Concerns are rising about the future of drug courts across the state as the proposed state budget significantly cuts funding for specialty courts.
House Bill 504 would underfund court operations by a little over $14 million in 2027 and more than $18 million in 2028.
Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Hembree Lambert said if passed in its current form, the budget would eliminate specialty courts, which also include mental health and veterans court, in all 120 counties.
Drug court was first introduced in Kentucky 30 years ago and the program now operates in all 120 counties. These specialty courts allow non-violent offenders the ability to be closely supervised and drug tested while working and paying restitution as opposed to being incarcerated.
Experts say eliminating these programs would result in more people being incarcerated or on traditional probation, increasing the costs to counties and ultimately taxpayers.
Lawmakers are expected to finalize the budget in the coming days.
