Kentucky
2026 Regular Session·1,718 bills·Adjourned April 15, 2026
Track legislation moving through Kentucky. Browse 1,718 bills and resolutions during the 2026 Regular Session, each with a plain-language summary, current status from introduction to enactment, sponsors, and voting history.
Bills
Amend KRS 620.030 to establish record keeping and process requirements for reports of alleged child dependency, neglect, or abuse.
Amend KRS 620.030 to establish record keeping and process requirements for reports of alleged child dependency, neglect, or abuse.
Amend KRS 383.290 to include consolidated local government law enforcement agencies and require posting in a conspicuous location.
Amend KRS 383.290 to include consolidated local government law enforcement agencies and require posting in a conspicuous location.
Amend KRS 139.495 to define "educational or charitable institution" and "religious institution"; exempt purchases and sales of tangible personal property, digital property, or services made by qualifying religious institutions from state sales and use taxes; make technical changes.
Amend KRS 139.495 to define "educational or charitable institution" and "religious institution"; exempt purchases and sales of tangible personal property, digital property, or services made by qualifying religious institutions from state sales and use taxes; make technical changes.
Apply to Congress under the provisions of Article V of the Constitution of the United States for the calling of a convention of the states limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraint on the federal government, limit the powers and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and members of Congress; direct the Secretary of State to send copies of the joint resolution to certain federal and state officials; state that the application should be continuing until the legislatures of at least two-thirds of the states have made applications on the subject.
Apply to Congress under the provisions of Article V of the Constitution of the United States for the calling of a convention of the states limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraint on the federal government, limit the powers and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and members of Congress; direct the Secretary of State to send copies of the joint resolution to certain federal and state officials; state that the application should be continuing until the legislatures of at least two-thirds of the states have made applications on the subject.
Amend KRS 205.533 to require Medicaid managed care organizations to include certain information for providers on their websites; amend KRS 205.534 to require managed care organizations to allow providers 120 days to file an appeal or grievance related to a reduction or denial of a claim; establish penalties for a managed care organization's failure to ensure the timely disposition of any appeal or grievance; require payment of any amount owed to a provider following an appeal to be paid within 30 days; require payments made following an appeal to include interest in accordance with KRS 304.17A-730 and reasonable attorney's fees; establish standards and requirements for provider audits; require the inclusion of additional information in the monthly report filed by managed care organizations; require the Department for Medicaid Services to submit an annual report to the Legislative Research Commission related to Medicaid claims, appeals, and grievances for the previous state fiscal year; authorize the Department for Medicaid Services to promulgate administrative regulations; require Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department for Medicaid Services to seek federal approval if they determine that such approval is necessary.
Amend KRS 205.533 to require Medicaid managed care organizations to include certain information for providers on their websites; amend KRS 205.534 to require managed care organizations to allow providers 120 days to file an appeal or grievance related to a reduction or denial of a claim; establish penalties for a managed care organization's failure to ensure the timely disposition of any appeal or grievance; require payment of any amount owed to a provider following an appeal to be paid within 30 days; require payments made following an appeal to include interest in accordance with KRS 304.17A-730 and reasonable attorney's fees; establish standards and requirements for provider audits; require the inclusion of additional information in the monthly report filed by managed care organizations; require the Department for Medicaid Services to submit an annual report to the Legislative Research Commission related to Medicaid claims, appeals, and grievances for the previous state fiscal year; authorize the Department for Medicaid Services to promulgate administrative regulations; require Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department for Medicaid Services to seek federal approval if they determine that such approval is necessary.
Amend KRS 210.040 to replace the term "institutions" with "facilities"; establish that the Cabinet for Health and Family Services is responsible to provide care that includes emergency and other medical care provided outside of a state facility for patients in state-operated mental health facilities.
Amend KRS 210.040 to replace the term "institutions" with "facilities"; establish that the Cabinet for Health and Family Services is responsible to provide care that includes emergency and other medical care provided outside of a state facility for patients in state-operated mental health facilities.
