The General Assembly paused Thursday to honor former state senator and civil rights activist Georgia Davis Powers, whose body lay in state in the Capitol Rotunda. But the memorial service didn’t prevent the two chambers from passing a couple of bills that they’ve previously passed but failed to secure approval from the other chamber. The Democratic House passed House Bill 70 that would place a proposed constitutional amendment before voters that, if approved, would automatically restore the voting rights of ex-felons convicted of non-violent, non-sexual crimes after completion of their sentences. It was an issue which two years ago brought Powers to the Capitol where she urged lawmakers to pass the measure, then sponsored by Lexington attorney and state Rep. Jesse Crenshaw who has since retired from the General Assembly.
This time Rep. Darryl Owens, D-Louisville, sponsored the bill and he invoked the life and memory of Powers while arguing for the measure’s passage.
Rep. George Brown, D-Lexington, who now holds Crenshaw’s seat, said, “It is time to let people vote and give ex-offenders an opportunity to rejoin society.”
The measure has easily passed the Democratic controlled House in the past, with wide bi-partisan support, but died in the Republican controlled Senate. Supporters are hopeful it may fare better there this year because newly elected Republican Gov. Matt Bevin supports the idea.
Full Article: House passes felon voting restoration bill | News | dailyindependent.com.
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