Week four of the 2026 Regular Session began with a delay because of severe winter weather that blanketed the Bluegrass over the weekend. Monday’s planned proceedings were postponed until Tuesday, giving state employees, lawmakers and the public a safer route into Frankfort. Many legislators live hours away since the Kentucky General Assembly is a citizen legislature. I’m grateful to local officials, road crews and first responders whose work ensured the people’s business could continue at the Capitol.
By Friday, the General Assembly had reached the one-quarter mark of this year’s session. With momentum building around key priorities, we’re working diligently to advance meaningful legislation.
Budget begins its journey
Speaking of quarters, there are about 60 billion of them in Kentucky’s $15 billion biennial budget. The House filed its draft budget this week with House Bill 500.
This marks the start of the process, not the end. That initial proposal has quite a way to go before it arrives in the Senate, but we are and will monitor progress. As Senate Majority Floor Leader, I will play an active role in guiding this budget to ensure we pass a responsible, balanced plan that reflects Kentucky’s priorities. I’ll keep you updated on progress along the way.
Four new priority bills filed in the Senate
Education remains a top priority in the Senate. This week, two education-focused bills—Senate Bills (SB) 2 and 4—were filed. SB 2 aims to ensure fair compensation by prohibiting school district administrators from receiving percentage raises that exceed the average percentage raise awarded to classroom teachers in the same district. SB 4 strengthens school leadership by creating a five-year development program for new principals to better prepare them without increasing costs for school districts.
Additionally, two other priority measures were introduced. SB 6 would invest $150 million to strengthen Kentucky’s research infrastructure by activating the Endowed Research Fund and supporting university-led research consortia to drive innovation and economic growth. SB 5 would make it easier for school districts to purchase fresh, locally grown food by streamlining procurement rules, supporting student nutrition and strengthening Kentucky agriculture. SB 5 has the backing of Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, who joined a press conference as the bill was announced.
Education priority bills advance
SBs 1 and 3, which were detailed last week, cleared the Senate Education Committee and now head to the full Senate. These measures focus on accountability by modernizing leadership and oversight at Jefferson County Public Schools and by setting clearer timelines and public review for how local districts manage education spending. I expect these to be taken up early in the following week.
Bills moving to the state House of Representatives
The Senate passed several key measures this week. The following now head to the House for further consideration.
SB 181 received final passage this week. It is the bill I detailed in last week’s update after the Senate Education Committee approved it. It strengthens Kentucky’s student safety law by clearly defining what communication between school staff and students is and is not appropriate. It improves how parental consent is handled and reinforces policies around abuse prevention training. This measure helps protect students while giving schools the clarity they need to uphold the law.
Several other measures also advanced to the House:
SB 17 improves oversight of Court-Appointed Special Advocates programs and reflects current best practices in child welfare.
SB 20 gives cities greater flexibility in structuring training incentive programs for local officers.
SB 68 strengthens safety at the Kentucky Horse Park by giving park leadership clear authority to remove individuals who pose a risk to guests, staff or participants.
Senate Joint Resolution 23 supports nutrition-based health strategies and promotes coordination between healthcare providers and local food systems.
Suits and Sneakers Day honors cancer fighters across Kentucky
On Thursday, I joined my colleagues in wearing sneakers with our suits to recognize Suits and Sneakers Day in the Kentucky Senate. This event honors cancer patients, survivors, families and advocates across the commonwealth. As the father of a long-term survivor of stage IV neuroblastoma, I know the fight against cancer is deeply personal. It is a journey filled with hardship and hope, and one that no one should walk alone. I will continue to support policies that expand access to care, invest in pediatric research and improve outcomes for all Kentuckians facing this disease.
Military Kids Day announced
The Kentucky Senate will host Military Kids Day on Thursday, February 19, bringing together children and grandchildren of current and former military service members for a day of learning and recognition at the Capitol campus. Each session, this day allows us to recognize the quiet sacrifices made by the children of those who serve. Their contribution to our nation’s strength deserves our thanks. Due to ongoing renovations, space is limited to 150 participants. I strongly encourage families here in our district to register early. Parents or guardians may apply by emailing Senate Clerk Donna Holiday at donna.holiday@kylegislature.gov with the child’s name and age and the parent’s name. Spots will be filled on a first‑come, first‑served basis. An application form and more information on this event are available at: legislature.ky.gov/LRC/Pages/Military-Kids-Day.aspx
Engaging with the press and public
On Thursday, I was grateful to join a panel hosted by the Kentucky Journalism Society to discuss the press’s role in civic life. I appreciated the opportunity to speak with journalists, students and fellow lawmakers about how open communication builds trust and understanding. I want to thank the members of the press who share updates like this one. You help keep Kentuckians informed and connected to their government. We are making a concerted effort in the legislature to be as open and transparent as possible, especially given the construction at the state Capitol. Thanks to modern technology, most legislative meetings and proceedings are at our fingertips, and with the rise of social media and a rapid news cycle, information is plentiful. The press plays a vital role in navigating the information shared, and that’s especially important with the rise of artificial intelligence, which is increasingly creating fake content that can be confusing.
Looking ahead
As the General Assembly moves into week five, committees will keep reviewing bills, and budget discussions will become more detailed. We remain focused on passing laws that support Kentucky families, protect students, strengthen public services and ensure the responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
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.
PHOTO: Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise discusses a floor amendment with Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, sponsor of Senate Bill 181. Jan. 22, 2026. Photo Credit: David Hargis, Photographer, Public Information Office, Legislative Research Commission.
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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)