The Kentucky Supreme Court recently issued two orders, effective April 1, easing some restrictions on court operations and extending others. For example, grand jury proceedings may resume after April 1; however, jury trials and in-person hearings are further postponed until May 1 and night traffic courts in Jefferson County continue to be suspended until further notice.

Administrative Order 2021-06 and Administrative Order 2021-07 collectively provide that:

• After April 1, in-person grand jury proceedings may resume subject to specified health and safety precautions
• After May 1, judges may resume jury trials and in-person hearings in individual cases if, in their discretion, they deem it advisable and follow specified health and safety precautions
• After May 1, in-person judicial sales may resume
• The date for mail-in renewal of driver’s licenses is extended to June 30
• All show cause dockets for payment of fines and court costs are to be rescheduled until after July 1
• All filings must continue to be eFiled, mailed or filed conventionally using outside drop boxes

The orders also carry forward previously-specified health and safety precautions including restricted courthouse access to anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and mandatory wearing of facial coverings and social distancing in common areas inside judicial facilities.