This court rule broadens the applicability of the “sliding scale of indigency” that was established in 2010 for Kentucky judges to use in determining the amount a defendant must pay for a GPS monitoring system in a domestic violence case. The sliding scale now applies to all cases heard by courts in Kentucky. The rule also advises judges to reduce or waive fees that would pose an undue burden on defendants. Nevertheless, the sliding scale is “intended only as a guideline for judges,” not a mandate—judges will retain discretion when assessing costs after an ability to pay determination. The sliding scale is based on Federal Poverty Guidelines and will be updated annually to reflect the Guidelines.
You can find the full text of Court Order 2017-07 and the updated sliding scale here.