Restoring Civil Rights After a Felony in Kentucky

How Kentucky law treats restoring rights after a felony, from the state code and official state agencies.

Short answer: In Kentucky, restoring civil rights is a partial pardon by the Governor. Under Executive Order 2019-003, the Department of Corrections reviews people at final discharge and, if eligible, issues a Notice of Restoration of the right to vote and to hold public office. Executive Order 2019-003; KRS 196.045; Kentucky Civil Rights Restoration FAQ; Department of Corrections Restoration of Civil Rights page

Restoring rights after a felony	In Kentucky, restoring civil rights is a partial pardon by the Governor. Under Executive Order 2019-003, the Department of Corrections reviews people at final discharge and, if eligible, issues a Notice of Restoration of the right to vote and to hold public office. This automatic restoration does not include the right to serve on a jury, obtain certain professional licenses, or possess a firearm. People who do not qualify (for example, violent offenses or federal and out-of-state convictions) may apply to the Governor for restoration of civil rights under KRS 196.045, through the Department of Corrections or any Probation and Parole office. A full pardon is a separate process. KRS 196.045 cited as named on the official FAQ; the statute itself was not read. Source: Executive Order 2019-003; KRS 196.045; Kentucky Civil Rights Restoration FAQ; Department of Corrections Restoration of Civil Rights page

Restoring rights after a felony

In Kentucky, restoring civil rights is a partial pardon by the Governor. Under Executive Order 2019-003, the Department of Corrections reviews people at final discharge and, if eligible, issues a Notice of Restoration of the right to vote and to hold public office. This automatic restoration does not include the right to serve on a jury, obtain certain professional licenses, or possess a firearm. People who do not qualify (for example, violent offenses or federal and out-of-state convictions) may apply to the Governor for restoration of civil rights under KRS 196.045, through the Department of Corrections or any Probation and Parole office. A full pardon is a separate process.

KRS 196.045 cited as named on the official FAQ; the statute itself was not read.

Source: Executive Order 2019-003; KRS 196.045; Kentucky Civil Rights Restoration FAQ; Department of Corrections Restoration of Civil Rights page

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FAQ

How do you restore your rights after a felony in Kentucky?

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.