Blueprint Legislative Priority Support Positive Youth Development House Bill 686 would establish the Kentucky Positive Youth Development commission and trust fund -- consisting of any incoming social media settlements monies, in addition to state appropriations, gifts, grants, and federal funds -- to support the research and development of positive youth development programming for children and transition age youth. It also establishes a Suicide Awareness and Reduction Network within the State Interagency [...]

Blueprint Legislative Priority Strengthen Family Legal Representation House Bill 598, known as the Family Representation and Advocacy Act, would establish the Department of Family Representation and Advocacy as an independent agency to strengthen the quality and consistency of guardians ad litem and other court-appointed counsel in child welfare cases. It would centralize attorney appointment, compensation, training, and oversight and create a commission to oversee the department's work. Review the Blueprint for Kentucky's [...]

Other Legislative Item Senate Bill 156 End Child Marriage Summary SB 156 would prohibit marriage with a person under 18 years old and repeal the statute allowing 17-year-olds to marry with court permission. Status SB 156 is sponsored by Senator Julie Raque Adams. It has passed the Kentucky Senate and the House Families & Children Committee. Passed House Committee

Other Legislative Item House Bill 621 Support Special Education Summary HB 621 would require the Kentucky Department of Education to set regulations for the maximum class size and caseload for special education services for children and youth. Status HB 621 is co-sponsored by Representative Tina Bojanowski and Representative Jason Nemes. It has passed the Kentucky House and has been assigned to the Senate Education Committee. Passed KY House [...]

Other Legislative Item House Bill 528 Establish Leadership of the Kentucky School for the Deaf Summary HB 528 would set timelines for the appointment of a search committee for the superintendent of the Kentucky School for the Deaf and for the appointment of the superintendent. Status HB 528 is sponsored by Representative Daniel Elliot and has been assigned to the House Primary and Secondary Education Committee. Awaiting Committee Hearing [...]