ZeroV 2026 Legislative Updates: January 26

Week three of Kentucky’s 60-day legislative session wrapped up with the introduction of two bills that have a broad impact on healthcare and reform sentencing for primary caregivers. So far, nearly 650 pieces of legislation have been filed. We are still waiting for the House to file its budget. 

HB 2 is a bill that will impact survivors and all Kentuckians. Access to medical care and coverage for that care is critical to survivors and their children. Preservation of both should be a consideration of the General Assembly as this bill works its way through the legislative process.  

Additionally, HB 484 was filed to create an alternative sentencing process for primary caregivers of minor children. This bill would allow survivor-parents who are facing incarceration to ask the court for an alternative sentence, which would allow them to continue to parent their child. It also has built-in safeguards to prevent those committing crimes of domestic and dating violence from being eligible for such alternative sentences, so that survivors do not have to face increased risk from their abusive partner being released from custody. 

You can find brief descriptions of how these bills would affect survivors in ZeroV’s Bill Tracker, which we will update weekly throughout the legislative session as new bills of interest are filed and relevant amendments are proposed.  

About ZeroV’s Policy Advocacy   

The well-being of survivors is our top policy priority.    

Throughout this session, ZeroV will advocate for adequate funding for domestic violence services. We will also advocate for policies that support survivor safety, healing, and thriving. As a service to our community, we will provide weekly updates throughout the 2026 Legislative Session on the status of proposed legislation impacting survivors of domestic violence.   

About ZeroV’s Legislative Updates   

ZeroV's Legislative Update emails are sent out on Tuesdays, most weeks of the session. To have these updates delivered to your inbox each week, subscribe at ZeroV.org/join. Thank you for supporting survivors, staying informed, and getting involved in this legislative session!  

Posted January 26, 2026