LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A new bill aimed at tackling recidivism in Kentucky’s prison system has passed a key committee vote, with state lawmakers pushing for increased data collection on inmates.
Rep. Jared Bauman (R-Louisville) is championing House Bill 136, which seeks to gather detailed information on individuals incarcerated in Kentucky prisons. Bauman, who co-sponsored the bill, believes that a deeper understanding of inmates’ backgrounds and circumstances can help the state reduce the number of repeat offenders returning to jail.
The proposed legislation would require the Kentucky Department of Corrections (DOC) to report a range of data, including the length of time a first-time offender spends in jail, their educational history, and whether they have any gang affiliations. Additionally, the bill would mandate the collection of information regarding parole conditions, such as whether an individual was required to seek mental health care after being released from jail.
Bauman argues that collecting this data is crucial for creating more effective programs to break the cycle of reoffending. By analyzing the root causes of criminal behavior, he believes the state can better allocate resources to help inmates reintegrate into society and reduce the likelihood of them committing new offenses.
“I think this bill is an important step in understanding how to prevent repeat offenders from returning to our prison system,” Bauman said after the committee vote.
House Bill 136, which has garnered bipartisan support, still faces several hurdles before it can become law. The legislation will need to pass both the House and Senate before it can be sent to Gov. Andy Beshear’s desk for approval.
Rep. John Hogsdon (R-Louisville) and Rep. Chris Lewis (R-Louisville) also co-sponsored the bill, highlighting the growing concern among lawmakers about the challenges of reducing recidivism in Kentucky.
As of now, the bill’s passage through the committee is seen as a positive step toward implementing reforms that could reshape how the state approaches its criminal justice system and reduce the number of individuals who end up back behind bars.
