As Kentucky’s legislative session nears its end, lawmakers are preparing for a Senate trial to determine whether Julie Muth Goodman should be removed from the bench. At the same time, a separate impeachment effort targeting Pamela Goodwine appears to have concluded without further action. The timeline has effectively limited the legislature’s ability to pursue additional proceedings before adjournment.
According to Jason Nemes, who chairs the House Impeachment Committee, the matter involving Goodwine is now considered closed. While the committee advanced articles of impeachment against Goodman to the full House—leading to a Senate trial scheduled for April—it did not take similar steps in Goodwine’s case. No witnesses were called, no formal hearing was held, and the petition was not brought before the full chamber.
The petition against Goodwine was filed by attorney Jack Richardson IV, who alleged she should have recused herself from a case due to a potential conflict of interest. Her attorney, Carmine Iaccarino, disputed those claims, arguing that recusal was not required and suggesting the complaint was politically motivated. Goodwine, elected to the state’s highest court in 2024, has drawn attention for her role in a closely divided ruling that struck down a 2022 education law.
While several other impeachment petitions were reviewed during the session, none advanced beyond early stages. As a result, Goodman’s case remains the only active impeachment proceeding. The outcome of her upcoming Senate trial is expected to determine whether she will continue serving on the bench or be removed from office.