By a vote of 33 to four, the Kentucky Senate has passed legislation that seeks to limit the time a governor can issue a pardon or commutation. The measure comes following reaction to the high number of pardons issued by Former Governor Matt Bevin.
Northern Kentucky Senator Chris McDaniel explained the constitutional amendment on the Senate floor Wednesday. “A governor serves for 1,461 days and under this amendment will still be able to issue pardons for 1,401 days. But what this amendment does is it makes sure that if a governor believes in a pardon strongly enough, he or she or their party can stand before the voters to decide the voters’ opinions of those actions,” said McDaniel.
Grayson Senator Robin Webb voted against the measure, saying the change could prevent last minute stays of death row inmates, if new evidence emerges. If approved in the House, the amendment would go before voters asking them to prohibit pardons or commutations 30 days before a gubernatorial election and ending at the gubernatorial inauguration.
While casting a yes vote, Senate Minority Floor Leader Morgan McGarvey expressed concern about changing the state constitution. “But, if we’re worried about political corruption being involved in pardons, then let’s prohibit people donating to a governor from having their family members be allowed to be pardoned. Let’s look at the statutory and other types of remedies we have, rather than just go to this measure,” said McGarvey.
McDaniel read news headlines to fellow senators regarding last minute pardons issued by former Governor Matt Bevin. McDaniel said the amendment does not do away with the power to pardon, but brings more accountability to voters into that process. Northern Kentucky Senator Wil Shroder said this legislation is not specifically focusing on former Governor Bevin alone.
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