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CIRCUIT COURT

KRS tit. IV, ch. 23A
in effect

KRS 23A.010 Jurisdiction of Circuit Court -- Court of record and of continuous session

23A.010. Jurisdiction of Circuit Court -- Court of record and of continuous session (1) The Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction; it has original jurisdiction of all justiciable causes not exclusively vested in some other court. (2) The Circuit Court has appellate jurisdiction as specified in this chapter. (3) The Circuit Court is a court of record and of continuous session. (4) The Circuit Court may be authorized by law to review the actions or decisions of administrative agencies, special districts or boards. Such review shall not constitute an appeal but an original action. Effective: June 24, 2003 History: Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 66, sec. 13, effective June 24, 2003. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 40, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1996. -- Created 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 14, sec. 475, effective January 2, 1978.

KRS 23A.020 Judicial circuits

23A.020. Judicial circuits The state is divided into judicial circuits, each to be composed of the following counties: (1) First Judicial Circuit. Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, and Hickman. (2) Second Judicial Circuit. McCracken. (3) Third Judicial Circuit. Christian. (4) Fourth Judicial Circuit. Hopkins. (5) Fifth Judicial Circuit. Crittenden, Union, and Webster. (6) Sixth Judicial Circuit. Daviess. (7) Seventh Judicial Circuit. Logan and Todd. (8) Eighth Judicial Circuit. Edmonson and Warren. (9) Ninth Judicial Circuit. Hardin. (10) Tenth Judicial Circuit. Hart, Larue, and Nelson. (11) Eleventh Judicial Circuit. Green, Marion, Taylor, and Washington. (12) Twelfth Judicial Circuit. Henry, Oldham, and Trimble. (13) Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. Garrard and Jessamine. (14) Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. Bourbon, Scott, and Woodford. (15) Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. Carroll, Grant, and Owen. (16) Sixteenth Judicial Circuit. Kenton. (17) Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. Campbell. (18) Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. Harrison, Nicholas, Pendleton, and Robertson. (19) Nineteenth Judicial Circuit. Bracken, Fleming, and Mason. (20) Twentieth Judicial Circuit. Greenup and Lewis. (21) Twenty-first Judicial Circuit. Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, and Rowan. (22) Twenty-second Judicial Circuit. Fayette. (23) Twenty-third Judicial Circuit. Estill, Lee, and Owsley. (24) Twenty-fourth Judicial Circuit. Lawrence, Johnson, and Martin. (25) Twenty-fifth Judicial Circuit. Clark and Madison. (26) Twenty-sixth Judicial Circuit. Harlan. (27) Twenty-seventh Judicial Circuit. Knox and Laurel. (28) Twenty-eighth Judicial Circuit. Lincoln, Pulaski, and Rockcastle. (29) Twenty-ninth Judicial Circuit. Adair and Casey. (30) Thirtieth Judicial Circuit. Jefferson. (31) Thirty-first Judicial Circuit. Floyd. (32) Thirty-second Judicial Circuit. Boyd. (33) Thirty-third Judicial Circuit. Perry. (34) Thirty-fourth Judicial Circuit. Whitley and McCreary. (35) Thirty-fifth Judicial Circuit. Pike. (36) Thirty-sixth Judicial Circuit. Magoffin and Knott. (37) Thirty-seventh Judicial Circuit. Carter, Elliott, and Morgan. (38) Thirty-eighth Judicial Circuit. Butler, Ohio, and Hancock. (39) Thirty-ninth Judicial Circuit. Breathitt, Wolfe, and Powell. (40) Fortieth Judicial Circuit. Clinton, Cumberland, and Monroe. (41) Forty-first Judicial Circuit. Clay, Jackson, and Leslie. (42) Forty-second Judicial Circuit. Calloway and Marshall. (43) Forty-third Judicial Circuit. Barren and Metcalfe. (44) Forty-fourth Judicial Circuit. Bell. (45) Forty-fifth Judicial Circuit. Muhlenberg and McLean. (46) Forty-sixth Judicial Circuit. Breckinridge, Grayson, and Meade. (47) Forty-seventh Judicial Circuit. Letcher. (48) Forty-eighth Judicial Circuit. Franklin. (49) Forty-ninth Judicial Circuit. Allen and Simpson. (50) Fiftieth Judicial Circuit. Boyle and Mercer. (51) Fifty-first Judicial Circuit. Henderson. (52) Fifty-second Judicial Circuit. Graves. (53) Fifty-third Judicial Circuit. Shelby, Anderson, and Spencer. (54) Fifty-fourth Judicial Circuit. Boone and Gallatin. (55) Fifty-fifth Judicial Circuit. Bullitt. (56) Fifty-sixth Judicial Circuit. Caldwell, Livingston, Lyon, and Trigg. (57) Fifty-seventh Judicial Circuit. Russell and Wayne. Effective: January 2, 2023 History: Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 129, sec. 1, effective January 2, 2023. -- Amended 2001 Ky. Acts ch. 72, sec. 1, effective June 21, 2001. -- Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 356, sec. 2, effective July 14, 1992. -- Created 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 14, sec. 476.

