By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
Officials in Kentucky’s Judicial Branch say they would be forced to eliminate Specialty Courts statewide under the current Judicial Branch budget bill moving through the General Assembly.
These programs include Drug, Mental Health and Veterans Treatment Courts that serve thousands of Kentuckians struggling with addiction, mental illness and other challenges.
The Judicial Branch budget, House Bill 504, underfunds court operations by $14.3 million in fiscal 2027 and $18.7 million in fiscal 2028. Without that funding, the Judicial Branch would face layoffs, furloughs and major service reductions.
As the bill is currently written, the budget includes reductions to the court operations base appropriation of 4% in fiscal 2027 and 7% in fiscal 2028.
Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert says the scale of the funding gap leaves the Judicial Branch with few options.
“The Judicial Branch already operates with a lean budget, with about 90 percent devoted to personnel and the basic costs required to keep courthouses open and functioning,” she stated. “When cuts of this magnitude occur, there is simply no way to absorb them through small efficiencies or administrative changes. The only viable option we have is to eliminate programs that are not constitutionally required, including Drug, Mental Health and Veterans Treatment Courts. These programs change lives every day, but without adequate funding we cannot continue them.”
Kentucky’s Specialty Courts are marking their 30th anniversary this year and have earned national recognition for their results, serving as a model for similar programs across the country. Specialty Courts, the umbrella term for Drug, Mental Health and Veterans Treatment Courts, provide treatment-focused supervision for people whose criminal behavior is closely tied to substance use disorders or serious mental illness. Participants must complete intensive treatment programs, frequent drug testing and close court supervision designed to address the root causes of their offenses.
Specialty Courts in Kentucky have produced measurable, life-changing outcomes for thousands of participants since 2019, based on the most current data available through August 2025. The programs have helped 5,110 individuals secure employment, including 1,621 who earned promotions. Another 555 participants achieved educational goals, while 1,621 improved their housing stability. Participants also obtained 2,025 driver’s licenses, removing a major barrier to employment and independence and the programs supported the birth of 404 drug-free babies.
The budget bills are currently before a House-Senate conference committee, where members are trying to iron out differences in the versions passed by the two chambers.