Persistent Felony Offender bill offers 'more just and reasonable approach'

If Kentucky were a country, it would be the world’s most incarcerated nation. Our commonwealth’s high incarceration rate has led to overcrowding and skyrocketing costs. 

To address this issue, Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, has introduced SB 225, which would reform the state’s Persistent Felony Offender (PFO) laws.

Rather than eliminating enhanced penalties for repeat offenders, Storm’s bill preserves them for violent or sex crimes, while allowing juries to make individual decisions on whether to apply PFO enhanced sentencing for other criminal acts. This reform seeks a more just and reasonable approach to sentencing, resulting in fewer trials and a better fit between crimes and their punishment.

Kentucky's current law contributes to disproportionate sentencing, with some individuals receiving life imprisonment for minor offenses. Additionally, the majority of prisoners have mental health or addiction issues that would be better addressed through rehabilitation rather than incarceration.

Kentucky spends around $700 million per year incarcerating our fellow citizens, a cost that could be reduced through more effective and fair criminal justice reform. Allowing jurors to exercise discretion in applying enhanced PFO sentencing is a good step towards achieving this goal.