KRS 23A.030 Judicial circuits with one Circuit Judge

23A.030. Judicial circuits with one Circuit Judge Each judicial circuit shall have one (1) Circuit Judge, except as otherwise provided. History: Created 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 14, sec. 477.

KRS 23A.040 Judicial circuits with two Circuit Judges and two numbered divisions

23A.040. Judicial circuits with two Circuit Judges and two numbered divisions The following judicial circuits are entitled to two (2) judges and shall have two (2) numbered divisions of the Circuit Court: (1) Fourth Judicial Circuit. (2) Fifth Judicial Circuit. (3) Tenth Judicial Circuit. (4) Eleventh Judicial Circuit. (5) Twelfth Judicial Circuit. (6) Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. (7) Fifteenth Judicial Circuit. (8) Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. (9) Twentieth Judicial Circuit. (10) Twenty-first Judicial Circuit. (11) Twenty-fourth Judicial Circuit. (12) Thirty-first Judicial Circuit. (13) Thirty-second Judicial Circuit. (14) Thirty-fourth Judicial Circuit. (15) Thirty-seventh Judicial Circuit. (16) Thirty-eighth Judicial Circuit. (17) Thirty-ninth Judicial Circuit. (18) Forty-first Judicial Circuit. (19) Forty-second Judicial Circuit. (20) Forty-third Judicial Circuit. (21) Forty-sixth Judicial Circuit. (22) Forty-ninth Judicial Circuit. (23) Fiftieth Judicial Circuit. (24) Fifty-first Judicial Circuit. (25) Fifty-third Judicial Circuit. (26) Fifty-sixth Judicial Circuit. (27) Fifty-seventh Judicial Circuit. Effective: January 2, 2023 History: Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 129, sec. 2, effective January 2, 2023. -- Amended 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 57, sec. 2, effective July 14, 2018; and ch. 57, sec. 6, effective January 2, 2023. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 75, sec. 1, effective March 21, 2017. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts. ch. 250, Pt. V, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2007. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 173, Pt. XIII, 1.(3), sec. 1, effective July 15, 2006. -- Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 66, sec. 4, effective June 24, 2003. -- Amended 2001 Ky. Acts ch. 72, sec. 2, effective June 21, 2001. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 541, sec. 1, effective July 1, 2000. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 517, sec. 3 and 12, effective September 1, 1998, January 1, 1999, and September 1, 1999. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 204, sec. 2, effective October 1, 1996; and ch. 377, sec. 2, effective October 1, 1996. -- Amended 1992 Ky. A cts ch. 356, sec. 1, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 247, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1980. -- Created 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 14, sec. 478. Legislative Research Commission Note (1/2/2023). Under 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 129, sec s. 10 and 11, the terms of new judgeships created in the amendments to this statute begin January 2, 2023, and elections to fill the judgeships must be placed on the ballot for the regular election held in November 2022. All candidates for those judgeships who file a valid petition for nomination are to be placed on the ballot for that election. Legislative Research Commission Note (3/21/2017). 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 75, sec. 4, provides that the amendments to this statute in Section 1 of that Act apply retroactively to April 16, 2016. Legislative Research Commission Note. (1/1/2007). 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 250, Pt. V, sec. 6, provides that the new judgeships created by subsections (1), (16), (21), and (26) of this statute shall become effective January 1, 2007.