Commemorate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.
Commemorate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 194A to define "department"; require the Department for Community Based Services to administer funds received under the Refugee Act of 1980; implement a statewide strategy to ensure compliance with the Refugee Act; serve as the primary liaison between immigrant-serving organizations, refugee-serving organizations, and the federal government; advise the Governor, appropriate state agencies, cabinet members, and the General Assembly; submit an annual report to the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security and the Legislative Research; allow the department to promulgate administrative regulations; require information from the Kentucky Department of Education for the report; direct that the first report to the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security and the Legislative Research Commission be issued by July 1, 2027.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 194A to define "department"; require the Department for Community Based Services to administer funds received under the Refugee Act of 1980; implement a statewide strategy to ensure compliance with the Refugee Act; serve as the primary liaison between immigrant-serving organizations, refugee-serving organizations, and the federal government; advise the Governor, appropriate state agencies, cabinet members, and the General Assembly; submit an annual report to the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security and the Legislative Research; allow the department to promulgate administrative regulations; require information from the Kentucky Department of Education for the report; direct that the first report to the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security and the Legislative Research Commission be issued by July 1, 2027.
Recognize February 6, 2026, as National Wear Red Day in Kentucky to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and women's health.
Recognize February 6, 2026, as National Wear Red Day in Kentucky to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and women's health.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 65 to define "backyard chicken"; allow a person to keep 6 or fewer backyard chickens on residential property in cities and certain other local governments; establish requirements and restrictions on local regulatory authority.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 65 to define "backyard chicken"; allow a person to keep 6 or fewer backyard chickens on residential property in cities and certain other local governments; establish requirements and restrictions on local regulatory authority.
Amend KRS 211.190 to make water fluoridation programs optional; allow the governing bodies of water systems subject to regulation by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to decide whether they participate in water fluoridation programs; provide that a water fluoridation program in place on the effective date of the Act continues until action is taken by its governing body to end its participation; provide that any decision regarding participation in a water fluoridation program made by the governing body of a water system shall be binding on all water systems it supplies; provide that a governing body, a member or employee of a governing body, or any public or private entity that may be held liable for the actions of a governing body that makes any decision regarding its participation in an optional water fluoridation program shall be immune from civil or criminal liability for acts carried out reasonably and in good faith regarding its decision of whether to participate in the water fluoridation program.
Amend KRS 211.190 to make water fluoridation programs optional; allow the governing bodies of water systems subject to regulation by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to decide whether they participate in water fluoridation programs; provide that a water fluoridation program in place on the effective date of the Act continues until action is taken by its governing body to end its participation; provide that any decision regarding participation in a water fluoridation program made by the governing body of a water system shall be binding on all water systems it supplies; provide that a governing body, a member or employee of a governing body, or any public or private entity that may be held liable for the actions of a governing body that makes any decision regarding its participation in an optional water fluoridation program shall be immune from civil or criminal liability for acts carried out reasonably and in good faith regarding its decision of whether to participate in the water fluoridation program.
Amend KRS 167.017 to set timelines for appointment of a search committee for the superintendent of the Kentucky School for the Deaf and appointment of the superintendent; specify superintendents duties; require prioritization of candidates that will be locally available and commit to full-time duties as superintendent; preclude Kentucky Department of Education employees or Kentucky Board of Education members from being appointed as superintendent within 1 year of employment or membership; amend KRS 167.037 to create the Kentucky School for the Deaf Board, set membership, structure, and duties; amend KRS 167.170 to permit the Kentucky Board of Education to delegate the power to expel a pupil of the Kentucky School for the Deaf to the Kentucky School for the Deaf Board; require members of the Kentucky School for the Deaf advisory board be appointed as the initial members of Kentucky School for the Deaf Board.
