By Long-Mendez/ Kentucky New Era
Hopkins Co., KY – An Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary meeting in Hopkinsville addressed prison problems in Kentucky, state penal code revisions and legislation that has caused problems for court workers. Co-chair of the committee Representative John Tilley of Hopkinsville brought local officials to the meeting. Two western Kentucky judges raised concerns a recently passed bill amendment that raises the felony theft rate from 300 to 500 dollars creates too much paperwork for court clerks. They urged the amendment be revoked. The Kentucky New Era reports the committee discussed an Eastern Kentucky prison housing female inmates is under investigation for several sexual abuse allegations. A push for sentence reductions was also made in light of increased incarceration rates.