The General Assembly will convene on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Noon. Our convening is set by the Kentucky Constitution, which requires that we begin session on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January. The Constitution also establishes that in odd years we have 30 legislative days to complete our work before we must adjourn by midnight on March 30.
We already know that this will be a historic session, as the legislature will convene and meet in a temporary building rather than the State Capitol Building. The entire campus is undergoing renovations aimed at maintaining the facility’s historic integrity while making it safer and more accessible for those who work and visit. The project also incorporates modern technology. Since the Kentucky Constitution also requires that all sessions be held in the state capital city (except in case of war, insurrection, or pestilence, may I add), the project includes a temporary structure that will allow us to continue meeting in Frankfort and on the Capitol grounds.
While the legislature can only pass laws and take other official action during session, lawmakers use the time between sessions to study issues and work with stakeholders to prepare. Lawmakers met throughout the summer and fall to consider issues that will be addressed with legislation during the 2026 Regular Session. While some presentations were broad and focused on an issue rather than a specific proposal, several lawmakers shared drafts of legislation they will file this session. In addition to committee work, special task forces have discussed housing shortages, artificial intelligence, disaster preparedness, health, and air mobility. Each panel has provided recommendations for potential legislation.
Because this is an even-year, we will meet for 60 legislative days and much of our attention will be on crafting and passing a state budget to provide resources for our state agencies and programs over the next two years. I expect us to continue with efforts to get the most for Kentuckians out of every tax dollar we spend, while also keeping an eye on the challenges and opportunities we may face in the next few years.
The rest of our legislative agenda is shaping up to include addressing skyrocketing Medicaid costs and a lack of progress in improving the health of recipients, getting Kentuckians working, increasing access to affordable health care, protecting Kentucky children, honoring our veterans, and helping strengthen our communities. All of these are important if we want to continue making Kentucky the best place to live, work, and build a life.
If you are interested in following along, please use the information below to visit the legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov and email me to be added to a list for regular updates. As I mentioned, the Capitol is closed for the renovation. However, access to the Capitol Annex, where our offices are located and legislative committees meet, remains the same. A viewing gallery is reserved for those who are at the Annex and want to watch the House and Senate proceedings. And, we have expanded the variety of tools we rely on to keep the legislature’s work accessible and transparent. For decades, Kentucky Educational Television (KET) has televised committee meetings and the work we do on the House Floor. In addition, the legislature now offers a YouTube channel and broadcasts live from all committees and the House and Senate floor proceedings, including those that KET is unable to cover. To access the KET and YouTube coverage, visit the website and click on the Live Coverage box.
The Legislative Research Commission (LRC) is the legislature’s administrative arm and maintains a helpful, information-packed website. It contains every bill and resolution, schedules, contact information, and information about the legislative process. I regularly refer to LRC publications, which provide research information on issues and can also be downloaded from the website.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Amy.Neighbors@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
(HD21 – News from the Office of Rep. Neighbors)