KentuckySB 902026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT relating to behavioral health.

Sponsored By: Brandon J. Storm (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Corrections ImpactAdvisory Boards, Commissions, And CommitteesAttorney, Commonwealth'sAttorney, CountyCourtsCrimes And PunishmentsCriminal ProcedureFundsMental HealthOpioidsPublic AdvocateSunset LegislationWorkforce

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Diversion to treatment in select counties

Up to 20 counties, chosen by the Chief Justice, run a treatment track that can dismiss charges. The pilot starts January 1, 2023, and runs through January 1, 2031. Eligible defendants in those counties can enter behavioral health treatment instead of traditional prosecution. Counties must offer medication‑assisted treatment, recovery services defined in law, and education and job training help.

Funding and oversight for treatment pilot

The pilot is funded with $10.5 million each fiscal year from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2026. The department shall reimburse the courts up to $500,000 a year for admin costs, and unspent money after FY2025–2026 carries forward. Providers must report: an initial report within 14 days of treatment start, a second within 28 days, quarterly reports due Jan 15, Apr 15, Jul 15, and Oct 15 (first due April 15, 2023), and a final report within 30 days of discharge. Prosecutors also file quarterly reports on the same schedule with enrollment and victim consent numbers. The Chief Justice sends an annual report by January 31 on eligibility outcomes, charges, completion, noncompliance, and recidivism up to five years. A statewide council oversees rollout, meets at least quarterly, reports by October 1 each year, and ends December 31, 2031.

Outside care covered for state patients

If you are admitted to a state mental health facility, the Cabinet pays for emergency and other medically required care done outside the facility. Elective procedures and elective surgery are not covered. If a third‑party payer does not cover the bill, the Cabinet’s payment counts when the state figures your patient liability.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Brandon J. Storm
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Danny Carroll
Republican • Senate
Matthew Deneen
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 169 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/1/2026

passed

Yes: 36 • No: 0

House vote • 3/31/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 96 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/22/2026