Steve Beshear on Crime Democrat

Grant voting rights to ex-felons who completed sentences

But the policies have been controversial and provoked a partisan divide. Last December, newly elected Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin (R) reversed an executive order by his Democratic predecessor to grant voting rights to ex-felons in the state once they had completed their sentences. Governor Bevin framed his opposition to the executive order signed by then-Gov. Steve Beshear (D) on procedural rather than ideological terms. "While I have been a vocal supporter of the restoration of rights, for example, it is an issue that must be addressed through the legislature and by the will of the people," he said in a statement.

Restore right to vote to most nonviolent felons

Bevin suspended Beshear's Nov. 24 executive order that automatically restored the right to vote to most nonviolent felons who have served out their sentences--a pool that potentially included many tens of thousands of Kentuckians.

"While I have been a vocal supporter of the restoration of rights," Bevin said in a prepared statement, "it is an issue that must be addressed through the legislature and by the will of the people." Restoration of civil rights includes the right to vote, to serve on a jury, to hold elected office and to obtain a professional or vocational license.

Require DNA samples from all criminal parolees

"DNA sample" means a blood or swab specimen from a person, that shall be submitted to the Department of Kentucky State Police forensic laboratory for law enforcement identification purposes and inclusion in law enforcement identification databases.

Legislative outcome: Bill passed Senate April 15, 37-1-0; passed House March 19, 51-42-7; Signed by Governor Steve Beshear, April 24

Impose “truth in sentencing” for violent criminals

Beshear supports the following principles concerning crime:
• Impose “truth in sentencing” for violent criminals so they serve full sentences with no chance of parole.
• Expand funding for community policing programs.
• Support the use of “boot camps” as alternative sentencing for adult first-time felons.
• Deport all permanent resident aliens convicted of a felony.

Limit death penalty appeals; impose it for drug traffickers

Beshear supports the following principles concerning crime:
• Limit the number of appeals allowed to inmates on death row.
• Prosecute youths accused of murder as adults.
• Impose capital punishment for convicted international drug traffickers.