dossett Republican Yea
Nancy Tate Republican Yea
Nick Wilson Republican Yea
Patrick Flannery Republican Yea
Peyton Griffee Republican Yea
Randy Bridges Republican Yea
Rebecca Raymer Republican Yea
Richard White Republican Yea
Robert Duvall Republican Yea
Ryan Bivens Republican Yea
Ryan Dotson Republican Yea
Samara Heavrin Republican Yea
Savannah Maddox Republican Yea
Scott Lewis Republican Yea
Scott Sharp Republican Yea
Shane Baker Republican Yea
Shawn McPherson Republican Yea
Stephanie Dietz Republican Yea
Steve Bratcher Republican Yea
Steve Riley Republican Yea
Steven Doan Republican Yea
Steven Rudy Republican Yea
Susan Witten Republican Yea
Suzanne Miles Republican Yea
T.J. Roberts Republican Yea
Thomas Huff Republican Yea
Timmy Truett Republican Yea
Tom Smith Republican Yea
Tony Hampton Republican Yea
Vanessa Grossl Republican Yea
Wade Williams Republican Yea
Walker Thomas Republican Yea
William Lawrence Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

public-safety
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

What does HB 529 do?
Amend KRS 439.320 to establish a term of 4 years for members of the Parole Board; allow the Governor to extend a term not more than 1 year if the expiration of the term causes more than 2 terms to expire in the same calendar year; allow the board to utilize panels of 2 or more members for parole and final parole revocation hearings; amend KRS 439.340 to change the time for parole review eligibility to 180 or more days to serve.
Who sponsors HB 529?
HB 529 is sponsored by George Brown Jr. (Democrat), Jason Nemes (Republican), and Daniel Elliott (Republican).
What is the current status of HB 529?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 30, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track HB 529?
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