Amend KRS 167.017 to set timelines for appointment of a search committee for the superintendent of the Kentucky School for the Deaf and appointment of the superintendent; specify superintendents duties; require prioritization of candidates that will be locally available and commit to full-time duties as superintendent; preclude Kentucky Department of Education employees or Kentucky Board of Education members from being appointed as superintendent within 1 year of employment or membership; amend KRS 167.037 to create the Kentucky School for the Deaf Board, set membership, structure, and duties; amend KRS 167.170 to permit the Kentucky Board of Education to delegate the power to expel a pupil of the Kentucky School for the Deaf to the Kentucky School for the Deaf Board; require members of the Kentucky School for the Deaf advisory board be appointed as the initial members of Kentucky School for the Deaf Board.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 216B to establish that a certificate of need is not required to establish or operate a health facility or provide health services; establish that all existing certificates of need be deemed null and void.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 216B to establish that a certificate of need is not required to establish or operate a health facility or provide health services; establish that all existing certificates of need be deemed null and void.
Amend KRS 260.850 to define terms; create a new section of KRS Chapter 260 to establish quality assurance and safety protocols for medicinal hemp cultivation, handling, processing, and marketing; amend KRS 260.862 to grant the Kentucky Department of Agriculture the authority to promulgate administrative regulations related to quality assurance and safety protocols of cultivation, handling, processing, or marketing of medicinal hemp products and to require medicinal hemp product cultivators and processors to follow federal good manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or holding practices.
Amend KRS 260.850 to define terms; create a new section of KRS Chapter 260 to establish quality assurance and safety protocols for medicinal hemp cultivation, handling, processing, and marketing; amend KRS 260.862 to grant the Kentucky Department of Agriculture the authority to promulgate administrative regulations related to quality assurance and safety protocols of cultivation, handling, processing, or marketing of medicinal hemp products and to require medicinal hemp product cultivators and processors to follow federal good manufacturing, packaging, labeling, or holding practices.
Amend KRS 211.492 to define "advanced practice provider"; amend KRS 211.494 to allow Level IV verified trauma centers to utilize physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses who are supervised by physicians to cover emergency departments; require the Department for Public Health to promulgate administrative regulations to conform.
Amend KRS 211.492 to define "advanced practice provider"; amend KRS 211.494 to allow Level IV verified trauma centers to utilize physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses who are supervised by physicians to cover emergency departments; require the Department for Public Health to promulgate administrative regulations to conform.
Amend KRS 610.050 to insert gender-neutral language.
Amend KRS 157.320 and 157.360 to remove references to kindergarten full-time equivalent pupils in average daily attendance for program base funding purposes; amend KRS 158.030 and KRS 158.031 to conform; amend KRS 158.060 to remove language that allows for half-day kindergarten programs; EFFECTIVE July 1, 2027.
Amend KRS 157.320 and 157.360 to remove references to kindergarten full-time equivalent pupils in average daily attendance for program base funding purposes; amend KRS 158.030 and KRS 158.031 to conform; amend KRS 158.060 to remove language that allows for half-day kindergarten programs; EFFECTIVE July 1, 2027.
Amend KRS 48.705 to allow the Governor to authorize limited use of moneys in the budget reserve trust fund to provide for the continuity of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program during a lapse in federal appropriations; require repayment of the moneys within 90 days of restoration of federal appropriations; require reporting to the Legislative Research Commission and the State Budget Director; require prior approval of the General Assembly if more than 5% of the total balance of the budget reserve trust fund is used; EMERGENCY.
Amend KRS 48.705 to allow the Governor to authorize limited use of moneys in the budget reserve trust fund to provide for the continuity of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program during a lapse in federal appropriations; require repayment of the moneys within 90 days of restoration of federal appropriations; require reporting to the Legislative Research Commission and the State Budget Director; require prior approval of the General Assembly if more than 5% of the total balance of the budget reserve trust fund is used; EMERGENCY.
