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Bill > SB125


KY SB125

KY SB125
AN ACT relating to juvenile justice.


summary

Introduced
01/27/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 200 to define terms; establish procedures for a child charged with a public offense to determine if the child is a high acuity youth; establish procedures for securing a treatment plan and dispute resolution through a review process and the court if the parties cannot agree to a plan; require a 24-hour protocol for health facilities, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the courts to direct care; establish reimbursement rates for inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care of a child by psychiatric hospitals and pediatric teaching hospitals; establish procedures for discharge and transfer of the child from an inpatient admission under specific circumstances; amend KRS 15A.305 to include a mental health facility operated by the Department of Juvenile Justice as an identified facility for the detention and treatment of children; direct the operation of 2 female-only facilities with authority to increase as population increases; direct reimbursement rates for local governments lodging juveniles to be set by administrative regulation; amend KRS 600.020 to remove and add defined terms; amend KRS 610.265 to remove beginning date that is past; amend KRS 610.340 to enable release of information in specific circumstances; amend various sections of KRS to conform; authorize the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet to construct a high acuity youth mental health facility, subject to funding; direct the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to provide clinical services; direct the Department of Juvenile Justice to continue to implement the plan to return to a regional model of detention.

AI Summary

This bill aims to improve the juvenile justice system by establishing new procedures for identifying and treating "high acuity youth," which are children charged with offenses who exhibit aggression, violence, or property destruction and require specialized care. It outlines a process for behavioral assessments, treatment plan development involving the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities (Department), the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), with court intervention if agreements cannot be reached. The bill also mandates a 24-hour protocol for health facilities, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and the DJJ to direct care, sets reimbursement rates for psychiatric care, and details discharge and transfer procedures. Additionally, it designates a mental health facility operated by the DJJ as a detention and treatment site, directs the operation of two female-only facilities with the possibility of expansion, and requires administrative regulations for local government juvenile lodging reimbursement rates. The Justice and Public Safety Cabinet is authorized to construct a high acuity youth mental health facility, with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services providing clinical services, and the DJJ will continue implementing a plan to return to a regional model of detention.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

2nd reading, to Rules (on 02/13/2026)

bill text


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