AN ACT relating to the criminal justice system.

Amend KRS 31.010 and 31.020 to make technical corrections; amend KRS 31.030 to require the annual report filed by the Department of Public Advocacy to inform the LRC and the public of the work of all divisions of the department; amend KRS 31.110 to provide that the Department shall provide legal representation to a person who is accused of being in contempt of court for noncompliance with a court-ordered obligation only when the obligation arises…

Attorneys Courts Mental Health Public Advocate Reports Mandated State Agencies

Introduced: February 26, 2026

Last action: April 13, 2026

(Acts Ch. 136)

In effect since July 15, 2026

Acts from the 2026 Regular Session that don't carry an emergency clause or set their own effective date took effect 90 days after the session adjourned (Ky. Constitution § 55).

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This bill makes several updates to how the Department of Public Advocacy, which provides free legal representation to people who cannot afford an attorney, operates in Kentucky. It clarifies when the department is required to provide lawyers, sets rules about attorneys not accepting outside fees, and requires attorneys to file appeals if their clients ask. It also directs the state to develop a new job classification for public defender trial attorneys and updates reporting requirements…

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