Propose to create a new section of the Constitution of Kentucky to guarantee the right of an individual 21 years of age or older to possess, use, buy, or sell 1 ounce or less of cannabis and to cultivate, harvest, and store up to 5 cannabis plants for personal use; grant the General Assembly control over the production, processing, and sale of cannabis and cannabis-derived products; designate the ballot question; direct the Secretary of State to publish the proposed amendment in a newspaper of general circulation; direct the Secretary of State to certify the proposed amendment to the county clerk of each county.
Propose to create a new section of the Constitution of Kentucky to guarantee the right of an individual 21 years of age or older to possess, use, buy, or sell 1 ounce or less of cannabis and to cultivate, harvest, and store up to 5 cannabis plants for personal use; grant the General Assembly control over the production, processing, and sale of cannabis and cannabis-derived products; designate the ballot question; direct the Secretary of State to publish the proposed amendment in a newspaper of general circulation; direct the Secretary of State to certify the proposed amendment to the county clerk of each county.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 218A to make possession of a personal use quantity of cannabis exempt from civil or criminal penalty; amend KRS 218A.010 to define "cannabis," "personal use quantity of cannabis," and "cannabis accessory"; redefine "marijuana"; amend KRS 218A.1422, regarding cannabis possession, to conform; amend KRS 218A.1423, regarding cannabis cultivation, to conform; amend KRS 218A.500, regarding drug paraphernalia, to exempt personal use cannabis accessories; amend KRS 218A.1421, regarding cannabis trafficking, to exempt personal use quantities; amend KRS 138.872 to exclude personal use quantities from the cannabis stamp tax; amend KRS 218A.276, 218A.410, and 533.030 to conform; create a new section of KRS Chapter 431 to allow expungement of certain convictions relating to cannabis and to apply expungement retroactively; RETROACTIVE, in part.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 218A to make possession of a personal use quantity of cannabis exempt from civil or criminal penalty; amend KRS 218A.010 to define "cannabis," "personal use quantity of cannabis," and "cannabis accessory"; redefine "marijuana"; amend KRS 218A.1422, regarding cannabis possession, to conform; amend KRS 218A.1423, regarding cannabis cultivation, to conform; amend KRS 218A.500, regarding drug paraphernalia, to exempt personal use cannabis accessories; amend KRS 218A.1421, regarding cannabis trafficking, to exempt personal use quantities; amend KRS 138.872 to exclude personal use quantities from the cannabis stamp tax; amend KRS 218A.276, 218A.410, and 533.030 to conform; create a new section of KRS Chapter 431 to allow expungement of certain convictions relating to cannabis and to apply expungement retroactively; RETROACTIVE, in part.
Amend KRS 186.577 to remove the vison testing requirement on operator's license renewal for all drivers; require vison testing for renewal of an operator's license if the applicant is 65 years of age or older; EMERGENCY.
Amend KRS 186.577 to remove the vison testing requirement on operator's license renewal for all drivers; require vison testing for renewal of an operator's license if the applicant is 65 years of age or older; EMERGENCY.
Amend KRS 65A.030 to increase the fiscal reporting levels of special purpose governmental entities; allow entities conducting yearly audits to move to an audit every 4 years if the entity receives 2 sequential audit reports with unqualified opinions and report the fact that the entity is operating under the alternative audit schedule to the Department for Local Government; require an entity to have yearly audits if the entity receives anything but an unqualified audit opinion at a subsequent audit; amend KRS 147.635, relating to area planning commissions, to align their audit requirements to those in KRS 65A.030; amend KRS 220.280, relating to sanitation districts, to align their audit requirements to those in KRS 65A.030; amend KRS 43.070 and 186.240 to combine the county clerks' independent audits of motor vehicle and motorboat registration fees and licenses, motor vehicle usage taxes, and ad valorem taxes on motor vehicles and motorboats into the county clerks' regular periodic audit; require the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to bear the cost of the portion of the audit attributed to receipts from motor vehicles and motorboats; amend KRS 64.830, relating to final settlements of outgoing county officials, to make the settlement to be complete within 60 days of the expiration of the term of office or the date a vacancy is otherwise created to account for unexpected vacancies in office; require that if an official's vacancy does not coincide with the end of the calendar year or end of the official's term, the outgoing county official is to remit any remaining funds to the fiscal court as excess fees and require the fiscal court to provide an amount equal to the excess fees remitted by the outgoing official to the outgoing county official's successor for official use; repeal KRS 43.071, relating to the annual audit of county clerk's motor vehicle and motorboat tax receipts; EFFECTIVE, in part, July 1, 2027.
