AN ACT relating to a jury trial when a child is removed from a parent.

Amend KRS 625.080 to allow a parent to request a jury trial for a termination of parental rights determination; require jurors to take an oath of confidentiality under penalty of contempt of court; allow jury to make findings of fact and recommendations to the court.

Introduced: March 4, 2026

Last action: March 11, 2026

To Judiciary (H)

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This bill would give parents the right to request a jury trial when a court is deciding whether to permanently end their parental rights. Under the proposal, jurors would take a confidentiality oath and could make findings of fact and recommendations to the judge, though the court would retain final authority. Who it may affect: parents involved in termination of parental rights proceedings in Kentucky.

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