WEST’S SB 162 PASSES SENATE TO REFORM KENTUCKY’S JUVENILE DIVERSION PROCESS
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2026) — The Kentucky Senate has passed Senate Bill (SB) 162, sponsored by Sen. Steve West, R-Paris, to improve and streamline the state’s juvenile diversion process.
SB 162 removes the mandatory “Family Accountability, Intervention and Response (FAIR) Team” requirement in certain cases, primarily those involving status offenses such as habitual truancy, running away, and being beyond parental or school control. The FAIR Team model was established in 2014 with the goal of keeping children out of court and connecting families with community-based services.
West said that while the original intent was sound, the process has often become slow and inconsistent in practice.
“Over the years, we’ve listened carefully to superintendents, prosecutors and court officials who work in this system every day,” West said. “SB 162 is about making the process more responsive and more effective to ensure that students receive appropriate intervention sooner while maintaining diversion as a meaningful option.”
The bill preserves discretion for court designated workers to continue collaborating with parents, schools, and community partners when appropriate, but removes the requirement that a FAIR Team be convened in every applicable case.
SB 162 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Learn more about bills, committees and other important updates on the 2026 Regular Session at www.kylegislature.gov.