Kentucky voters will decide whether to clip the governor's pardon power

Kentucky voters will weigh in this November on whether a governor should keep the broad authority to issue pardons and commute sentences that the state constitution currently grants. Both chambers cleared a proposed constitutional amendment (SB10) on March 31 to change Section 77, the clause that gives the executive its clemency power.

The vote tallies weren't close. The Senate moved first, 36 to nothing on January 19. The House came back with an amended version on March 31, passing 82 to 12. The Senate concurred with the House changes the same day, 36 to 1.

Constitutional amendments in Kentucky bypass the governor's desk. With both chambers cleared, the question heads to the Secretary of State for ballot preparation. Voters will see it on November 3 alongside legislative races. A simple majority ratifies.

Sen. McDaniel filed the bill in the opening week of the 2026 session. Twelve other senators co-sponsored.