KY HB858

Creates a new section in KRS Chapter 455 allowing parties in any criminal matter pending in Circuit Court or District Court to request mediation referral

Requires agreement of all parties, including the victim, before the court may refer a case to mediation

Mediators must meet at least 2 of 5 qualifications, including being a former prosecutor, public defender, judge, or attorney with 15-25 years of experience, and must complete a minimum of 40 hours of mediation training

Mediators must have experience in the same circuit/district, a contiguous circuit/district, or within a 75-mile radius of where the case is pending

Mediator compensation follows Court of Justice policies unless parties agree otherwise, and Court of Justice rules on confidentiality and reporting apply to all mediations under this section