Kentucky Bills

in committee · Kentucky · House Mar 11, 2026

HJR 106: A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the Council on Postsecondary Education to approve a Doctor of Philosophy in Aquaculture and Aquatic Science program at Kentucky State University.

Authorize Kentucky State University to submit a proposal for a new Doctor of Philosophy in Aquaculture and Aquatic Science program; direct the Council on Postsecondary Education to review and approve a proposal for that program that includes a certification that the program will not require additional general fund appropriations

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Kentucky · House Mar 11, 2026

HCR 114: A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION recognizing the importance of having a physician present in every emergency department and the critical need for improving rural health care.

This bill is a concurrent resolution that formally recognizes the importance of having a physician present in every emergency department and highlights the critical need for improving rural health care in Kentucky. It does not create new laws or change existing regulations, but rather serves as an official statement of legislative intent to support physician staffing in emergency rooms and to prioritize efforts for recruiting and educating physicians for rural areas. The resolution emphasizes the unique clinical training physicians receive compared to advanced practice providers and calls for expanded health education programs and increased medical education slots to address rural health shortages.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Kentucky · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 910: AN ACT relating to drug paraphernalia.

Amend KRS 218A.500 to provide that drug testing products that are used or intended for use to determine whether a substance contains a controlled substance, synthetic drug, or any chemical or compound that may cause physical harm or death shall not be deemed drug paraphernalia.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Kentucky · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 923: AN ACT relating to elections.

Amend KRS 116.045 to require a county clerk to verify the United States citizenship of voter registration applicants with the United States Social Security Administration; amend KRS 116.095 to remove language relating to Social Security numbers to conform; amend KRS 116.115 to remove exception for those registering to vote who are unable to provide a Social Security number, and to conform.

Topics ✗ Immigration

in committee · Kentucky · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 905: AN ACT relating to salaries of the Court of Justice.

Amend KRS 48.195 to establish that the General Assembly shall set the salaries of the Justices of the Supreme Court and Judges of the Court of Appeals.

in committee · Kentucky · House Mar 11, 2026

HJR 109: A JOINT RESOLUTION designating the SSgt John "Pott" Spencer, Jr. Memorial Highway in Perry County.

This bill directs the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to designate a specific section of Kentucky Route 451 in Perry County as the SSgt John "Pott" Spencer, Jr. Memorial Highway. The legislation honors Spencer, a Vietnam War veteran and retired coal miner, by officially naming the road segment between Laurel Mountain Road and Kentucky Route 28 in his memory. The bill requires the Transportation Cabinet to install appropriate signage within 30 days of the resolution taking effect to mark the memorial designation. This action serves as a formal tribute to Spencer's military service and personal legacy within the community.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Kentucky · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 938: AN ACT relating to occupational health and safety.

Amend KRS 338.991 to increase the civil penalties for employers who have violated any provision of KRS Chapter 338, received a citation for a violation of the requirements of KRS Chapter 338, or failed to correct a violation for which a citation has been issued; require the secretary for the Education and Labor Cabinet to annually adjust the maximum civil penalties beginning in 2026 by the percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Customers (CPI-U); direct the secretary to begin a 3 year phase-in for penalty adjustments beginning August 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

passed · Kentucky · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SR 156: A RESOLUTION adjourning the Senate in honor and memory of the life and sacrifice of Staff Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, who paid the ultimate price in service to our nation.

This resolution directs the Kentucky Senate to adjourn in honor of Staff Sergeant Benjamin Pennington, a U.S. Army soldier who died from injuries sustained during an attack on a military base in Saudi Arabia. The bill formally recognizes his service as a member of the elite 1st Space Brigade and acknowledges his posthumous promotion to staff sergeant. It requires the Senate Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Senator Matthew Deneen for presentation to Pennington's family. The measure is a commemorative action with no operational policy changes, focusing solely on honoring the deceased soldier's sacrifice.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Kentucky · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 924: AN ACT relating to the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program, making an appropriation therefor, and declaring an emergency.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 164 to establish the Kentucky Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program fund; require the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority to administer the fund; require the authority to disburse funds for student loan repayment to recruit and retain eligible public service employees that live and work in Kentucky; specify terms and process; establish criteria for the program and applicant evaluation for awards; appropriate $30,000,000 from the budget reserve trust fund account for initial implementation of the student loan forgiveness program; appropriate $30,000,000 from the general fund for support of the student loan forgiveness program; APPROPRIATION; EMERGENCY, EFFECTIVE July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · Kentucky · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 894: AN ACT relating to medicinal cannabis.

This bill amends Kentucky's medicinal cannabis laws to update the list of qualifying medical conditions and clarify the requirements for a valid doctor-patient relationship. It directly affects patients seeking medical cannabis, healthcare providers, and licensed cannabis businesses by establishing specific standards for patient assessments and expanding the range of recognized conditions. The key provisions include requiring practitioners to review patients' medical history, current medications, and potential risks before prescribing, while adding conditions like sickle cell disease and post-traumatic stress disorder to the list of eligible diagnoses. Additionally, the bill defines terms such as "qualified patient," "designated caregiver," and "disqualifying felony offense" to provide clearer legal guidance for the program's administration.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Kentucky · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 921: AN ACT relating to teachers of exceptional children.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 157 to establish a $10,000 salary supplement for certified teachers of exceptional children; provide the terms and requirements of the salary supplement.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Kentucky · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 915: AN ACT relating to a jury trial when a child is removed from a parent.

Amend KRS 625.080 to allow a parent to request a jury trial for a termination of parental rights determination; require jurors to take an oath of confidentiality under penalty of contempt of court; allow jury to make findings of fact and recommendations to the court.

Bill results