With a Kentucky Supreme Court ruling halting a scheduled Senate hearing on five articles of impeachment against Goodman, attention has shifted to a Judicial Conduct Commission where Goodman is under investigation.
Wednesday, the Senate Impeachment Committee elected to put the issue on hold while that investigation moves forward. But it did so reserving the right of the Senate to potentially take up the matter again pending the outcome of the Judicial Conduct Commission's probe.
"This stay should not be viewed as a resolution in this matter, but it is done in fairness to the defendant," Impeachment Committee member Sen. Jason Howell said. "This should not be viewed in any way as ceding or abrogating the Senate's rights and duties under the Constitution of Kentucky."
The move to table the impeachment drew objections from one Democratic member, Sen. Cassie Chambers-Armstrong, who said the high court ruling should serve as the final word on the legislative actions against Goodman.
"The Supreme Court cleared ruled that further action would be unconstitutional and my preference would be that this body clearly state its intent to comply with that order," she said. "For that reason, I would prefer that we dismiss the complaint or otherwise express the will of this body is to not take action on these allegations."
Goodman was impeached in the House over allegations she abused her office. The Fayette judge took the matter to the Supreme Court, arguing her due process rights were violated, and won. She's now seeking repayment of her court fees from the original impeachment petition author, former GOP lawmaker Killian Timoney.
Meanwhile, Senate lawmakers are making it clear that setting aside the impeachment hearing for now does not amount to an acquittal and they expect to revisit the case after the commission finishes its work.