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Bill Summary · HB 611

Bill overview

  • Bill: HB 611
  • Session: 2026 Regular Session (Kentucky)
  • Jurisdiction: Kentucky
  • Title: AN ACT relating to domestic relations
  • Status: Enacted (signed by Governor; Acts Ch. 49, 2026-04-07)

Primary purpose and intent

HB 611 is a domestic relations measure intended to modify or clarify aspects of family law within Kentucky. While the exact statutory language is not provided here, the bill’s trajectory through the legislature (including unanimous support at multiple readings and passage with a committee substitute) suggests it addresses substantive changes to the handling of domestic relations issues, such as marriage, divorce, child custody, support, enforcement, or related procedures. The enacted status indicates the changes are now law.

Key provisions and changes (as indicated by legislative history)

  • Committee route and revisions:
    • Passed through the Families & Children committee in the Senate and the House, with a committee substitute and bipartisan support.
    • The bill moved through regular order and consent processes, indicating a package of changes that may be technical or consolidating several related provisions.
  • Passage timeline:
    • House introduction: 2026-02-10
    • House committee and readings progressed February–March 2026
    • Senate proceeded with similar committee review and readings in March 2026
    • Final passage in both chambers on March 25, 2026
    • Enrolled and sent to Governor; signed on 2026-03-26 (enrolled, both chambers)
    • Governor signed; Acts Chapter 49 on 2026-04-07
  • Enactment date:
    • Effective upon signing or as specified within the act; enacted as Chapter 49, with potential effective dates provided in the bill text (not listed here)

Note: The specific substantive changes (e.g., to custody standards, parenting time, child support calculations, enforcement mechanisms, or protective orders) are not detailed in the provided summary. The bill’s title and its rapid advancement through the Families & Children committee imply reforms within domestic relations statutes.

Who is affected

  • Individuals and families dealing with domestic relations matters in Kentucky, including:
    • Married couples, divorcing or separated spouses
    • Parents and guardians involved in child custody, parenting time, and child support
    • Custodians and custodial/non-custodial parents affected by custody and support provisions
    • Families engaging with domestic violence protections if the act touches protective orders or related procedures
  • State and local agencies implementing family law:
    • Courts (family court processes, enforcement)
    • Child support enforcement agencies
    • Domestic relations service providers and attorneys
  • Potential indirect beneficiaries:
    • Children and non-marital children affected by custody and support determinations
    • Individuals navigating alterations to domestic-relations-related timelines or forms

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction to House: 2026-02-10
  • Movement through committees: February–March 2026 (House and Senate)
  • House 3rd reading: March 6, 2026 (passed 91-0 with committee substitute)
  • Senate passage and final engrossment: March 24–26, 2026
  • Enrolled and transmitted to Governor: March 26, 2026
  • Governor signed: March 26, 2026
  • Effective date: As per act language (often upon signing or a specified later date within the bill)

Practical notes for readers

  • For precise changes, including exact statutory revisions, new sections added, repeals, or amended language, consult the enrolled text of HB 611 and the codified statute amendments in Acts Chapter 49 (2026).
  • If you are affected by domestic relations issues, you may want to review how these changes interact with current custody, support, and divorce procedures, and seek guidance from a licensed attorney or the relevant state family court for case-specific implications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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