Bill
Bill > HB598
summary
Introduced
02/09/2026
02/09/2026
In Committee
02/26/2026
02/26/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Create new sections of KRS Chapter 15A to establish the Department of Family Representation and Advocacy and the Family Representation and Advocacy Commission to provide a state-sponsored and controlled system for training and appointing guardians ad litem and other counsel; amend various sections to cap guardian ad litem or counsel fees at $500; amend various other sections to conform; provide that the Act may be cited as the Family Representation and Advocacy Act; EFFECTIVE July 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the Department of Family Representation and Advocacy and the Family Representation and Advocacy Commission to create a state-funded system for appointing and training guardians ad litem (GALs) and other court-appointed attorneys, with the goal of ensuring consistent, high-quality legal representation for eligible clients, such as children in dependency cases or individuals needing legal counsel in various civil matters. The bill also caps the fees for these appointed attorneys at $500 per case, and it outlines the structure and responsibilities of the new department and commission, including the appointment of a director and the commission's oversight role. The legislation aims to provide a more centralized and accountable approach to appointing legal counsel in cases where individuals are entitled to representation but cannot afford it, with the changes taking effect on July 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
recommitted to Appropriations & Revenue (H) (on 04/15/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb598.html |
| House Committee Substitute 1 | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/26RS/HB598/HCS1.pdf |
| BillText | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/26RS/hb598/orig_bill.pdf |
| Corrections Impact | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/note/26RS/hb598/CI.pdf |
| Local Mandate Fiscal Impact | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/note/26RS/hb598/LM.pdf |
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