All Roll Calls
Yes: 214 • No: 0
KentuckyHB 7622026 Regular SessionHouse
AN ACT relating to the criminal justice system.
Sponsored By: Stephanie Dietz (Republican)
Signed by Governor
AttorneysCourtsMental HealthPublic AdvocateReports MandatedState Agencies
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Lawyer provided for serious criminal charges
If you are accused of a serious crime, the Department of Public Advocacy provides a lawyer. Help is no longer limited to only indigent people. Representation follows the rules in this chapter. The excerpt does not state a start date.
Independent legal protection for people with disabilities
If you have a disability, the Department of Public Advocacy pursues legal and other actions to protect your rights. It acts independently from any agency that provides treatment or rehab. The excerpt does not set funding or a start date.
New independent Department of Public Advocacy
The state creates the Department of Public Advocacy as an independent agency. It stays attached to the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet for administrative support. The department runs public defense and disability rights work assigned in law.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Stephanie Dietz
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Beverly Chester-Burton
Democrat • House
Jason Petrie
Republican • House
Matthew Deneen
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/1/2026
passed
Yes: 86 • No: 0
Senate vote • 3/31/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 37 • No: 0
House vote • 3/6/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 91 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
S. Dietz
4/13/2026Sponsor
4/13/2026signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 136)
4/13/2026delivered to Governor
4/1/2026enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
4/1/2026enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
4/1/2026passed 86-0
4/1/2026House concurred in Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendment (1) and Floor Amendment (2-title)
4/1/2026posted for passage for concurrence in Senate Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendment (1) and Floor Amendment (2-title)
3/31/2026Senateto Rules (H)
3/31/2026Housereceived in House
3/31/2026House3rd reading, passed 37-0 with Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendment (1) and Floor Amendment (2-title)
3/31/2026posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Tuesday, March 31 2026
3/31/20262nd reading, to Rules
3/27/2026floor amendment (1) filed to Committee Substitute , floor amendment (2-title) filed to bill
3/26/2026reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)
3/26/2026to Judiciary (S)
3/24/2026Senateto Committee on Committees (S)
3/9/2026Senatereceived in Senate
3/9/2026Senate3rd reading, passed 91-0 with Floor Amendment (1)
3/6/2026posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, March 06 2026
3/5/20262nd reading, to Rules
3/5/2026floor amendment (1) filed
3/4/2026reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
3/4/2026to Judiciary (H)
3/2/2026House
Bill Text
Current
4/1/2026
Introduced
3/6/2026
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