STORM FILES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT PARENTAL RIGHTS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

STORM FILES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT PARENTAL 

RIGHTS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

FRANKFORT KY (Jan. 9, 2025)—Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, filed Senate Bill 26 (SB 26) on Tuesday to enhance protections for parents and prospective adoptive parents with disabilities in Kentucky. The bill ensures that individuals are not discriminated against solely due to their disability in decisions regarding adoption or parental rights.

Key provisions of SB 26 include

• Protects Parents with Disabilities: Prevents termination of parental rights or denial of adoption solely based on a disability,

• Mandates Supportive Services: Requires individualized assessments and targeted adaptive services to address parenting challenges,

• Ensures Transparency: Mandates that assessments and services are documented and retained for at least two years, and

• Aligns with Federal Standards: Upholds principles consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

SB 26 defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities, supported by medically accepted diagnostic techniques. It also includes a record of such impairments or being perceived as having one while excluding individuals actively engaged in substance abuse.

“My bill, above all else, focuses on keeping families together, which is in the best interest of a child,” Storm said. “SB 26 enhances transparency in decisions regarding a child’s placement while ensuring families receive the support they need to succeed.”

SB 26 protects the rights of individuals with disabilities while prioritizing the welfare of children. It requires the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to conduct thorough assessments and provide supportive services.

Follow legislative activity and the status of SB 26 and other 2025 legislation at Legislature.ky.gov.

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Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London, represents the 21st Senate District, including Casey, Lincoln, Laurel, and Rockcastle Counties. He serves as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and as Senate co-chair of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Council. Storm is also a member of the Senate Committees on Transportation and on Banking and Insurance. He serves as a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice. A 2023 esteemed Henry Toll Fellowship graduate, Storm was the only Kentuckian to participate in the program. 

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Storm, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/Pages/Legislator-Profile.aspx?DistrictNumber=121.

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