By Sen. Brandon Storm
Week Seven of the 2026 Regular Session
As we reach the midpoint of the 2026 Legislative Session, I want to provide a clear and direct update on where things stand.
The Senate has maintained a deliberate pace. Nine of the Senate Majority’s 10 priority bills have passed the Senate, reflecting months of interim preparation and thorough review in committee and on the floor. That steady approach will continue as we move into the most consequential phase of the session: the state budget.
The Budget Process: Where Things Stand
I have heard from many of you regarding the early House budget proposal, House Bill (HB) 500. I appreciate those who have taken the time to share their thoughts.
It is important to clarify the process. The state budget begins in the House. The proposal currently under discussion has not yet passed that chamber and will likely undergo changes before it ever reaches the Senate. No final decisions have been made.
When the House sends its version to us, the Senate will conduct a careful, independent review. Our responsibility is to examine long-term impacts, ensure fiscal stability, and make revisions where necessary.
As budget discussions move forward, our work remains guided by several core principles:
- Maintaining a structurally balanced budget, where recurring revenues support recurring expenses.
- Using one-time dollars responsibly to avoid long-term obligations.
- Making transparent decisions that protect taxpayers while honoring commitments to public servants.
There is substantial work ahead before a final budget is enacted, and I will continue to keep you informed as the process unfolds.
This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved my Senate Bill (SB) 50, which updates and modernizes Kentucky’s probate laws. The bill streamlines procedures related to the disposition of property, clarifies outdated statutes, and improves consistency in estate administration. These updates are designed to reduce confusion and help families navigate the probate process more efficiently.
Also advancing from committee was SB 170, establishing the SOAR pilot program to address habitual truancy. This bill strengthens early intervention by coordinating schools, courts, and community partners to develop family-focused diversion plans. It improves accountability, enhances data reporting, and emphasizes engagement over detention for younger status offenders.
In other news, the General Assembly’s first bill of the 2026 Regular Session, SB 172, was signed into law.
SB 172 helps address sudden spikes in electric bills caused by sharp increases in fuel costs. This is something many families know all too well, especially during extreme weather. The bill allows the Public Service Commission, upon request from a utility, to spread fuel cost recovery over several months instead of imposing a large, one-time surcharge. The goal is to provide more stability and predictability for hardworking families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses across our region.
On the Senate floor, my Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 74 passed with strong support.
The resolution directs state agencies to collaborate on creating a comprehensive fiscal map of substance use disorder programs and funding. This effort will improve transparency, identify gaps or overlaps, and help ensure resources are used effectively to support Kentucky families.
Several other important bills also passed the Senate this week:
SB 9 supports housing development by streamlining regulations and expanding financing tools to help local communities grow and increase access to affordable homes.
SB 47 expands state death benefits and tuition waivers to include search and rescue personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty.
SB 69 creates the Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund and allows voluntary tax refund contributions to support autism research and services.
SB 85 allows public pension benefits to be placed in a Special Needs Trust to help families protect long-term care while maintaining eligibility for support programs.
SB 104 establishes a safety zone around first responders and strengthens penalties for those who interfere or threaten them, while protecting constitutional rights.
SB 141 modernizes public notice laws to improve transparency, expand digital access, and help control costs.
SB 152 strengthens school leadership by affirming principals’ authority while maintaining input from teachers and parents.
SB 159 improves coordination in missing persons cases to help locate individuals more quickly and support families.
Each of these measures now moves to the House for consideration.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you. I look forward to keeping you updated as the work of the 2026 Regular Session continues. Please contact my office at 502-564-8100 or Brandon.Storm@kylegislature.gov if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas. Learn more about bills, committees, and the Kentucky General Assembly at www.legislature.ky.gov.
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Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London, represents the 21st Senate District, including Casey, Lincoln, Laurel, and Rockcastle Counties. He serves as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and as Senate co-chair of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Council. Storm is also a member of the Senate Committees on Transportation and on Banking and Insurance. He serves as a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice. A 2023 esteemed Henry Toll Fellowship graduate, Storm was the only Kentuckian to participate in the program. For a high-resolution .jpeg of Storm, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/Pages/Legislator-Profile.aspx?DistrictNumber=121.Â
