Senate pauses judge’s impeachment case and urges public review

The Senate suspends action on the impeachment articles against Judge Goodman. The suspension concerns the House’s impeachment articles against Julie Muth Goodman, a circuit judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit. The suspension does not decide whether her conduct warrants conviction and removal. The resolution suspends action at this time and preserves the possibility of future action under proper circumstances.

The resolution calls on the Judicial Conduct Commission to hold open, public proceedings and, if it finds good cause, publicly sanction and reprimand Judge Goodman. The allegations concern Julie Muth Goodman’s conduct as circuit judge for the 22nd Judicial Circuit, which consists of Fayette County. The proceedings concern serious allegations, including alleged misuse of judicial powers and interference with others’ court roles. Any sanction or reprimand depends on a finding of good cause; removal is among the possible actions. The resolution says the proceedings should begin immediately.

The resolution directs the Legislative Research Commission director to send copies of impeachment materials to the Judicial Conduct Commission and keep the originals. The materials are those held by the Senate and House clerks concerning Judge Goodman’s impeachment. The director must keep the originals for possible reference, consideration, or action by a future General Assembly. The director must collect and send the materials after the 2026 Regular Session adjourns sine die, meaning it ends without setting a return date.