A RESOLUTION censuring Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Kelly Thompson for his intemperate remarks that threatened attorneys and legislators participating in pending impeachment proceedings with professional discipline and criminal prosecution, and directing a complaint to be filed against him with the Judicial Conduct Commission.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Osborne

The bill censes Justice Kelly Thompson and directs a complaint to the Judicial Conduct Commission for potential disciplinary action over intemperate remarks during impeachment proc

adopted 77-15

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Bill Summary — HR 141 (2026RS, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

HR 141 is a formal censure resolution by the Kentucky House of Representatives concerning Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Kelly Thompson.

The resolution states that Justice Thompson made intemperate remarks that threatened attorneys and legislators who were participating in pending impeachment proceedings.

The bill seeks to address the conduct by authorizing the filing of a complaint against Justice Thompson with the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission.

Key provisions and changes

Censure of Justice Thompson: The resolution formally disciplines Justice Thompson for statements described as intemperate and threatening toward legal professionals and lawmakers involved in impeachment-related proceedings.

Directs complaint to the Judicial Conduct Commission: The bill orders or directs that a complaint be filed with Kentucky’s Judicial Conduct Commission, initiating the formal oversight and potential disciplinary process by the commission.

Public admonition: By adopting a censure, the House publicly expresses disapproval of the Justice’s conduct and communicates that his remarks were inappropriate for a member of the judiciary.

Legislative action history referenced: The bill originated in the House, was referred to the Committee on Committees, and was moved to the House Floor, where it was adopted with a vote of 77 ayes to 15 nays on 2026-04-15.

Who or what would be affected

Primary subject: Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Kelly Thompson.

Judicial conduct process: Initiates a formal complaint with the Judicial Conduct Commission, triggering possible review, investigation, and potential disciplinary actions under Kentucky judicial ethics rules.

Legislative-branch relationship: Signals the House’s stance regarding the conduct of a sitting judge during impeachment proceedings, potentially affecting ongoing or future impeachment-related proceedings and inter-branch dynamics.

Procedural and timeline details

Introduction and referral: Introduced in the Kentucky House on 2026-04-15 and referred to the Committee on Committees.

Committee action: Taken from the Committee on Committees and moved to the House Floor on the same day.

Floor action: Adopted by the House on 2026-04-15 with a 77-15 vote.

Next steps (anticipated): If adopted, the resolution would typically authorize or direct the filing of a judicial conduct complaint; the Judicial Conduct Commission would then conduct its own review and disciplinary process consistent with Kentucky law and ethical rules.

Potential impact and considerations

Clarifies and reinforces standards of judicial conduct in Kentucky, particularly during impeachment proceedings.

Creates a formal mechanism to address alleged improper remarks by a high-ranking judicial official.

Could influence public perception of judicial independence and accountability during impeachment-related processes.

Any subsequent disciplinary outcome would depend on the Judicial Conduct Commission’s findings and due process procedures.