KentuckySB 172026 Regular SessionSenate

AN ACT relating to the protection of children.

Sponsored By: Brandon J. Storm (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Boards And CommissionsState AgenciesChildren And MinorsCourts

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Clearer rules for CASA boards

Local CASA boards must have at least 12 members. They set key policies, meet at least four times a year, and file an annual report with program and funding details. Local programs must follow Kentucky CASA Network Standards, and the state network is called the Kentucky CASA Network. If the state employs a CASA director, the director must meet set qualifications and lead compliance, support, and awareness work. State Cabinet employees cannot serve as CASA board officers, and DCBS employees cannot be CASA volunteers or staff.

Faster records access for review panel

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services must give the panel unredacted records within 30 days of a request. Records include medical, law enforcement, court, education, and other listed files. The panel is attached to the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet for staffing and administrative support.

Local foster boards: members and terms

Local citizen foster care review boards must include, when practicable, at least two members from law, medicine, psychology, social work, or education. DCBS employees may not serve on these boards. Members must be certified before appointment by completing state‑approved training. Terms are three years and end on August 1; replacements finish the unexpired term. Boards must meet at least four times each year.

More transparency in child death reviews

After each meeting, the panel posts updates on case reviews, findings, and recommendations on the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet website. The chair, or others if asked, reports to the legislature each month. By February 1 each year, the panel publishes an annual report and shares it with state leaders and key committees. Agencies that get recommendations must respond within 90 days with an action plan and timeline, or a detailed reason for not acting.

Stronger rules for CASA volunteers

Judges appoint CASA volunteers only after the program director confirms screening and training. CASA volunteers, directors, and staff must take an oath to keep case details confidential, with limited sharing allowed by law. Local programs must provide at least one supervisor for every 30 appointed volunteers.

Strict privacy rules for case reviews

The panel may close part of a meeting to review an individual case after an open session, and must then reopen to give a public summary. Panel meetings, records, and deliberations are confidential and cannot be used in court to identify people or cases; members and presenters may not release nonpublic records. Original records stay with the providing agency for open records requests, and the Cabinet must destroy panel copies after the review. Panel members are immune for actions in their duties unless they break the confidentiality rules. A member may still make good‑faith reports to state or federal agencies to improve child protective services.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Brandon J. Storm
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Gerald A. Neal
Democrat • Senate
Matthew Deneen
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 92 • No: 0

House vote • 3/26/2026

3rd reading, passed