State Bills: Kentucky

Pedestrian Rights-of-Way Law

Kentucky Governor signed HB189 into law, creating a new section of KRS Chapter 189 to define pedestrian rights-of-way terms and prohibit persons from remaining on state-maintained rights-of-way not designated for pedestrian use. The law authorizes local governments to enact ordinances for limited exceptions and allows the Transportation Cabinet to promulgate administrative regulations establishing minimum standards.

Library Board Appointment Authority Amendments

Kentucky Governor signed SB40 into law, amending KRS 173.490 and 173.730 to modify library board vacancy appointment procedures. The bill allows county judges/executive to fill library board vacancies with fiscal court approval without considering board or state librarian recommendations if the county has adopted an alternative appointment process. The bill passed the Senate 34-1 and the House overrode a veto 84-7.

Kentucky SB46 signed, expands school vehicle transport

Kentucky SB46 signed, expands school vehicle transport

Deer Permit Requirements for Landowners with Wildlife Damage

Kentucky HB142, enacted March 31, 2026 with emergency clause, amends KRS 150.170 and KRS 150.390 to require the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to issue a minimum of 5 deer destruction permits to landowners whose property has been damaged by wildlife. The bill also extends antlerless deer hunting by 10 days following muzzle-loading season and provides one additional antlered deer permit per requesting individual.

Emergency Medical Services Training Institution Licensing

The Kentucky General Assembly passed HB236 on March 31, 2026, amending statutes governing emergency medical services training institutions. The bill excludes EMS training institutions from the definition of 'proprietary school' under the Kentucky Commission for Proprietary Education and grants the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services clear statutory authority over licensure and relicensure of EMS training institutions. Sponsors Bauman, Hart, and Wesley advanced the legislation unanimously through both chambers.

Communication Disorder Notation on Driver's Licenses

Kentucky HB519 creates a new section of KRS 186.400 to 186.640 allowing individuals to request a voluntary communication disorder notation on their driver's licenses, instruction permits, or personal identification cards at no charge. The Department of Kentucky State Police is directed to implement training on interacting with persons who have communication disorders. The bill passed both chambers unanimously and takes effect July 1, 2027.

Respiratory Care Interstate Compact Act

Kentucky HB36 establishes the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, creating a multi-state licensure system for respiratory therapists. The bill passed unanimously (97-0 House, 37-0 Senate) and creates a 17-member commission to administer the compact, establish data systems, and enforce adverse actions against licensees. The compact enables qualified respiratory therapists to practice across participating state lines under a single home-state license.

Kentucky Educator Placement Service System Certification Fee Authorization

The Kentucky General Assembly passed HB727, amending KRS 161.028 and KRS 160.152 to authorize the Education Professional Standards Board to use certification fee proceeds for the Kentucky Educator Placement Service System (KEPS). The bill also requires KEPS to allow educator applicants to create and submit applications to multiple school districts.

Limited CDL Time Extension

Kentucky General Assembly passed HB658 to extend allowable time lengths for limited commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) to align with federal limits under 49 C.F.R. sec. 383.3. The bill creates a new section of KRS Chapter 281A and requires the Transportation Cabinet to promulgate emergency and ordinary administrative regulations. The bill passed with unanimous support (93-0 House, 37-0 Senate) and declares an emergency.

HB566 Kentucky bill changes auctioneer's fee structure

HB566 Kentucky bill changes auctioneer's fee structure