The Political Bridge

Attorney General Conway Files Motion With U.S. Supreme Court Asking For Stay of KY Sex Offender Residency Ruling

Office of the Attorney General
 

Press Release Date:	Thursday, November 05, 2009
Contact Information:	Allison Gardner Martin Communications Director 502-696-5651 (office)

 

Attorney General Jack Conway today filed a motion with the United States Supreme Court asking it to stay the recent ruling by the Kentucky Supreme Court that lifts the residency restrictions for all registered sex offenders who committed their crimes before July 12, 2006 – meaning more than 5,500 sex offenders could live next to schools and daycares. 

General Conway and his Office of Criminal Appeals are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to stay the state ruling until it decides whether or not to review Kentucky’s case.  The Office of the Attorney General has until December 30, 2009 to file a certiorari motion with the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Attorney General Conway will file the certiorari motion because Kentucky’s law is similar to laws in several other states that have had conflicting rulings by state courts.  He also has the statutory obligation to defend laws passed by the Kentucky General Assembly.

“I understand there are constitutional questions regarding retroactivity, but there are also public safety implications for families in keeping sex offenders away from where children congregate.  Only the U.S. Supreme Court can weigh these issues and provide guidance to states,” said Attorney General Conway. 

Attorney General Conway’s Office of Criminal Appeals filed a motion on October 21, 2009 with the Kentucky Supreme Court requesting that it suspend implementation of the ruling until the U.S. Supreme Court determines whether or not it will review the Kentucky case.  The Kentucky Supreme Court denied the motion.

A link to the Office of the Attorney General’s motion for a U.S. Supreme Court stay is below.

Baker App for Stay

 

Kentucky Governor Beshear Announces $12.8 Million in Federal Stimulus Awards for Criminal Justice Programs

Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office

Press Release Date:  Wednesday, October 28, 2009  

Contact Information:     

Jay Blanton
Jill Midkiff
502-564-2611  

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear today announced the award of 87 federal stimulus Justice Assistance Grants totaling $12.8 million.  The grants, funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, are estimated to create or preserve 87 jobs, and will be used to support new and continuing public safety and justice programs, including enforcement, victims’ services, substance abuse prevention, and offender intervention.

Awards totaling an additional $2.1 million will be announced at a future date.

Attending a post-awards conference to congratulate the recipients, Beshear said the receiving agencies “represent some of the state’s most creative criminal justice programs and most deserving communities.

“These funds will now enable the recognized programs to hire new employees, provide services, and purchase vital equipment and supplies that would otherwise be impossible in the present economic situation,” he said.

Beshear added that the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet will administer these awards to state and local governments and not-for-profit agencies across the Commonwealth.  The one-time funds represent the largest portion of the state’s public safety stimulus dollars, and are part of the “Kentucky at Work” initiative announced by the governor in February 2009.

Applications were accepted in two categories: Restricted (total proposed project cost under $25,000), or Unrestricted (total proposed project cost greater than $25,000).  The largest award, $1,955,516, went to the Department of Corrections for surveillance cameras to prevent criminal activity and promote safety in Kentucky’s prisons.  Awards were based on numerous factors, including score, geographic and programmatic distribution, and Cabinet policy priorities (e.g., substance abuse).   Award periods are generally for one year, and are subject to intensive reporting requirements.

Download a list of awards.

Award announcements for Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) stimulus funds will be released at a future date.

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