KRS 23A.045 Judicial circuits with three Circuit Judges and three numbered divisions

23A.045. Judicial circuits with three Circuit Judges and three numbered divisions The following judicial circuits are entitled to three (3) Circuit Judges and shall have three (3) numbered divisions of the Circuit Court: (1) Second Judicial Circuit. (2) Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. (3) Thirty-fifth Judicial Circuit. (4) Forty-eighth Judicial Circuit. (5) Fifty-fifth Judicial Circuit. Effective: January 2, 2023 History: Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 129, sec. 3, effective January 2, 2023. -- Amended 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 57, sec. 3, effective July 14, 2018; and ch. 57, sec. 7, effective January 2, 2023. -- Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 75, sec. 2, effective March 21, 2017. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 250, Pt. V, sec. 2, effective January 1, 2007. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 173, Pt. XIII, 1.(3), sec. 2, effective July 15, 2006. -- Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 66, sec. 5, effective June 24, 2003. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 541, sec. 2, effective July 1, 2000. -- Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 517, secs. 4 and 12, effective September 1, 1998, and September 1, 1999. Legislative Research Commission Note (3/21/2017). 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 75, sec. 4, provides that the amendments to this statute in Section 2 of that Act apply retroactively to April 16, 2016. Legislative Research Commission Note (1/1/2007). 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 250, Pt. V, sec. 6, provides that the new judgeships created by subsections (3) and (10) of this statute shall become effective January 1, 2007.

KRS 23A.050 Judicial circuits with four Circuit Judges and four numbered divisions

23A.050. Judicial circuits with four Circuit Judges and four numbered divisions The following judicial circuits are entitled to four (4) judges and shall have four (4) numbered divisions of the Circuit Court: (1) Third Judicial Circuit. (2) Sixth Judicial Circuit. (3) Ninth Judicial Circuit. (4) Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. (5) Twenty-seventh Judicial Circuit. (6) Twenty-eighth Judicial Circuit. (7) Fifty-fourth Judicial Circuit. Effective: January 2, 2023 History: Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 129, sec. 4, effective January 2, 2023. -- Amended 2018 Ky. Acts ch. 57, sec. 4, effective July 14, 2018. -- Amended 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 44, sec. 2, effective August 1, 2010. -- Amended 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 250, Pt. V, sec. 3, effective January 1, 2007. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 173, Pt. XIII, 1.(3), sec. 3, effective July 15, 2006. -- Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 66, sec. 6, effective June 24, 2003. -- Created 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 14, sec. 479. Legislative Research Commission Note (1/2/2023). Under 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 129, secs. 10 and 11, the terms of new judgeships created in the amendments to this statute begin January 2, 2023, and elections to fill the judgeships must be placed on the ballot for the regular election held in November 2022. All candidates for those judgeships who file a valid petition for nomination are to be placed on the ballot for that election. Legislative Research Commission Note (1/1/2007). 2006 Ky. Acts ch. 250, Pt. V, sec. 6, provides that the new judgeship created by subsection (2) of this statute shall become effective January 1, 2007.

KRS 23A.052 Judicial circuits with five Circuit Judges and five numbered divisions

23A.052. Judicial circuits with five Circuit Judges and five numbered divisions The following judicial circuits are entitled to five (5) judges and shall have five (5) numbered divisions of the Circuit Court: (1) Eighth Judicial Circuit. (2) Twenty-fifth Judicial Circuit. Effective: January 2, 2023 History: Created 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 129, sec. 5, effective January 2, 2023. Legislative Research Commission Note (1/2/2023). Under 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 129, secs. 10 and 11, the terms of new judgeships created in this statute begin January 2, 2023, and elections to fill the judgeships must be placed on the ballot for the regular election held in November 2022. All candidates for those judgeships who file a valid petition for nomination are to be placed on the ballot for that election.

KRS 23A.055 Sixteenth Judicial Circuit

23A.055. Sixteenth Judicial Circuit The Sixteenth Judicial Circuit is entitled to six (6) judges and shall have six (6) numbered divisions of the Circuit Court. Effective: January 2, 2023 History: Amended 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 129, sec. 6, effective January 2, 2023. -- Created 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 44, sec. 1, effective August 1, 2010. Legislative Research Commission Note (1/2/2023). Under 2022 Ky. Acts ch. 129, secs. 10 and 11, the terms of new judgeships created in the amendments to this statute begin January 2, 2023, and elections to fill the judg eships must be placed on the ballot for the regular election held in November 2022. All candidates for those judgeships who file a valid petition for nomination are to be placed on the ballot for that election. Legislative Research Commission Note (8/1/2010). 2009 Ky. Acts ch. 44, sec. 1, provides that the new judgeship created by this statute shall become effective August 1, 2010.

