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Senate passes bill removing FAIR teams and routing certain juvenile school cases to county attorneys
Summary
Senate Bill 162 eliminates Family Accountability Intervention and Response (FAIR) teams for certain beyond‑school‑control complaints, requires referral to court‑designated workers and county attorneys, and tightens diversion and failed‑diversion procedures; the Senate passed the bill 30–7.
The Kentucky Senate passed Senate Bill 162 after sponsor remarks that the current FAIR‑team process has become slow and inconsistent. Senator from Bourbon said the bill removes the FAIR teams element of the process, requires complaints beyond school control to be referred to a court‑designated worker (CDW) and county attorney for initial decision on whether to pursue formal court action, and requires diversion agreements to include a family component and refrain from conduct that would trigger suspension or expulsion.
Sponsor argued the change expedites the process and keeps students who are beyond school control out of the classroom for safety reasons. He said county attorneys, the DPP Association and the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents support the change. The sponsor said the FAIR teams process often creates scheduling delays and long waits for services, which can prolong dangerous conditions in classrooms.
During floor consideration senators expressed a mix of support and concern. Supporters said the bill restores accountability and expedites access to services; opponents warned about removing local discretion and urged attention to rehabilitative resources. The clerk recorded 30 ayes and 7 nays, and the Senate passed SB 162 as amended.
