Kentucky SB10: AN ACT proposing to amend Section 77 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to limiting the Governor's ability to grant pardons and commute sentences.

What the bill says

An act proposing to amend Sections 77 and 240 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to limiting the Governor's ability to grant pardons and commute sentences.

From the introduced text:

AN ACT proposing to amend Sections 77 and 240 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to limiting the Governor's ability to grant pardons and commute sentences. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: Section 1. Are you in favor of limiting a Governor's ability to grant pardons or commute sentences by prohibiting him or her from granting pardons or commuting sentences during the time period beginning 60 days prior to the general election at which the Governor is elected, and ending when the Governor is sworn in for that term by amending the Constitution of Kentucky as stated below? Section 2. It is proposed that Section 77 of the Constitution of Kentucky be amended to read as follows: (1) The Governor[He] shall have power and[,] (b) Commute sentences and[,] grant reprieves and pardons, or[,] 2. For the period beginning sixty days prior to the date of the gubernatorial election and ending the fifth Tuesday succeeding the election. (2) The Governor[ and he] shall file with each application therefor a statement of the reasons for his or her decision thereon, which application and statement shall always be open to public inspection. (3) In cases of treason, the Governor[he] shall have power to grant reprieves until the end of the next session of the General Assembly, in …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Christian McDaniel (R, SD-023) · primary sponsor
• Gary Boswell (R, SD-008)
• Danny Carroll (R, SD-002)
• Matthew Deneen (R, SD-010)
• Donald Douglas (R, SD-022)
• Greg Elkins (R, SD-028)
• Shelley Funke Frommeyer (R, SD-024)
• Robert Mills (R, SD-004)
• Matt Nunn (R, SD-017)
• Steve Rawlings (R, SD-011)
• Craig Richardson (R, SD-003)
• Mike Wilson (R, SD-032)

Latest actions

1. April 1, 2026: delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 12)
2. April 1, 2026: enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
3. April 1, 2026: enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
4. April 1, 2026: passed 36-1
5. April 1, 2026: Senate concurred in Floor Amendment (1) and Floor Amendment (2-title)
6. April 1, 2026: posted for passage for concurrence in House Floor Amendment (1) and Floor Amendment (2-title)
7. April 1, 2026: to Rules (S)
8. April 1, 2026: received in Senate
9. April 1, 2026: 3rd reading, passed 82-12 with Floor Amendment (1) and Floor Amendment (2-title)
10. April 1, 2026: floor amendment (1) adopted

Votes

• Senate: FINAL PASSAGE OF SB 10 w/ HFA 1, HFA 2 (T) (HFA 1) RSN# 4129 (April 1, 2026): 36 yea, 1 nay, passed
• House: Pass RCS# 429 (April 1, 2026): 82 yea, 12 nay, passed
• Senate: PASS SB 10 RSN# 3763 (January 20, 2026): 36 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB10?

SB10 is a bill in the Kentucky Legislature (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT proposing to amend Section 77 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to limiting the Governor's ability to grant pardons and commute sentences.

What does SB10 do?

In its own words: An act proposing to amend Sections 77 and 240 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to limiting the Governor's ability to grant pardons and commute sentences.

What is the status of SB10?

Passed both chambers as of April 1, 2026. Latest action: delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 12) (April 1, 2026).

Who sponsored SB10?

Christian McDaniel (R, SD-023), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB10?

On the Kentucky Legislature website: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26rs/sb10.html