Legislature finishes first week of session

With the first week of the 2023 session of the Kentucky General Assembly in the books, legislators have about a month to prepare for the remaining 26 days.

One out of the ordinary development this session was the creation of a special House committee to consider impeaching Christian County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling and 21st Judicial Circuit Commonwealth’s Attorney Ronnie Goldy, Jr.

Boling sent a letter containing false information to former Governor Matt Bevin while advocating for a pardon or commutation for convicted sex offender Dayton Jones and had an attempted murder and arson conviction against Karen Brafman overturned due to prosecutorial misconduct.

Goldy, who serves several Eastern Kentucky counties, has already been suspended by the Supreme Court from practicing law for reportedly promising favorable treatment in court to a defendant for nude images of her.

The committee could bring impeachment articles to the House Floor if they find cause and State Representative Myron Dossett of Pembroke says he’s reserving his comments on the matter for later as he reviews the process.

If the House were to impeach one or both of the prosecutors, Representative Walker Thomas says there would be a trial in the Senate to determine if they should be removed from office.

Meanwhile, State Senator Whitney Westerfield has been appointed to a new Committee on Families and Children and says it’s long overdue to hone in on child welfare issues that have plagued the commonwealth for many years.

You can hear from local legislators Sunday morning at 9 a.m. on 98.7 Lite FM as we begin our legislative update series.