KRS 23A.060 Twenty-second Judicial Circuit

23A.060. Twenty-second Judicial Circuit The Twenty-second Judicial Circuit is entitled to nine (9) judges and shall have nine (9) numbered divisions of the Circuit Court. Effective: June 24, 2003 History: Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 66, sec. 7, effective June 24, 2003. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 204, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1996. -- Created 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 14. sec. 480.

KRS 23A.070 Thirtieth Judicial Circuit -- Family court -- Funds from previously created campaign accounts

23A.070. Thirtieth Judicial Circuit -- Family court -- Funds from previously created campaign accounts (1) The Thirtieth Judicial Circuit is entitled to twenty-three (23) judges and shall have twenty-three (23) numbered divisions of the Circuit Court. The Circuit Court divisions designated for family court shall be consecutively numbered beginning with the Thirtieth Judicial Circuit, First Division, Family Court. All other Circuit Court divisions shall be consecutively numbered beginning with the Thirtieth Judicial Circuit, First Division, and shall appear on the ballot prior to the designated family court divisions. These designations shall apply for election purposes and all other purposes. (2) Notwithstanding any provision of KRS 121.180(10) to the contrary, a judicial candidate whose division number is altered pursuant to subsection (1) of this section subsequent to the establishment of a campaign account with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance may expend the funds contained in the established account for election to the judicial division to which they were elected or appointed. Effective: June 20, 2005 History: Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 124, sec. 1, effective June 20, 2005. -- Amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 66, sec. 8, effective June 24, 2003. -- Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 377, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1996. -- Created 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 14, sec. 481.

KRS 23A.080 Appeals from District Court -- Issuance of writs by Circuit Court

23A.080. Appeals from District Court -- Issuance of writs by Circuit Court (1) A direct appeal may be taken from District Court to Circuit Court from any final action of the District Court. (2) The Circuit Court may issue all writs necessary in aid of its appellate jurisdiction, or the complete determination of any cause within its appellate jurisdiction. Effective: January 2, 1978 History: Created 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 14, sec. 482, effective January 2, 1978.

KRS 23A.090 Security services provided by sheriff -- Compensation

23A.090. Security services provided by sheriff -- Compensation (1) The sheriff of the county in which the Circuit Court is sitting shall provide such deputies, certified court security officers, and ordinary equipment as the Chief Circuit Judge shall deem necessary to provide security services to the court and its facilities. (2) The sheriff shall be compensated for these duties at rates to be determined by law. Effective: June 26, 2007 History: Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 54, sec. 9, effective June 26, 2007. -- Created 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 14, sec. 483, effective January 2, 1978.

KRS 23A.100 Jurisdiction of family court

23A.100. Jurisdiction of family court (1) As a division of Circuit Court with general jurisdiction pursuant to Section 112(6) of the Constitution of Kentucky, a family court division of Circuit Court shall retain jurisdiction in the following cases: (a) Dissolution of marriage; (b) Child custody; (c) Visitation; (d) Maintenance and support; (e) Equitable distribution of property in dissolution cases; (f) Adoption; and (g) Termination of parental rights. (2) In addition to general jurisdiction of Circuit Court, a family court division of Circuit Court shall have the following additional jurisdiction: (a) Domestic violence and abuse proceedings under KRS Chapter 403 subsequent to the issuance of an emergency protective order in accord with local protocols under KRS 403.725; (b) Proceedings under the Uniform Act on Paternity, KRS Chapter 406, and the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, KRS 407.5101 to 407.5902; (c) Dependency, neglect, and abuse proceedings under KRS Chapter 620; and (d) Juvenile status offenses under KRS Chapter 630, except where proceedings under KRS Chapter 635 or 640 are pending. (3) Family court divisions of Circuit Court shall be the primary forum for cases in this section, except that nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the concurrent jurisdiction of District Court. Effective: January 1, 2016 History: Amended 2015 Ky. Acts ch. 102, sec. 38, effective January 1, 2016. -- Repealed, reenacted, and amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 66, sec. 1, effective June 24, 2003. -- Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 517, sec. 1, effective September 1, 1998.

