KentuckySB 902026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT relating to behavioral health.

Sponsored By: Brandon J. Storm (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Advisory Boards, Commissions, And CommitteesAttorney, Commonwealth'sAttorney, CountyCorrections ImpactCourtsCrimes And PunishmentsCriminal ProcedureFundsMental HealthOpioidsPublic AdvocateSunset LegislationWorkforce

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More counties offer treatment, not prosecution

The pilot began January 1, 2023 and runs until January 1, 2031. The Chief Justice can select up to 20 counties. Counties in the pilot must offer medication-assisted treatment, recovery services, and job or education help. This lets eligible defendants get treatment instead of standard prosecution in those places.

State pays some outside hospital bills

If you are admitted to a state mental health facility, the Cabinet pays for emergency and other non‑elective outside medical care your insurer does not cover. These Cabinet payments count when figuring your patient liability. Elective procedures and elective surgery are not covered by this rule.

Publicly funded providers need complaint process

Any provider that gets state contract, grant, or reimbursement funds must run formal quality checks. Each must also offer a clear grievance process for clients.

Opioid funds pay for treatment pilot

The state provides $10.5 million each year from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2026 to run the pilot. The courts can be repaid up to $500,000 per year for administration. Any unused money at the end of FY 2025–2026 is carried forward. This money funds treatment, recovery, and support services in pilot counties.

Cap on transitional facilities in big counties

When using Cabinet funds, a county with a first‑class city or a consolidated local government can have no more than one transitional living facility or one cooperative facility. This cap applies only to facilities built with Cabinet money. It may limit housing options for people who need transitional services in those counties.

Strict reporting and results tracking for pilot

Providers must file reports: within 14 days of treatment start, a 28-day follow-up, quarterly (Jan 15, Apr 15, Jul 15, Oct 15; first due Apr 15, 2023), and a final report within 30 days of discharge. Attorneys for the Commonwealth must also file quarterly reports on offers, denials with reasons, and victim participation. The Chief Justice sends a yearly report by January 31 with completions, discharges, and recidivism at 6 months and 1–5 years, compared to similar counties not in the pilot. These rules add paperwork for providers and attorneys.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Brandon J. Storm
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Danny Carroll
Republican • Senate
Jason Petrie
Republican • House
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