Frankfort, Kentucky, January 22, 2026
The Kentucky House of Representatives has established an impeachment committee to review a petition for the removal of Supreme Court Justice Pamela Goodwine. The petition arises from a contentious Supreme Court ruling that declared a 2022 law unconstitutional. Goodwine claims the petition is without merit. The committee has begun evaluating the complaint alongside other pending petitions against various officials. Republican senators are concurrently pushing Senate Bill 1, seeking to replicate the overturned law and alter local school governance in Jefferson County.
Frankfort, Kentucky – Impeachment Committee Reviews Petition Against Supreme Court Justice Goodwine
The Kentucky House of Representatives has formed an impeachment committee to scrutinize a citizen petition calling for the removal of Supreme Court Justice Pamela Goodwine. The committee convened on Wednesday to establish procedural guidelines and accept the petition for review.
Justice Goodwine has asserted that the impeachment petition is baseless and warrants dismissal. This petition is tied to a controversial Kentucky Supreme Court ruling that overturned a 2022 law, which had been upheld prior to Goodwine’s appointment in 2025.
In December, the court reversed its prior decision, declaring the 2022 law unconstitutional after it was contested by the Jefferson County Board of Education. The board claimed that the law restricted its authority. This reversal has sparked heated debate, as Republican leaders have criticized the court’s actions, questioning the integrity of an independent judiciary.
In a separate legislative move, Republican senators have proposed Senate Bill 1, which replicates the law declared unconstitutional, aiming to shift specific powers from the elected school board to the appointed superintendent in Jefferson County Public Schools. Advocates of the bill say it addresses the issues raised by the court’s ruling, while critics view it as a direct reaction to the court’s decision.
Kentucky law necessitates that the House reviews impeachment petitions submitted by citizens. Other officials currently under investigation include Marshall County Family Court Judge Stephanie Perlow and Ballard County Jailer Eric Coppess. The impeachment committee, chaired by Rep. Jason Nemes, will evaluate each petition individually to decide whether to dismiss or take further action.
Background on Justice Pamela Goodwine
Justice Pamela R. Goodwine was elected to the Kentucky Supreme Court in November 2024, representing the 5th Appellate District, which includes Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Scott, and Woodford Counties. She took office on January 6, 2025, making history as the first woman and fifth individual to serve at all levels of Kentucky’s judiciary.
Before her election to the Supreme Court, Goodwine was a judge on the Kentucky Court of Appeals from 2018 to 2024 and held various judicial positions in Fayette County. Throughout her career, she has been acknowledged for her contributions to the legal community and her dedication to public service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the impeachment petition against Justice Goodwine about?
The impeachment petition seeks the removal of Supreme Court Justice Pamela Goodwine, alleging that she should have recused herself from a case involving the Jefferson County Board of Education’s challenge to a law limiting the elected board’s authority. The petition claims a conflict of interest due to campaign support from the Louisville teachers’ union.
What was the Kentucky Supreme Court’s decision regarding the 2022 law?
In December 2025, the Kentucky Supreme Court reversed its earlier decision and declared the 2022 law unconstitutional. The law had been challenged by the Jefferson County Board of Education, which argued it restricted the elected board’s powers.
Who is leading the impeachment committee?
The impeachment committee is chaired by Rep. Jason Nemes. However, due to campaign contributions from the petitioner, Nemes has recused himself from the Goodwine petition, and Rep. John Blanton will lead the review of this specific case.
What is Senate Bill 1, and how does it relate to the court’s decision?
Senate Bill 1 is a legislative proposal introduced by Republican senators that mirrors the 2022 law deemed unconstitutional by the Kentucky Supreme Court. The bill aims to transfer certain powers from the elected local school board to the appointed superintendent in Jefferson County Public Schools, addressing concerns raised by the court’s decision.
What other officials are under review by the impeachment committee?
In addition to Justice Goodwine, the impeachment committee is reviewing petitions against Marshall County Family Court Judge Stephanie Perlow and Ballard County Jailer Eric Coppess. Each petition will be considered individually to determine the appropriate course of action.
Key Features of the Impeachment Petition Against Justice Goodwine
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Petition Origin | Filed by Louisville attorney and GOP official Jack Richardson, alleging a conflict of interest due to campaign support from the Louisville teachers’ union. |
| Supreme Court Decision | In December 2025, the Kentucky Supreme Court reversed its earlier decision and declared the 2022 law unconstitutional. |
| Legislative Response | Republican senators introduced Senate Bill 1, aiming to transfer certain powers from the elected local school board to the appointed superintendent in Jefferson County Public Schools. |
| Impeachment Committee | Established by the Kentucky House of Representatives to review citizen petitions against elected officials, including Justice Goodwine. |
| Committee Leadership | Chaired by Rep. Jason Nemes, with Rep. John Blanton leading the review of the Goodwine petition due to campaign contributions from the petitioner. |
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