House passes bill to restore felons' voting rights

FRANKFORT, Ky. - The state House of Representatives approved a proposal that would let Kentuckians decide whether to amend the state Constitution to restore some felons' voting rights.

House Bill 70 , sponsored by Democratic Rep. Jesse Crenshaw of Lexington, passed Thursday.

Most felons would be eligible to vote after they have served their sentences or completed probation or parole. It would not apply to those convicted of treason, intentional killing, sex crimes or bribery.

An amendment to the bill by Rep. Brad Montell, a Shelbyville Republican, requires a person who is eligible to have his or her voting rights restored to sign a pledge to follow conscience in casting votes "without fear or favor of any person." The pledge would be submitted to the secretary of state.