KRS 23A.110 Additional jurisdiction of family court to be construed to promote underlying purposes

23A.110. Additional jurisdiction of family court to be construed to promote underlying purposes The additional jurisdiction of a family court division of Circuit Court shall be liberally construed and applied to promote its underlying purposes, which are as follows: (1) To strengthen and preserve the integrity of the family and safeguard marital and familial relationships; (2) To protect children and adult family members from domestic violence and abuse; (3) To promote the amicable settlement of disputes that have arisen between family members; (4) To assure an adequate remedy for children adjudged to be dependent, abused, or neglected, and for those children adjudicated as status offenders; (5) To mitigate the potential harm to the spouses and their children caused by the process of legal dissolution of marriage; (6) To make adequate provision for the care, custody, and support of minor children of divorce and for those children who have been born out of wedlock; and (7) To provide a level of proceedings, when necessary, that is more appropriate to a family court division of Circuit Court. Effective: June 24, 2003 History: Repealed, reenacted, and amended 2003 Ky. Acts ch. 66, sec. 2, effective June 24, 2003. -- Created 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 517, sec. 2, effective September 1, 1998.

KRS 23A.120 Position of domestic relations commissioner abolished in family court

23A.120. Position of domestic relations commissioner abolished in family court In any judicial circuit where a family court is established or has been established, the position of domestic relations commissioner is abolished, and no commissioner shall be appointed to hear or determine any matter within the jurisdiction of the family court. Effective: January 1, 2003 History: Created 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 86, sec. 1, effective January 1, 2003.

KRS 23A.200 Fees and costs for civil cases

23A.200. Fees and costs for civil cases (1) The Supreme Court shall by rule set the filing fees and miscellaneous costs for civil cases filed in the Circuit Court. (2) The following fee shall be paid directly to the sheriff or other officer serving the process by the party requesting the service, at the time of the request as follows: Service of process (per process) ............................................................. $20.00 Effective: July 15, 1996 History: Amended 1996 Ky. Acts ch. 248, sec. 6, effective July 15, 1996. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 134, sec. 3, effective July 1, 1994. -- Amended 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 141, sec. 30, effective July 1, 1982; ch. 159, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1982; ch. 266, sec. 1, effective July 15, 1982; and ch. 445, sec. 34, effective July 1, 1982. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 4, effective June 17, 1978. -- Created 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 22, sec. 56, effective January 1, 1978. Legislative Research Commission Note. This section was amended by four 1982 Acts which do not appear to be in conflict and have been compiled together. This section was amended in 1982 Acts Chapter 445, which contains the following language in Section 45 of that Act: "This Act shall become effective on July 1, 1982." The Ky. Constitution, in Section 55, requires that a reason be set forth for the emergency. However, no reason is set forth in this Act. The effective date for 1982 Acts with no emergency provision is July 15, 1982. Although a reference to mental health proceedings under KRS Ch. 387 was added in (1) of this section by 1982 Acts ch. 445, sec. 34, the provisions of KRS Ch. 387 relating to such proceedings were repealed by 1982 Acts ch. 141, sec. 146. Note: 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 396, sec. 30 would have amended this section effective July 1, 1982. However, 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 396 was repealed by 1982 Ky. Acts ch. 141, sec. 146, also effective July 1, 1982.

KRS 23A.205 Court costs for criminal cases in Circuit Court -- Payment required -- Exceptions

23A.205. Court costs for criminal cases in Circuit Court -- Payment required -- Exceptions (1) Court costs for a criminal case in the Circuit Court shall be one hundred dollars ($100). (2) The taxation of court costs against a defendant, upon conviction in a case, shall be mandatory and shall not be subject to probation, suspension, proration, deduction, or other form of nonimposition in the terms of a plea bargain or otherwise, unless the court finds that the defendant is a poor person as defined by KRS 453.190(2) and that he or she is unable to pay court costs and will be unable to pay the court costs in the foreseeable future. (3) If the court finds that the defendant does not meet the standard articulated in subsection (2) of this section and that the defendant is nonetheless unable to pay the full amount of the court costs, fees, or fines at the time of sentencing, then the court may establish an installment payment plan in accordance with KRS 534.020. Effective:June 29, 2017 History: Amended 2017 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 2, effective June 29, 2017. -- Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 183, sec. 1, effective August 1, 2002. -- Amended 2000 Ky. Acts ch. 328, sec. 1, effective July 14, 2000. -- Amended 1998 Ky. Acts ch. 606, sec. 43, effective July 15, 1998. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 321, sec. 2, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 5, effective June 17, 1978. -- Created 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 22, sec. 58, effective January 2, 1978.

