Kentucky Legislative Events

Kentucky HB281 signed, food donation liability protection

Kentucky HB281 signed, food donation liability protection

Vehicle Wheel Rubber Strip Requirement

Kentucky HB293 enacts a new section of KRS Chapter 189 requiring vehicles operating on highways with iron, steel, or wooden wheels to be equipped with rubberized strips on the wheel portion contacting the road surface. The bill establishes penalties of $20 to $100 per offense for violations. An exception is provided for certain animal-drawn vehicles.

HB312 concealed carry provisional licenses ages 18-20

Kentucky HB312, which would have created a provisional concealed carry license for persons aged 18-20, was vetoed by the Governor on April 3, 2026. The bill passed the House 73-17 and Senate 30-7 before being vetoed. The legislation would have authorized the Kentucky State Police to issue provisional licenses and created a pathway to convert to a standard license upon turning 21.

Alternative High School Diplomas

Kentucky Governor signed HB562 on April 3, 2026, establishing an alternate high school diploma and a modified high school diploma. The Kentucky Board of Education must promulgate administrative regulations for these new diploma pathways. The Department of Workforce Development is required to publish a list of employers willing to hire individuals with alternate diplomas.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund Income Tax Refund Designation

Kentucky enacted SB69 creating an income tax refund designation option for contributions to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund, effective for taxable years beginning January 1, 2026. The Department of Revenue must print the designation on individual income tax forms and transfer designated funds to the trust fund administered by the Advisory Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Tallow-Based Cosmetics for Home-Based Processors

Kentucky SB73 was signed into law on March 26, 2026, amending KRS 217.015 and KRS 217.136 to allow home-based processors to produce and sell tallow-based cosmetic products. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services will regulate these operations under existing home-based processor registration requirements. The bill passed the Senate 35-3 after a veto override.

Special Needs Trust Definition for State Retirement Benefits

Kentucky SB85 defines 'special needs trust' (SNT) for the State Police Retirement System, Kentucky Employees Retirement System, County Employees Retirement System, Teachers' Retirement System, and Judicial Retirement Plan. The bill allows SNTs to receive lifetime retirement payments when a member dies before retirement and permits beneficiaries of SNTs to be designated as recipients of lifetime retirement benefits.

Animal Health Emergency Declaration and Powers

Kentucky Governor signed SB155 into law, creating statutory authority for the Commissioner of Agriculture to declare animal health emergencies. The bill grants emergency powers including authority to order veterinary services, quarantine livestock and equipment, establish roadblocks with law enforcement assistance, and waive procurement requirements to combat communicable disease spread.

Vehicle Financial Protection Products Regulation

Kentucky SB158 establishes regulatory requirements for vehicle financial protection products under new sections of KRS Chapter 367. The law clarifies that these products are not insurance, requires separate disclosure of charges, and prohibits lenders and dealers from conditioning credit or vehicle sales on purchase of these products. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.