LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Kentucky House passed Senate Bill 251 on Tuesday, legislation that would fundamentally change how the state implements execution procedures by allowing the Department of Corrections to bypass the formal administrative regulations process.

The measure, sponsored by Sen. Stephen West, R-Paris, and presented on the House floor by Rep. John Hodgson, R-Fisherville, passed 68-23. Hodgson said the bill does not alter Kentucky's death penalty law but rather aligns the state's process with other states by allowing the Kentucky Department of Corrections to establish execution protocols through internal policies and memoranda.

"No other state mandates that its execution procedures be tied to a formal, regulatory framework in quite the same way," Hodgson said, calling the current process "very unique." He argued the existing system has led to prolonged legal challenges and delays in carrying out sentences, stating that SB 251 is "about ensuring that justice is not endlessly postponed."

The legislation comes as Kentucky has not executed anyone since 2008, despite more than 20 inmates remaining on death row. Supporters say the streamlined process could facilitate carrying out sentences that have been delayed by legal challenges to the state's execution protocols.

Several lawmakers voiced moral concerns during the debate. Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, D-Louisville, cited worries about wrongful convictions. Rep. James Tipton, R-Taylorsville, expressed opposition to the death penalty on religious grounds but filed an amendment to increase transparency. The House adopted his amendment, which requires the Department of Corrections to publish any execution protocols on its website.

House Majority Whip Jason Nemes, R-Middletown, confirmed the bill does not change defendants' rights to legally challenge execution protocols in court. He said he opposes the death penalty but supports the measure as a way to enforce existing law.

The bill now returns to the Senate for concurrence on the amended version. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman has been pushing to restart executions, arguing that families of victims have waited too long for justice.