KRS 23A.206 Additional costs imposed in criminal cases -- Funds distributed to local governments and counties -- Funds used for police, jails, and transport of prisoners

23A.206. Additional costs imposed in criminal cases -- Funds distributed to local governments and counties -- Funds used for police, jails, and transport of prisoners (1) For the purposes of this section: (a) "Local government" means a city, county, charter county, urban-county, or consolidated local government; and (b) "Police department" means a police department created by a local government which employs one (1) or more officers certified pursuant to KRS 15.380 to 15.404. (2) In criminal cases a fee of twenty dollars ($20) shall be added to the costs imposed by KRS 23A.205 that the defendant is required to pay. (3) The circuit clerk shall pay the funds from fees collected under this section to the Finance and Administration Cabinet pursuant to KRS 23A.215 for distribution as provided in subsection (5) of this section to local governments with police departments or local governments that contract for police services, and to counties with fiscal responsibilities for jails or the transporting of prisoners. (4) All funds distributed to local governments shall be used for payment of expenses for operation of the local government's police department or contracted police services. All funds distributed to counties with fiscal responsibilities for jails or the transporting of prisoners shall be used for the payment of costs associated with the housing or transporting of prisoners. (5) Payments shall be distributed quarterly by the Finance and Administration Cabinet beginning October 1, 2004, as follows: (a) Thirty percent (30%) of the total shall be distributed equally to all local governments with police departments or that contract for police services; (b) Fifty percent (50%) of the total shall be distributed to local governments with police departments or local governments that contract for police services on a per capita basis according to the number of certified police officers employed by the police department on July 1 each year or providing services to the local government pursuant to a contract on July 1 of each year. For purposes of this subsection, each local government that contracts for police services shall be considered to employ one (1) police officer for each sixty thousand dollars ($60,000) it expends during each fiscal year for police services under a written contract; and (c) Twenty percent (20%) of the total shall be distributed equally to counties with fiscal responsibilities for jails or the transporting of prisoners. (6) On or before August 1 of each year, the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet shall certify to the Finance and Administration Cabinet the number of certified police officers employed by each local government. (7) On or before August 1 of each year, each local government contracting for police services shall certify to the Finance and Administration Cabinet the amount of money expended for police services under a written contract during the previous fiscal year. (8) The Finance and Administration Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to KRS Chapter 13A deemed necessary for the administration of this section. Effective: June 26, 2007 History: Amended 2007 Ky. Acts ch. 85, sec. 108, effective June 26, 2007. -- Created 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 78, sec. 1, effective April 6, 2004.

KRS 23A.207 Fees for criminal cases

23A.207. Fees for criminal cases In criminal cases, the following fees shall be charged by the circuit clerk and paid to the clerk at the time the corresponding services are requested: (1) Preparing an attestation ...................................................................................... $0.50 (2) Preparing a certification ..................................................................................... $5.00 (3) Preparing a copy of a document (per page) ........................................................ $0.25 Effective: August 1, 2002 History: Created 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 183, sec. 2, effective August 1, 2002.

KRS 23A.208 Additional fee for sex crime, stalking, or related inchoate offenses

23A.208. Additional fee for sex crime, stalking, or related inchoate offenses (1) In addition to fees created by KRS 23A.205, 23A.206, and 23A.2065, an administrative fee of thirty dollars ($30) shall be added to the costs that the defendant is required to pay for the following crimes: (a) A sex crime, meaning an offense described in: 1. KRS Chapter 510; 2. KRS 530.020; 3. KRS 530.064(1)(a); 4. KRS 531.310; and 5. KRS 531.320; (b) Stalking, meaning conduct prohibited under KRS 508.130; and (c) A criminal attempt, conspiracy, facilitation, or solicitation to commit the crimes set forth in this subsection. (2) The first one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) of each fee collected under this section shall be placed into the general fund, and the remainder of the fee shall be allocated by the clerk of the court on a quarterly basis to the Safe at Home Program fund established in KRS 14.260 to be used solely to establish, operate, and maintain the Safe at Home Program established in KRS 14.302. (3) The court may waive all or any portion of the fee required by this section if the court finds that a person subject to the surcharge is indigent or financially unable to pay all or any portion of the surcharge. The court may waive only the portion of the surcharge that the court finds the person is financially unable to pay. Effective: July 15, 2026 History: Amended 2026 Ky. Acts ch. 67, sec. 6, effective July 15, 2026. -- Amended 2023 Ky. Acts ch. 172, sec. 7, effective June 29, 2023. -- Created 2015 Ky. Acts ch . 101, sec. 1, effective June 24, 2015. Legislative Research Commission Note (6/29/2023). In subsection (2) of this statute, a reference to "the Safe at Home Program established in KRS 14.260" has been changed in codification to read "the Safe at Home Prog ram established in KRS 14.302." The Reviser of Statutes has made this correction of a manifest clerical or typographical error under the authority of KRS 7.136(1).