Amend KRS 65A.030 to increase the fiscal reporting levels of special purpose governmental entities; allow entities conducting yearly audits to move to an audit every 4 years if the entity receives 2 sequential audit reports with unqualified opinions and report the fact that the entity is operating under the alternative audit schedule to the Department for Local Government; require an entity to have yearly audits if the entity receives anything but an unqualified audit opinion at a subsequent audit; amend KRS 147.635, relating to area planning commissions, to align their audit requirements to those in KRS 65A.030; amend KRS 220.280, relating to sanitation districts, to align their audit requirements to those in KRS 65A.030; amend KRS 43.070 and 186.240 to combine the county clerks' independent audits of motor vehicle and motorboat registration fees and licenses, motor vehicle usage taxes, and ad valorem taxes on motor vehicles and motorboats into the county clerks' regular periodic audit; require the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to bear the cost of the portion of the audit attributed to receipts from motor vehicles and motorboats; amend KRS 64.830, relating to final settlements of outgoing county officials, to make the settlement to be complete within 60 days of the expiration of the term of office or the date a vacancy is otherwise created to account for unexpected vacancies in office; require that if an official's vacancy does not coincide with the end of the calendar year or end of the official's term, the outgoing county official is to remit any remaining funds to the fiscal court as excess fees and require the fiscal court to provide an amount equal to the excess fees remitted by the outgoing official to the outgoing county official's successor for official use; repeal KRS 43.071, relating to the annual audit of county clerk's motor vehicle and motorboat tax receipts; EFFECTIVE, in part, July 1, 2027.
Recognize February 5, 2026, as Kentucky Nurses Day.
Recognize February 5, 2026, as Kentucky Nurses Day.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 177 to allow the Department of Highways to install signs that display the 988 national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline on bridges on state-maintained highways.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 177 to allow the Department of Highways to install signs that display the 988 national suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline on bridges on state-maintained highways.
Amend KRS 157.320 to define "at risk" and "teaming partner"; amend KRS 157.3175 to require each local school district to provide preschool to 4 year olds who reside in a household with an income at or below 160% of the poverty level until the end of the 2030-2031 school year and beginning with the 2031-2032 school year, require each local school district to provide preschool to each 4 year old who is at risk; provide requirements for program guidelines; require the Kentucky Department of Education to establish and maintain a statewide unified data system; create a new section of KRS Chapter 157 to require local school districts to maintain certification from the Head Start director that Head Start is fully utilized; provide penalties; require local school districts to prepare and submit preschool expansion plans to the deparment; require the department to promulgate administrative regulations regarding preschool expansion; require the department to submit a report the the Legislative Research Commission annually regarding preschool expansion.
Amend KRS 157.320 to define "at risk" and "teaming partner"; amend KRS 157.3175 to require each local school district to provide preschool to 4 year olds who reside in a household with an income at or below 160% of the poverty level until the end of the 2030-2031 school year and beginning with the 2031-2032 school year, require each local school district to provide preschool to each 4 year old who is at risk; provide requirements for program guidelines; require the Kentucky Department of Education to establish and maintain a statewide unified data system; create a new section of KRS Chapter 157 to require local school districts to maintain certification from the Head Start director that Head Start is fully utilized; provide penalties; require local school districts to prepare and submit preschool expansion plans to the deparment; require the department to promulgate administrative regulations regarding preschool expansion; require the department to submit a report the the Legislative Research Commission annually regarding preschool expansion.