The 2022 Kentucky General Assembly has wrapped up Day 58 of the 60-day legislative session and there are many key Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children wins to already celebrate.

These priority bills have passed the Kentucky House and Senate and have been delivered to the Governor:

• Senate Bill 8 to strengthen points of the child welfare system, from child maltreatment prevention to investigation to healing and out-of-home care – signed by the Governor!
• Senate Bill 97 to bolster efforts when a child fatality or near fatality occurs
• Senate Bill 151 to remove barriers to breakfast for students – signed by the Governor!
• House Bill 1 to enact the two-year state budget that, among other things, will impact child health coverage, education, and safety
• House Bill 499 to establish the framework of the Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership program

The following priority bills are awaiting final action by the General Assembly:

• House Bill 83 to ensure unemployment insurance is available for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking so they can support themselves and their children – awaits action in the Kentucky Senate
• House Bill 174 to extend Medicaid eligibility for certain new mothers for up to 12 months postpartum so they can have continuous, uninterrupted access to health care – awaits final action by the Kentucky Senate
• Senate Bill 102 to help ensure there is an adequate number of school-based mental health providers to serve students in need of supports – awaits final action by the Kentucky House

As we enter this brief break before final legislative business in mid-April, advocates can still TAKE ACTION for kids, including urging the Governor to sign the bills on his desk that are good for kids, urging House and Senate Leadership to pass the outstanding priorities before the final gavel, and thanking your Senator and Representative for supporting kids in 2022.

Kentucky Youth Advocates is still monitoring bills that could harm kids and families:

• Senate Bill 40 to establish the “Parents’ Rights Protection Act” that jeopardizes the custody of children in out-of-home care – passed the Senate
• House Bill 7 to modify access to public benefits – delivered to the Governor
• House Bill 318 to modify the juvenile justice system in ways that will be harmful to youth – passed the Senate Health and Welfare Committee

Check out our Bill Tracker for updates on other bills that are good for kids.