KRS 23A.209 Additional fee for expenses of Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force

23A.209. Additional fee for expenses of Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force In addition to the twenty dollar ($20) fee created by KRS 23A.206 and the ten dollar ($10) fee created by KRS 23A.2065, a ten dollar ($10) fee shall be added in criminal cases to the costs imposed by KRS 23A.205. The fee collected under this section shall be allocated to the Department of Kentucky State Police for the training, salaries, and equipment of the Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Effective: June 24, 2015 History: Created 2015 Ky. Acts ch. 122, sec. 1, effective June 24, 2015.

KRS 23A.215 Disposition of Circuit Court fees and costs

23A.215. Disposition of Circuit Court fees and costs (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, all fees and costs collected pursuant to KRS 23A.200(1) shall be deposited in the general fund of the State Treasury. (2) Fees consisting of reimbursement for incidental direct outlays, including but not limited to postage and legal advertising, may be retained by the clerk and expended for these purposes in accordance with relevant directives of the Administrative Office of the Courts. (3) Additional costs in Circuit Court civil cases authorized by subsection (2) of KRS 23A.200 shall be paid to the sheriff or other officer serving the process. (4) Filing fees in civil actions shall be recoverable as costs. (5) No later than the seventh working day of each month the circuit clerk shall pay the funds collected from each court cost collected under KRS 23A.205 to the court cost distribution fund established in KRS 42.320 and report to the Finance and Administration Cabinet and the Administrative Office of the Courts the amounts deposited into the court cost distribution fund. Effective: August 1, 2002 History: Amended 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 183, sec. 3, effective August 1, 2002. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 134, sec. 4, effective July 1, 1994. -- Amended 1984 Ky. Acts ch. 321, sec. 3, effective July 13, 1984. -- Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 200, sec. 7, effective June 17, 1978. -- Created 1976 (1st Extra. Sess.) Ky. Acts ch. 22, sec. 62, effective January 2, 1978.

KRS 23A.220 Assessment by the fiscal court of additional fees and costs

23A.220. Assessment by the fiscal court of additional fees and costs A fiscal court, by ordinance, may assess additional fees and costs for the purpose of paying expenses for courthouses, bonds related to them, and administration expenses of the Circuit Court as follows: (1) In civil cases, a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) may be added to filing fees; (2) In criminal cases, a cost of twenty-five dollars ($25) may be added to the court costs that the defendant is required to pay; and (3) In civil cases that are appealed from the Circuit Court to the Court of Appeals, a fee of twenty-five dollars ($25) may be added to the filing fees. Effective: March 15, 2001 History: Created 2001 Ky. Acts ch. 54, sec. 2, effective March 15, 2001.

KRS 23A.2065 Additional fees for criminal cases -- Allocation to general fund and telephonic behavioral health jail triage system

23A.2065. Additional fees for criminal cases -- Allocation to general fund and telephonic behavioral health jail triage system In addition to the twenty dollar ($20) fee created by KRS 23A.206, in criminal cases a ten dollar ($10) fee shall be added to the costs imposed by KRS 23A.205 that the defendant is required to pay. The first five dollars ($5) of each fee collected under this section shall be placed into the general fund, and the remainder of the fee shall be allocated to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for the implementation and operation of a telephonic behavioral health jail triage system as provided in KRS 210.365 and 441.048. Effective: July 1, 2008 History: Amended 2008 Ky. Acts ch. 158, sec. 3, effective July 1, 2008. -- Amended 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 99, sec. 97, effective June 20, 2005. -- Created 2004 Ky. Acts ch. 137, sec. 4, effective July 13, 2004.
Source: Kentucky Legislative Research Commission (legislature.ky.gov)URL: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/chapter.aspx?id=37151Fetched: 10/20/2026

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