How SB 20 changes current law

Compared against the Kentucky Revised Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill expands the criteria for how children charged with felonies are treated in the court system, particularly regarding the treatment of those who turn eighteen and the inclusion of all offenses from the same conduct in proceedings.

• KRS 635.020(4)(a)

  charged with a felony in which a firearm, whether functional or not, was used by the child in the commission of the offense → charged with a felony had attained the age of fourteen (14) years at the time of the commission of the alleged offense in which a firearm, whether functional or not, was used by the child in the commission of the offense

  This change clarifies the circumstances under which the youthful offender provisions apply, specifying that age is considered at the time of the offense.

• KRS 635.020(7)

  If a person who is eighteen (18) or older and before the court is charged with a felony that occurred prior to his or her eighteenth birthday, the court shall, upon motion of the county attorney made prior to adjudication, and after the county attorney has consulted with the Commonwealth's attorney, that the child be proceeded against as a youthful offender, proceed in accordance with the provisions of KRS 640.010.

  This addition allows courts to treat individuals who are charged with felonies committed when they were under eighteen as youthful offenders, even after turning eighteen.

• KRS 635.020(8)

  All offenses arising out of the same course of conduct shall be tried with the felony arising from that course of conduct, whether the charges are adjudicated under this chapter or under KRS Chapter 640 and transferred to Circuit Court.

  This provision mandates that all related offenses be tried together, ensuring comprehensive legal treatment for all charges connected to a single incident.