Legislative work in critical final stretch

Before getting into the work happening in Frankfort, I want to take a moment to recognize something special. Congratulations to the George Rogers girls and boys basketball teams for both bringing home state championships last week. That’s an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the hard work, discipline and pride that define our community. We are truly “Growing Greatness.”

With the end of the 2026 Regular Session in sight, work in Frankfort has entered a critical final stretch. These closing weeks are when many of the most impactful decisions are finalized, as legislation developed throughout the session advances through the final stages of the process.

Bills are moving efficiently between the House and Senate as lawmakers work through a wide range of issues, including workforce development, economic policy, education, infrastructure and public safety.

In even-numbered years, the General Assembly meets for 60 legislative days, and we are now approaching the end of that schedule. In the coming days, legislation passed by both chambers will head to the governor for review, where it may be signed into law, vetoed or allowed to become law without a signature.

Lawmakers will then return for the final days of the session to consider any vetoes and complete remaining business before adjourning sine die on April 15.

A key priority still before us is the state budget, which will guide Kentucky’s economic direction and investments over the next two years. Lawmakers continue working toward a fiscally responsible and growth-oriented plan.

These final days are about delivering policies that support opportunity, strengthen our workforce and central Kentucky moving forward.

I was proud to see three of my bills Senate Bills 29, 49 and 153 pass the House this week. Each of these measures takes a practical, commonsense approach to real challenges, from cutting unnecessary red tape in waste management, to improving safety around battery disposal, to strengthening protections for homeowners against fraud, especially in the wake of severe weather.

Below are several measures that advanced through the legislative process this week.

HB 4 creates a new crime for grooming minors, targeting behavior that will affect a child for future sexual abuse. It sets stricter penalties depending on the circumstances of the victim and offender. The bill also protects normal, appropriate interactions (like parenting or teaching) and clarifies that sentences for grooming run at the same time as related offenses. 

HB 7 which I proudly carried on the Senate floor allows schools to install cameras on buses to catch drivers who don’t stop when students are getting on or off. It creates a clear system for issuing fines and handling disputes, while making sure recorded images are only used for this purpose. The bill also increases penalties for violations but says these offenses won’t add points to a driver’s record.

HB 10 increases oversight of executive branch actions during the transition period before a new governor takes office. The bill requires review of certain legal settlements, limits noncompetitive contracts and late-term personnel changes, preserves records for incoming administrations, and expands confirmation requirements and travel transparency for constitutional officers.

HB 58 sets statewide rules for how automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology can be used. It aims to protect privacy by limiting how data is collected, shared, and stored—generally capping storage at 90 days and banning sales to unauthorized parties.The bill still allows ALPR use for things like law enforcement, toll collection, fraud prevention, and recovering stolen vehicles, but requires agencies to be transparent and face penalties for misuse. 

HB 67 updates Kentucky’s school electronic communication law by clarifying when school employees and volunteers may contact students outside official communication systems. The bill focuses the policy on private electronic communication, updates parental consent requirements, and provides exceptions for emergencies, field trips, and work-based learning. Senate changes also add school financial transparency provisions and clarify exemptions for school resource officers and directors of pupil personnel.

HB 78 establishes liability protections for firearm manufacturers and sellers against certain lawsuits arising from the criminal misuse of firearms or ammunition and grants enforcement authority to the Attorney General.

HB 139 modernizes Kentucky’s election laws by improving election administration, tightening voter ID rules, raising campaign contribution limits, and allowing data sharing with federal agencies to verify voter eligibility. It clarifies that political parties can speak on nonpartisan judicial races without changing their nonpartisan nature. 

SB 185 creates a long-term plan to help strengthen and stabilize Kentucky State University while keeping its identity as a historically Black land-grant school. It gives leaders more authority to fix financial and operational issues, therefore increasing oversight and transparency. The bill also shifts the university toward more workforce-focused programs, which improves accountability and student success efforts. 

HB 189 sets rules about where people can be along state roadways to improve safety. It allows exceptions for emergencies and for workers like first responders and utility crews. Pedestrians can still use designated areas like sidewalks and crosswalks. Local governments can create limited exceptions while the state sets consistent safety standards. 

HB 253 improves reading instruction by requiring schools to use proven, research-based methods like phonics and phasing out less effective approaches. It also requires K-5 teacher/staff training and updates preparation programs. The bill adds student safety measures by banning nondisclosure agreements related to abuse and requiring schools to track misconduct.

HB 257 overhauls the system of assessment and accountability in Kentucky public schools.  It adjust the state portion of the assessments while still complying with federal mandates for testing and school accountability.  In addition, it creates a definition for “Locally developed indicators of quality” that are measures created or adopted by a local school district that are aligned with academic standards, allow students to demonstrate their ability to apply grade-appropriate knowledge and skill in real world applications, and may include additional locally identified indicators related to priorities established by the local community.

HB 398 ensures the Public Service Commission can approve how utilities charge customers for taking old power plants out of service. 

HB 657 requires background checks for new, reinstated, or out-of-state license applicants while keeping results private and limiting fees. It prohibits checks for renewals, with boards reviewing results before granting practice across state lines. 

HB 658 requires the Transportation Cabinet to update regulations extending the allowable duration of a limited commercial driver’s license in line with federal standards. The bill also incorporates provisions from SB 7 to allow, but not require, a convenience fee of up to $25.

HB 669 requires the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to determine whether children in state custody are receiving or eligible for earned federal benefits, such as Social Security or veterans’ survivor benefits. The bill creates the Success Sequence Savings and Disbursement Plan to ensure those funds are saved for the child and made available when they reach adulthood and exit the state’s care.

HB 781 requires the cabinet to create a SNAP education and training plan that helps people improve job skills, find work, and build healthy work habits through partnerships with public and private organizations. 

It is an honor to represent you in Frankfort. I look forward to continuing to serve Bath, Clark, Fayette, Menifee, and Montgomery counties while representing the communities of the 28th District. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can contact me at 502-564-8100 or by email at Greg.Elkins@kylegislature.gov.