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House Approves Judicial Branch Budget (HB 504) with Large Margin
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Summary
The Kentucky House adopted the committee substitute for House Bill 504 (judicial branch appropriations) and passed the bill by roll call, 94‑4. The substitute funds court operations, modest salary increases and courthouse projects identified in the text.
The Kentucky House of Representatives passed House Bill 504, the judicial branch appropriations bill, after adopting House Committee Substitute 1. The final roll call recorded 94 yeas and 4 nays.
What lawmakers said: The representative from Kenton 65, speaking for the judicial branch budget, said the proposal provides targeted increases to maintain court operations, address facility needs and support mandated services across fiscal years 2026–2028. The general fund increases included $7.5 million in FY27 and $7.0 million in FY28 for operating support and additional restricted funds to address local needs, temporary space and uninsured flood‑related costs.
Key provisions: The committee substitute funds information‑technology subscriptions and audiovisual upgrades, authorizes courthouse projects (including Boyle and Bell counties), and includes modest salary language for a 2% increase in both fiscal years to support workforce stability in the judicial branch.
Vote and next steps: The House passed HB504, 94‑4, and the measure will proceed to the Senate for its consideration and any changes.
Quote from the floor: "The proposed judicial branch budget provides targeted increases to maintain court operations," the representative from Kenton 65 said during her floor explanation.
Bottom line: HB 504 cleared the House with a broad bipartisan margin and moves to the Senate as part of the session’s appropriations work.
