Press Contact: Jeremy Cherson, Director of Communications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
(FRANKFORT, KY) — Today, lawmakers in Kentucky introduced the Safer Kentucky Act (House Bill 5). The Bail Project offered the following statement in response:
“We all deserve to be safe, but legislation like the Safer Kentucky Act cannot deliver on that promise because it doubles-down on policies fueling mass incarceration, which will only harm the poorest and most vulnerable Kentuckians. Instead of introducing legislation to provide funding for necessary preventative services that address unmet needs like unemployment, housing insecurity, mental illness and addiction – all of which are root causes of justice-system involvement – House Bill 5 contains a myriad of misguided provisions, including regulations of charitable bail organizations, which will only harm the most disadvantaged and already vulnerable Kentuckians in the state. Cash bail creates a two-tiered system of justice that benefits the rich and disadvantages those without money, upending the fundamental principle in our justice system that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. It’s for these reasons that charitable bail organizations are so crucial – they even the playing field by restoring the presumption of innocence and ensuring that everyone gets their fair shake during trial. Kentuckians broadly agree that our criminal justice system is in need of reform – the Safer Kentucky Act will not achieve that.”
Thank you for your valuable attention. The urgency and complication of the cash bail crisis requires meaningful participation to create real change – change that is only achieved through the support of readers like you. Please consider sharing this piece with your networks and donating what you can today to sustain our vital work.
