(FRANKFORT, Ky.)-Week four of the 2026 Regular Session began with a delay because of severe winter weather that blanketed the Bluegrass over the weekend. Monday’s planned proceedings were postponed until Tuesday, giving state employees, lawmakers and the public a safer route into Frankfort. Many legislators live hours away, and I’m among those who have to travel the longest distance. I’m grateful to the folks at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, local officials, road crews and first responders whose work ensured the people’s business could continue at the Capitol.
Push to better serve Kentucky’s troubled youth
This week, I filed Senate Bill (SB) 125, the next step in my multi‑year effort to improve Kentucky’s juvenile justice system by focusing on youth with serious mental health/behavioral health needs. SB 125 creates a structured process to evaluate, treat and house mentally ill juveniles who display extreme aggression or pose significant safety risks while holding our communities safe.
This legislation builds on work I started with SB 162 in 2023, which reinstated the regional detention model and pushed for safer, more specialized facilities. I continued that work through SB 242 in 2024 and SB 111 in 2025. Both passed the Senate unanimously but did not reach final passage. This year, I am committed to moving SB 125 all the way through the process so we can deliver real solutions for kids in crisis and the staff who care for them.
SB 125 requires youth in custody who face a public offense or have a court order for psychiatric treatment to be evaluated by a licensed clinician to determine whether they qualify as a high‑acuity youth. If so, the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the court must coordinate a treatment plan with strict timelines and clear dispute procedures. The bill also prevents courts from ordering inpatient care unless a hospital agrees or meets high legal standards. To support real treatment capacity, SB 125 sets enhanced reimbursement rates for hospitals that accept high‑acuity youth and authorizes DJJ to open a new residential mental health facility. It also directs the creation of at least two female‑only detention centers and updates definitions in Kentucky’s juvenile code to match current needs.
This is a focused, thoughtful step toward a juvenile justice system that protects the public while treating children with dignity. Our work is not finished, and I am grateful for the colleagues who have stood with me on this issue. I will also advocate for funding in the biennial budget to support the facilities we must build to make this plan succeed.
I submitted a proposal in the previous budget cycle, but it was not approved. Inaction on that front is likely to result in slightly higher costs now. It’s time for lawmakers to step up and do the right thing for our kids and possibly avoid another DOJ consent decree.
Budget begins its journey
With momentum building around key priorities, we’re working diligently to advance meaningful policy while we await the House’s final budget proposal. By Friday, the General Assembly had reached the one-quarter mark of this year’s 60-day budget session
Speaking of quarters, there are about 60 billion of them in Kentucky’s $15 billion biennial budget. This week, the House filed House Bill 500, its initial draft of the spending plan. The bill now begins its path through the legislative process. The Senate will take a disciplined, deliberate approach to the proposal, guided by our caucus and the professional budget staff supporting our efforts.
Education remains a top priority
Education continues to drive much of the work in the Senate, with six of our first ten bills focusing on students, schools and educators. As a member of the Senate Education Committee, I was proud to help advance SBs 1 and 3 this week. SB 1 strengthens accountability in Jefferson County Public Schools by clarifying leadership roles and aligning oversight. SB 3 increases transparency in school district budgeting by ensuring clearer timelines and stronger public review.
Two new education bills were also filed. SB 2 helps ensure fair compensation by preventing school administrators from receiving percentage raises that exceed the average raise for classroom teachers in the same district. SB 4 establishes a five-year development program to help new principals succeed without increasing costs for school districts.
Other priority bills filed this week include SB 5 and SB 6. SB 5 makes it easier for school districts to buy fresh, locally grown food by streamlining procurement rules. It supports student nutrition and strengthens Kentucky agriculture. SB 6 proposes a $150 million investment to expand Kentucky’s research infrastructure and support innovation through university-led research consortia.
Committee work moves forward
As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I also participated in committee hearings on several bills this week. Among the bills approved was SB 48, which I co-sponsor. It cleared the committee and aims to update Kentucky’s mandatory re-entry supervision law to ensure eligible, non-violent offenders receive structured supervision as they transition back into the community.
The Senate passed several key measures this week. The following now head to the House for further consideration:
- SB 181 is a bill I outlined last week that strengthens Kentucky’s student safety law by clarifying communication boundaries regarding direct private communication between school staff and students. It makes much-needed clarifications that caused frustration among many here in our district. I’m grateful for the work put in to make this right.
- SB 17 updates Court-Appointed Special Advocates program rules to improve oversight and reflect current child welfare practices.
- SB 20 gives cities more flexibility to structure training incentive programs for local officers.
- SB 68 improves safety at the Kentucky Horse Park by clarifying park officials’ authority to remove individuals who pose a risk.
- Senate Joint Resolution 23 establishes Kentucky as a Food is Medicine state and promotes nutrition‑based strategies to fight chronic disease.
Military Kids Day announced
The Kentucky Senate will host Military Kids Day on Thursday, February 19, bringing together children and grandchildren of current and former military service members for a day of learning and recognition at the Capitol campus. Each session, this day allows us to recognize the quiet sacrifices made by the children of those who serve. Their contribution to our nation’s strength deserves our thanks. Due to ongoing renovations, space is limited to 150 participants. I strongly encourage families here in our district to register early. Parents or guardians may apply by emailing Senate Clerk Donna Holiday at donna.holiday@kylegislature.gov with the child’s name and age and the parent’s name. Spots will be filled on a first‑come, first‑served basis. An application form and more information on this event are available at: legislature.ky.gov/LRC/Pages/Military-Kids-Day.aspx
Please feel free to contact my office if you have any concerns or suggestions. My office can be reached at 502-564-8100 or by email at Danny.Carroll@kylegislature.gov.
