FRANKFORT, Ky. — In the final hours of Wednesday’s session, Kentucky lawmakers approved the state’s two-year budget bills and advanced dozens of measures, while leaving several controversial proposals unresolved.
By Sarah Ladd, McKenna Horsley and Liam Niemeyer, Kentucky Lantern
Both chambers adjourned just before midnight. Lawmakers will return to the Capitol on April 14 and 15. During the break, Gov. Andy Beshear can veto bills, and lawmakers may override those vetoes when they reconvene for the final two days of the 2026 legislative session.
No bill is officially dead until adjournment sine die, as lawmakers can still pass legislation during the final days. However, bills approved then would not be eligible for veto overrides.
Bills not passed in time to be veto-proof
With that in mind, several controversial measures appear unlikely to move forward:
Fluoride in water: House Bill 103, which would make water fluoridation optional, drew criticism from public health groups that warned it could harm dental health. The House passed it, but it never received a Senate hearing.
Conscience exemptions for health care providers: Senate Bill 72, criticized by LGBTQ+ advocates, would allow providers to refuse care that violates their conscience.
Cigar bars: House Bill 194 proposed exemptions to local smoke-free laws for certain cigar bars. Health groups opposed it, saying it would weaken protections for workers and the public.
Local control over driver licensing: Senate Bill 7, a priority for Senate leaders, would allow local officials to renew licenses in counties without regional offices. Meanwhile, the transportation budget includes funding for three new regional licensing offices.
Donovan Scholars tuition waiver: House Bill 497, which would require tuition waiver recipients to apply for federal financial aid, stalled in the Senate. Critics said it could discourage older residents from pursuing education.
Bills awaiting Beshear’s decision
Several measures now head to the governor for approval or veto:
Medicaid copays: House Bill 2 introduces $5 copays for services and $1 for prescriptions starting Oct. 1, 2028.
A new chapter for KSU: Senate Bill 185 gives Kentucky State University a new polytechnic mission.
Required expulsions: Senate Bill 101 mandates a one-year expulsion for students who assault school staff, unless linked to a disability.
Limit on gubernatorial pardons: Senate Bill 10 proposes a constitutional amendment to restrict pardon powers near elections.
Louisville, Lexington public schools: Senate Bill 4 sets new rules for districts with populations over 300,000, including reducing Jefferson County school board seats and redrawing districts. Senate Bill 1 revives a 2022 law shifting authority from the Jefferson County Public Schools board to its superintendent.
Voting and elections: House Bill 139 raises campaign contribution limits, could increase partisanship in judicial races, and allows voter citizenship verification through a federal database.
Foreign-trained doctors: Senate Bill 137 allows internationally trained doctors to obtain provisional licenses without repeating residency, aiming to address physician shortages.
Alternatives to detention: Senate Bill 122 lets judges consider caregiving status when sentencing and expands access to alternatives like substance abuse treatment.
Grooming criminalized: House Bill 4 creates criminal penalties for grooming minors, with harsher charges depending on age and position of trust.
Kindergarten readiness: Senate Bill 191 offers $2,000 incentives to families who prepare children for kindergarten.
Sexual assault nurse examiners: House Bill 134 directs the hiring of a coordinator to expand access to trained professionals who conduct rape exams.
Public Service Commission: Senate Bill 8 expands membership of the state commission.
Raising sports gambling age: House Bill 904 would increase the legal betting age to 21 and restrict certain wagers on college athletes.
In limbo but still possible
Some bills did not fully pass before the veto period but could still move forward, often by being added as amendments to other legislation:
State dog breed: Senate Bill 37 proposes naming the Treeing Walker Coonhound as the official state dog, with amendments adding shelter pets, the eastern spotted skunk, and the eastern hellbender to official designations.
Photo ID for public records: House Bill 567 would require ID to request public records but has not yet been voted on in the Senate.
AI in mental health therapy: House Bill 455 seeks to ban artificial intelligence from conducting therapy or making independent treatment decisions. It passed the House but stalled in the Senate.
Animal control and child abuse awareness: House Bill 246 would train animal control officers to recognize signs of child abuse. It passed the House unanimously but did not advance in the Senate.
Leave a Comment