FRANKFORT, KY. (March 31, 2026)— Legislation sponsored by Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, aimed at strengthening families, improving mental health treatment options and enhancing protections for children and victims has passed the Kentucky General Assembly following final Senate concurrence with House changes.
Senate Bill (SB) 122, the Family Preservation and Accountability Act, allows courts to consider whether a defendant is the primary caretaker of a dependent child during sentencing and, when appropriate, impose structured alternative sentences focused on treatment, accountability and family stability.
Adams said the legislation reflects months of collaboration across both chambers to ensure courts have better tools to address complex family and public safety issues.
“I’m very pleased to see this legislation reach final passage after thoughtful collaboration throughout the process,” Adams said. “The goal has always been to give judges a clearer framework to consider the real impact incarceration can have on children while still ensuring accountability and prioritizing public safety. When we look at the long-term outcomes for families and communities, it’s important that our justice system has the flexibility to respond in ways that reduce recidivism, strengthen families where appropriate and ultimately support better futures for Kentucky’s children.”
The House adopted additional provisions that expand the legislation to include updates to Kentucky’s assisted outpatient treatment and involuntary hospitalization laws for individuals with serious mental illness. These changes allow courts to order outpatient treatment plans, appoint treatment providers, monitor compliance through multidisciplinary teams and provide additional oversight in cases involving involuntary hospitalization.
Adams said those additions strengthen the overall bill and address another critical need facing many Kentucky families.
“Mental health challenges often intersect with the justice system and family stability,” Adams said. “The House additions strengthen our state’s ability to ensure individuals receive appropriate treatment while maintaining accountability and protecting the public. I appreciate the work of members in both chambers who helped refine and strengthen this legislation.”
The bill also includes new safeguards in family court proceedings involving domestic violence or abuse. These provisions require courts to make written findings on abuse allegations before determining custody, strengthen training requirements for professionals involved in custody and protection order proceedings, and establish additional protections when repeated abuse has occurred.
Rep. Nick Wilson, R-Williamsburg, carried the bill on the House floor and worked closely with Adams as the measure moved through the legislative process.
“Children should not pay the price for a parent’s mistake, especially when public safety can still be protected,” Wilson said. “Senate Bill 122 gives judges the flexibility to keep families together when appropriate, while ensuring accountability and stronger protections for victims and children. By recognizing the impact of parental incarceration, this legislation helps break cycles of hardship and supports healthier outcomes for kids and families.”
With final passage by both chambers, SB 122 now heads to the governor for consideration.
