After weeks of progress and careful monitoring, there have been no further updates on Jayden’s Law as of the close of business today, April 3, 2026.

With the Kentucky General Assembly now in the final days of the session and entering the veto period, it is highly unlikely that Senate Bill 138 will be called for a vote in the full Senate this year.

While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, it is important to recognize how far this effort came in a short amount of time:

The bill was filed and assigned
It received a full hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee
It passed committee with a favorable vote
It gained media attention and public awareness across Kentucky
Many bills never make it that far.

Jayden’s Law was created to address a serious issue — ensuring that Kentucky law properly reflects the severity of cases where a child dies as the result of abuse. That conversation has now been brought to the forefront, and it will not be forgotten.

I want to sincerely thank Senator Brandon Smith for sponsoring the bill and working to move it forward, as well as everyone who supported, shared, and stood behind this effort.

While this appears to be the end of the road for Jayden’s Law in the 2026 session, it does not have to be the end of the effort.

Thank you all.

— Joe Clark