AN ACT relating to children's health and welfare fiscal impact statements.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Stalker

HB 179 would require fiscal impact statements to accompany policies and actions affecting children’s health and welfare.

to Families & Children (H)

#attorneygeneral #childrenandminors #generalassembly #healthandmedicalservices #legislativeresearchcommission #localgovernment #publichealth #stateagencies

Summary of HB 179 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

HB 179 relates to children’s health and welfare with a fiscal impact statement requirement. The bill appears to be focused on ensuring fiscal considerations are explicitly evaluated in matters affecting the health and welfare of children, though the exact policy directives would be defined in the bill’s text. The action history shows committee referrals early in the 2026 session, indicating initial stages of consideration.

Key provisions and changes (as described by title and context)

Fiscal impact statements for children’s health and welfare decisions: The bill would require or regulate the preparation, consideration, or disclosure of fiscal impact statements tied to policies, programs, or actions that affect children’s health and welfare. This could include state or local program funding, regulatory changes, or administrative actions that impact cost, budgetary needs, or financial outcomes related to children.

Scope of application: While the exact scope is defined in the bill, typical applications would cover agencies, departments, or programs that deal with pediatric health, child welfare services, education-related health interventions, or other services impacting children.

Procedural requirements: The bill may specify who prepares the fiscal impact statement, the timing (e.g., at the point of policy proposal or during budget cycles), and the standards or metrics used to assess fiscal effects (such as cost estimates, revenue impacts, long-term fiscal consequences, and potential cost savings or offsetting revenues).

Who would be affected

State and local agencies implementing or proposing policies impacting children’s health and welfare.

Legislative processes requiring fiscal impact analysis as part of policy development and deliberation.

Stakeholders in child health and welfare programs (e.g., healthcare providers, child welfare agencies, education systems, maternal and child health initiatives) that could be influenced by funding decisions and program design changes.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referrals: HB 179 was introduced in the Kentucky House on January 7, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Families & Children (H). It also passed to an additional committee stage (Committee on Committees) on the same date, indicating process steps common to initial chamber consideration.

Next steps (typical if advanced): If moved forward, the bill would undergo committee hearings, potential amendments, floor debate, and votes in the House, followed by potential consideration in the Kentucky Senate, where similar fiscal impact considerations would apply.

Potential impact and considerations

If enacted, the bill could improve transparency and accountability by ensuring that the fiscal implications of health and welfare decisions affecting children are analyzed and presented to policymakers.

It could influence budgeting priorities, prioritization of programs, and long-term planning for child health and welfare services.

Details such as thresholds, definitions of “fiscal impact,” who qualifies as a fiduciary or preparer, and exemptions (if any) would determine the practical effect on agencies and proposed policies.

If you can provide the full text of HB 179 or specific sections, I can offer a more precise, line-by-line breakdown of provisions, deadlines, and any fiscal notes or impact estimates included in the bill.