FRANKFORT, Ky., July 24, 2025 – The Administrative Office of the Courts released a video series today highlighting the benefits of Senate Bill 90, legislation that is transforming how Kentucky’s justice system supports people with substance use disorder and behavioral health needs.
Passed by the Kentucky General Assembly and signed into law by the governor in 2022, SB 90 created the Behavioral Health Conditional Dismissal Program as an alternative to incarceration for defendants whose substance use disorders and/or mental health conditions were contributing factors to their criminal acts. The video series showcases the legislation’s real-life impact, featuring participant testimonies and insights into how the program diverts defendants into appropriate care. The program supports participants with treatment and services, including assistance with education, employment and housing.
View the video series at https://kcoj.info/SB90vid.
The BHCDP is for certain non-violent, non-sexual misdemeanors and Class D felonies. Eligible defendants can have their charges dismissed after successful completion of the program.
The AOC, Kentucky Office of Adult Education and state Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities partner to offer the program.
“The Administrative Office of the Courts has been honored to be a part of legislation that impacts justice-involved individuals in such a powerful way,” AOC Director Zach Ramsey said. “Giving access to treatment, barrier relief and educational opportunities while subverting the stigma of a conviction is setting these individuals on a new direction in life.”
Angela Darcy, who heads AOC’s statewide Department of Pretrial Services said, “I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with participants on how their lives have changed through BHCDP. Participants are excited to share their successes that have been made possible by SB 90, not just limited to the celebration of sobriety but also the joy of reunification with family, the pride of earning a spot in the workforce and the confidence to continue this positive path. It’s amazing to witness.”
The BHCDP launched in January 2023 and is available in 17 counties with plans to expand. The counties are Clark, Christian, Daviess, Greenup, Henry, Hopkins, Johnson, Kenton, Letcher, Lewis, Madison, McCracken, Oldham, Pulaski, Russell, Warren and Wayne. More than 760 participants have successfully completed the program. More information is available in the SB 90 Annual Report at https://kcoj.info/SB90AnnualReport.
Pretrial Services
The Department of Pretrial Services focuses on pretrial justice through fair and impartial treatment of all. The department oversees a statewide program based on the premise that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty and are entitled to reasonable bail. This premise is supported by federal and state constitutions. Pretrial Services operates in all 120 Kentucky counties and provides services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The program has earned a national reputation for innovation in the field of pretrial release. In 1976, Kentucky became the second of four states to outlaw commercial bail bonding. Kentucky is also known for being among the first states to establish statewide evidence-based practices.
Administrative Office of the Courts
The AOC is the operations arm for the state court system and supports the activities of nearly 3,300 employees and 412 elected justices, judges and circuit court clerks. As the fiscal agent for the state court system, the AOC executes the Judicial Branch budget.
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