SB 85: AN ACT relating to designating a special needs trust to receive state-administered retirement benefits.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Amend KRS 16.505, 61.510, and 78.510 to define "special needs trust" (SNT) for purposes of the State Police Retirement System, Kentucky Employees Retirement System, and County Employees Retirement System; amend the definition of "beneficiary" to include a SNT; amend KRS 16.578 to allow a SNT to receive a lifetime retirement payment if a member dies before retirement; amend KRS 61.635 to allow a person who is the beneficiary of a SNT to be designated as the beneficiary of a lifetime retirement benefit; require the trustee of a SNT to notify the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA) upon the death of the beneficiary of a SNT and repay any payment not properly payable to the SNT; allow KPPA to promulgate administrative regulations to administer the SNT provisions; amend KRS 61.640 to allow a SNT to receive a lifetime retirement payment if a member dies before retirement; amend KRS 61.690 to allow a recipient or legal representative to direct retirement benefits to be paid to a SNT and clarify that it is not an assignment or transfer; amend KRS 78.5532 to allow a SNT to receive a lifetime retirement benefit if a member dies before retirement; amend KRS 161.525, relating to the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) to allow a SNT to receive a lifetime annuity if a member dies before retirement; amend KRS 161.640 to allow checks to be sent by mail to the trustee of a SNT; require the trustee to notify the TRS upon the death of the beneficiary; require any payments not properly payable to the SNT to be repaid to TRS; allow TRS to promulgate administrative regulations to administer the SNT provisions; amend KRS 161.700 to require TRS to assign annuity payments to a SNT, issue payments to the trustee, and prevent annuity payments from being used to reimburse any state for any Medicaid benefits paid on behalf of the beneficiary of a SNT; amend KRS 21.420, relating to the Judicial Retirement Plan, to allow for a SNT to be selected as a beneficiary, and define "special needs trust"; amend KRS 21.425 to allow a member to designate a SNT to receive lifetime survivorship benefits on behalf of a surviving spouse, dependent child, or disabled child.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 2

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 3, 2026signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 18)
2. March 27, 2026delivered to Governor
3. March 27, 2026enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
4. March 27, 2026enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
5. March 27, 2026received in Senate
6. March 27, 20263rd reading, passed 90-0
7. March 26, 2026posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, March 27 2026
8. March 20, 20262nd reading, to Rules
9. March 19, 2026reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
10. March 16, 2026to State Government (H)
11. February 19, 2026to Committee on Committees (H)
12. February 19, 2026received in House

Showing 12 most recent of 19 actions. Full history