The Kentucky General Assembly continued its work this week. Committees met to review legislation, hear testimony and advance bills while the full Senate considered measures that had cleared the committee process. As week three wraps up, the Senate is waiting on the House’s budget and road plan. In the meantime, we’re focused on sound policy.
This stage of the session is when foundational work happens. We are asking tough questions and refining proposals.
Senate Bill (SB) 181, a cleanup measure from last year’s bill of the same number, was approved by the Senate Education Committee and now qualifies for a vote on the Senate floor. Teachers and parents raised concerns after last year’s bipartisan bill became law. The concerns focused on confusion about which types of communication between school employees and students are authorized versus unauthorized. SB 181 clarifies that school-related calls, virtual instruction with parents and public social media posts are allowed. The bill targets direct, private communication.
From the start of the session, it’s been evident that education remains a top priority. This week was no exception, as we filed two priority pieces of legislation in the Senate aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and long-term stability in Kentucky’s education system.
SB 1 focuses on modernizing governance in Kentucky’s largest and most complex school district, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), by clarifying roles, strengthening oversight and aligning authority with accountability. With nearly 100,000 students, a $2 billion budget and most of the state’s failing schools, JCPS clearly warrants state attention. The goal of SB 1 is to improve long-term planning and operational stability while avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach or a state takeover. The bill gives the superintendent clear authority over day-to-day operations, including personnel, transportation and administrative management, with defined reporting and accountability.
We also filed SB 3, which aims to improve transparency and accountability in local school district budgeting. This legislation would set clearer timelines, strengthen public review and ensure school boards and taxpayers have clearer insight into how education dollars are being spent.
These bills are early in the process, and additional priority legislation will be filed in the days ahead as we continue our work this session.
SB 22 was approved by the full Senate and delivered to the House for consideration. It strengthens Kentucky’s teacher workforce by allowing high school students enrolled in approved teacher apprenticeship programs to access additional dual-credit courses at no cost. Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, eligible students may complete up to 20 required courses, helping future educators enter the profession with less debt and stay rooted in their local communities. Participating students must maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 2.75.
The Senate also passed SB 46, which allows Kentucky schools to use passenger vans seating up to 10, including the driver, for student transportation on regular routes and approved school activities. It sets certain requirements and helps address local transportation costs and challenges with the bus driver workforce.
SB 76 blocks future school board expansion of local occupational taxes, notably in Fayette County and similar jurisdictions, by raising the population threshold for adopting such taxes. This bill comes in light of public backlash over a 2025 attempt by the Fayette County Public Schools, the state’s second-largest school district, to raise taxes without adequate notice. The Kentucky attorney general determined the attempted tax increase violated the law.
A number of other bills moved to the House this week.
SB 51 is among the session’s most popular bills, with thousands voicing support. It proposes a constitutional amendment to provide additional property tax relief for homeowners age 65 and older by exempting increases in the assessed value of their permanent residence after they turn 65 or acquire the property. The amendment would be submitted to voters for approval and apply only to future increases in property value.
SB 10, another bill deemed a priority by Senate Leadership, proposes a constitutional amendment to place reasonable restrictions on Kentucky governors when issuing pardons. It would prohibit them for 60 days preceding an election until the next inauguration.
SB 28 is the “Phone Down Kentucky Act,” which aims to reduce hand-held cell phone use behind the wheel, with exceptions for when at a stop or pulled over, and for emergencies, navigation, and law enforcement. Violators will face a $100 fine, payable in advance with no court costs. All of Kentucky’s surrounding states have these laws, and they carry much harsher penalties.
Other passed bills focused on health care, local government responsibilities, highway safety, health outcomes and military land use (SBs 13, 27, 30, 38, 40, 49, 90, and SCR 9).
As winter weather is expected in the days ahead, stay alert, take precautions and plan accordingly. Check on neighbors who may need extra help and allow additional time if traveling during inclement weather.
We still have a long session ahead, but we’ve started strong. You may reach my office with comments or questions by calling 502-564-8100 or emailing me at Max.Wise@kylegislature.gov.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you. I look forward to keeping you updated as the work of the 2026 Regular Session continues.
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Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, represents the 16th Senate District, including Adair, Allen, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Taylor Counties and eastern Warren County. Wise serves as Senate majority floor leader. He is a member of the Senate Committees on Education, and Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor. As part of Senate leadership, Wise also serves on the Legislative Research Commission, the Rules Committee, and the Committee on Committees.
(Dustin R. Isaacs – Office of Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise)