As summer winds down in Kentucky, state leaders in Frankfort are already preparing for the 2026 biennial budget session. Shortly after the 2025 legislative session concluded, lawmakers were back in action convening interim joint committees with members of both the House and Senate. The interim legislative session spanning June to December serves as an opportunity for legislators to hear presentations from various state offices on current data and program outcomes, budget requests for the next two-year state budget, and policy proposals that are likely to be considered in 2026. 

In some committees, kids and families have been among the many topics discussed in the interim so far. The newly established Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Taskforce follows the priorities of the federal MAHA campaign which is largely focused on children’s health outcomes, behaviors, and environmental factors impacting wellbeing. In Kentucky, the taskforce has stated their intention to spend a majority of their time on nutrition, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), school meals, and healthy food access. The taskforce has already heard several presentations related to nutrition, as well as health outcomes in Kentucky, holistic care for wellness, and oral health care. 

The Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children has covered a range of topics including child welfare and early childhood education. In June, committee members heard from the External Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel about the latest data on child fatality and near fatality trends including accidental ingestions and youth suicide and recommendations for prevention. In August, the committee spent time focusing on early childhood and heard recommendations to address widespread challenges to accessing high-quality childcare across the state. 

Every other year in Kentucky, the state legislature passes a two-year state budget. As the General Assembly gears up for the next budget session in 2026, interim committees are hearing budget presentations and requests to plan for the next state budget. Following the recent passage of the federal reconciliation package, Kentucky lawmakers have a lot to consider as federal changes begin taking effect across states. The Interim Joint Appropriations and Revenue committee recently heard an overview of expected impacts of the federal HR 1 legislation, including significant changes to important programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. 

As the interim legislative session continues, we look forward to hearing more discussions on kids and families across interim joint committees including important topics that have yet to receive much attention such as juvenile justice, K-12 education, youth mental health, and family stability. 

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