JOINT STATEMENT RELEASE SEN. ROBIN WEBB 'S SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST LEGISLATION SIGNED INTO LAW

JOINT STATEMENT RELEASE

SEN. ROBIN WEBB 'S SPECIAL NEEDS TRUST LEGISLATION SIGNED INTO LAW

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 3, 2026) — On Good Friday, Sen. Robin Webb, R-Grayson, and Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, along with Rep. Patrick Flannery, R-Olive Hill, issued the following joint statement after the Governor signed Senate Bill (SB) 85 into law.

“Senate Bill 85 represents an important step forward for Kentucky families planning for the long-term care and financial security of loved ones with disabilities. By allowing special needs trusts to be used within our state-administered retirement systems, this law provides greater flexibility and protection for some of our most vulnerable citizens.

“For many families, ensuring that a child with special needs is cared for well into the future requires careful planning and thoughtful safeguards. This legislation helps remove barriers that have historically made that planning more difficult, while preserving access to critical benefits.

“We are proud to see this unifying measure become law, and on Good Friday no less, and we are grateful to our colleagues in the General Assembly, as well as the many advocates and families who shared their experiences and helped shape this policy. Their voices were instrumental in getting this across the finish line. We appreciate the governor taking the time to place his signature on this good piece of legislation.

“Ultimately, this law is about peace of mind and giving families the tools they need to protect their loved ones and plan with confidence for the years ahead.”

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SB 85 updates Kentucky’s public retirement statutes to recognize and allow the use of a special needs trust (SNT) across multiple state-administered retirement systems, including the State Police Retirement System, Kentucky Employees Retirement System, County Employees Retirement System, Teachers’ Retirement System and the Judicial Retirement Plan.

Webb is the primary sponsor of SB 85, and Carroll, chair of the Senate Families and Children Committee, signed on as the primary co-sponsor. Flannery carried the bill to final passage in the House.