Senate committee votes to indefinitely stay impeachment proceedings against Judge Julie Muth Goodman pending JCC probe

A Senate committee voted unanimously to recommend an indefinite stay of impeachment proceedings against Judge Julie Muth Goodman of the Fayette Circuit Court, citing the Senates constitutional duties and fairness to the accused while a parallel investigation by the Judicial Conduct Commission proceeds.

Chair Storm told the committee the Senate received articles of impeachment from the Kentucky House on March 24, 2026, and noted that Sections 66, 67 and 68 of the Kentucky Constitution and related provisions make clear the Senate must address those articles. He said the Supreme Court of Kentucky issued a preliminary order on April 6, 2026 in a separate case brought by Judge Goodman against the House and that the courts filing revealed for the first time that Judge Goodman is undergoing a Judicial Conduct Commission proceeding that covers issues raised in the articles of impeachment.

"It is the sense of this committee that those two concerns can be best served by tabling further proceedings in this matter," Chair Storm said, adding that "This will allow the JCC to complete its role." He said the matter could proceed in another legislative session if necessary and emphasized the committees action "cannot be construed as an acquittal or as a Senate relinquishing any rights or duties under the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky."

Senator Howell moved that the committee "recommend to the full Senate that further proceedings in the matter of impeachment of Judge Julie Muth Goodman be stayed indefinitely pending conclusion of an investigation by the Judicial Conduct Commission on issues raised by the articles of impeachment." Senator Carroll seconded the motion.

Senator Chambers-Armstrong explained her vote, saying she would support an indefinite halt to preserve fairness but that she would oppose any action to advance the petition because, in her view, the Supreme Court had "clearly ruled that further action would be unconstitutional." She said she would prefer the Senate make clear its intent not to take action on the allegations, though she voted yes on the stay.

On the roll call, Senators Carroll, Herron, Howell, Madden, Richardson and Chair Storm each voted "Aye." The chair recorded seven yes votes, no no votes and no pass votes and declared the motion passed with favorable expression. He asked staff to prepare the motion as a committee report to the full Senate.

The committees recommendation pauses legislative impeachment proceedings while the Judicial Conduct Commission conducts its separate inquiry; it does not resolve the underlying allegations and preserves the Senates stated constitutional authority to act in the future.