The Kentucky Supreme Court issued orders this week that will allow for more in-person courtroom procedures over the next few months, including jury trials and grand jury proceedings.
One amended order regarding health and safety requirements now includes jurors on the list of individuals permitted into a court facility. The order also allows judges to schedule individual cases for in-person hearings effective May 1.
Other amendments in the order include extending the date for mail-in renewal driver’s licenses to June 30, while 50/50 staffing and special leave will end on May 1.
A second administrative order will extend the date to begin jury trials to May 1, while grand jury proceedings can again take place starting April 1.
The order also eliminates references to the CARES Act and removes the requirement for the AOC 1027 form in eviction filings. Per the amendments, judicial sales can begin May 1 and the date to begin show cause hearings for nonpayment of fines is set for July 1.
According to the release, both orders will take effect April 1.
Daviess County District Court Judge Misty Miller expressed excitement about taking the first steps toward returning to a sense of normalcy in the courtroom.
“News that the courts are starting to re-open is great,” Miller said. “I’m excited to get back up to full speed.”
