Interim Session Begins June 2

In a recent update, Sen. Steve Rawlings (District 11) noted, “The interim provides an opportunity to review, communicate, and consider policy measures for the 2026 Legislative Session, which will begin on Tuesday, January 6.” He also summarized selected legislation passed during the regular session (see below), noting, “The Governor issued 28 vetoes, many of which targeted conservative reforms. In response, the legislature decisively overrode each to reaffirm our commitment to the people we represent and solidify the principles we were elected to defend.

“Nevertheless, approximately 75.5 percent of all enacted laws were largely non-controversial, approved by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor. . . . To date, 33 bills have either gone into full effect or have provisions that have. The effective date for most legislation (116 measures) is June 27, and 15 bills have a specific effective date in the future. You can find all bills in full at legislature.ky.gov.”

Senate Bill 1 creates the Kentucky Film Office to grow the state’s film industry, streamline permits, manage incentives, and market Kentucky as a filming destination. This will create jobs in the film industry but may also generate tourism opportunities when some of our beautiful Kentucky landmarks invariably become iconic TV or movie scenes.

Senate Bill 2 bans taxpayer-funded transgender surgeries and hormone therapy for inmates.

Senate Bill 19 establishes a daily 1–2 minutes moment of silence in public schools for quiet reflection, prayer, or meditation without staff involvement.

Senate Bill 26 protects the rights of parents and adoptive families with disabilities by prohibiting discrimination in adoption, custody, and placement decisions. It requires fair evaluations, supportive services, and aligns state policy with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Senate Bill 73 makes sexual extortion a felony, strengthens protections for victims, especially minors, and holds authority figures accountable. The bill also promotes education and prevention efforts in schools and communities.

Senate Bill 84 requires Kentucky courts to independently interpret laws without deferring to state agency interpretations and adopt a de novo standard of review. This aligns state law with the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 decision overturning the Chevron doctrine and clarifies that agencies cannot expect judicial deference to their views on statutes or regulations.

Senate Bill 89 redefines “waters of the commonwealth” to match federal standards and ease permitting delays currently holding many industries back while preserving key environmental protections.

Senate Bill 100 strengthens enforcement against underage vape and nicotine sales by requiring all tobacco and vape retailers to obtain a state license through the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Senate Bill 162 cracks down on unemployment insurance compensation fraud.

Senate Bill 181 requires school districts to use approved, traceable systems for electronic communication between staff or volunteers and students. It mandates parental notification, reporting violations, and swift investigation of misconduct, while protecting privacy in dismissed cases.

Senate Bill 202 regulates cannabis-infused beverages by capping THC at 5 mg per 12 ounces and placing oversight under the Alcoholic Beverage Control. It establishes licensing and sets timelines for sales.

Senate Bill 207 allows public schools to apply for innovation waivers to try new instructional models, especially in underperforming districts.

Senate Joint Resolution 55 directs Kentucky’s public colleges and universities to adopt and enforce policies addressing antisemitism through June 30, 2028. It outlines reporting requirements for institutions and tasks the Council on Postsecondary Education with compiling statewide data for submission to the Interim Joint Committee on Education. The resolution was signed into law.

House Bill 2 allows taxpayers to sue state executive branch officials for illegally taxing gold and silver, despite a prior law repealing those taxes. It responds to continued collections after an unconstitutional veto was ruled invalid. 

House Bill 4 bans DEI offices and funding at public universities, prohibits mandatory DEI training and diversity statements, and bars race- or identity-based preferences in hiring, admissions, and programs.

House Bill 6 limits when state agencies can file or amend regulations, allowing it only when authorized by law and one of six specific conditions is met, such as avoiding major economic impact, complying with court orders, meeting legal deadlines, or addressing emergencies or funding issues.

House Bill 15 lowers the minimum age for a driving permit from 16 to 15, aligning Kentucky with most southern states. Permit holders must maintain it for 180 days and be 16 before advancing to an intermediate license, which must be held until age 17 before obtaining a full license.

House Bill 48 cuts red tape in public schools by easing evaluation, training, and reporting requirements. It extends the evaluation timeline for tenured teachers, reduces the frequency of certain trainings, and sets a four-year professional development cycle.

House Bill 190 requires school boards to develop accelerated learning plans and automatically enroll high-achieving high school students in advanced courses, unless parents opt out in writing.

House Bill 208 requires schools to ban student use of personal devices during class, except with teacher permission, and to block social media on school networks.

House Bill 240 strengthens early literacy by requiring end-of-year reading screenings for kindergarteners and allowing retention for students who don’t meet benchmarks. It includes exemptions for older and special education students and mandates updated reading improvement plans for those retained.

House Bill 303 creates academic and career pathways to help military health care personnel transition into civilian roles by allowing colleges to credit military training, aligning with the DoD SkillBridge Program, and requiring annual outcome reports.

House Bill 315 restricts foreign entities from certain countries from acquiring or leasing Kentucky farmland or participating in state agricultural programs.

House Bill 342 makes financial literacy a graduation requirement starting with the class of 2030.

House Bill 398 updates Kentucky’s workplace safety laws to align with federal standards, prevent stricter state regulations, and reduce red tape for employers.

House Bill 495 prohibits discrimination against mental health care professionals, institutions, and ordained ministries for providing protected counseling services. It also prohibits Medicaid payment for hormone or other gender-affirming care.

House Bill 544 creates a disaster relief fund to support flood-hit regions like eastern Kentucky and doubles the emergency funding available to the state’s executive branch.

House Bill 695 increases Medicaid oversight, adds work requirements for able-bodied adults, improves pharmacy and behavioral health spending transparency, and requires legislative approval for significant changes.