With the end of the 2026 Regular Session in sight, work in Frankfort has entered a busy final stretch. These closing weeks often bring some of the most consequential conversations of the session, as legislation developed and debated over the past several months begins moving through the remaining stages of the process.
Bills are moving quickly between the House and Senate as lawmakers work through a wide range of policy issues before sending legislation to the governor for consideration. The volume and variety of proposals reflect the broad scope of issues the Kentucky General Assembly has taken up this year, from education and workforce initiatives to regulatory oversight, economic policy and public safety.
In even-numbered years, the General Assembly meets for 60 legislative days, and we are now approaching the final portion of that calendar. Over the coming days, legislation passed by both chambers will move through the governor’s review period, when bills may be signed into law, vetoed or allowed to become law without a signature.
Lawmakers will then return for the final legislative days of the session to consider any vetoes and complete the remaining work before adjourning sine die and formally closing the 2026 session on April 15.
One major piece of unfinished business remains the state budget, which outlines Kentucky’s spending priorities for the next two fiscal years. Budget negotiations are continuing as lawmakers work to reach an agreement that reflects responsible fiscal planning while supporting priorities across the commonwealth.
While the final days of session often bring long hours and complex decisions, they also represent the culmination of months of work aimed at addressing issues that are important to Kentucky families, communities and businesses.
Our wellness revolution continues as we have taken a great many measures in Make America Healthy Again Kentucky. After meeting throughout the interim under the MAHA Task Force, we have made great strides in elevating the conversation around Food is Medicine and offering better nourishment for Kentuckians. Some significant legislation passed or being adopted this past week include the following.
Senate Bill 5, of which I am the primary co-sponsor, makes it easier for Kentucky schools to buy fresh, locally grown food by removing procurement and bidding requirements that have slowed or blocked farm-to-school purchases. The bill defines what qualifies as a “Kentucky-grown agricultural product” and allows school boards and districts to work more directly with in-state farmers to bring nutritious food into school meals. The measure supports student health, strengthens local agriculture and advances the broader Food is Medicine initiative led by Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell. The bill will take effect immediately upon its filing with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office. It was just delivered to the governor for his signature.
Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 23 declares Kentucky a Food is Medicine state and directs state agencies to advance Food is Medicine initiatives. I feel confident this resolution will move in the House.
Senate Resolution 148 recognizes June 2026 as Fidelity Month, reaffirming Kentucky’s commitment to the civic virtues of faith, family and patriotism. The resolution highlights the role these principles play in promoting strong communities and individual well-being, citing historical and societal support for their importance. It emphasizes that fostering fidelity to God, family, community, and country contributes to human flourishing and a healthy society. I believe a return to these foundational principles will keep America strong.
SJR 91 directs state agencies to implement policies that support a focus on healthy lifestyles and evidence-based nutrition interventions in all health and medical education for students and active health professionals; specifically direct the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, the Kentucky Board of Nursing, the Kentucky Department for Public Health, and the Kentucky Department of Education to collaborate with the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Primary Care Association, and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine for a healthier Kentucky.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 193 demonstrates the General Assembly’s support for the goals of the Make America Healthy Again movement. In SCR 193, I recommend continuing the Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Task Force to continue into the latter half of 2026 and submit a report with recommendations to the governor and the Legislative Research Commission by December 1.
House Bill 781, a bill I carried in the Senate, requires the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to develop and implement a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, education and training plan amendment to promote improved employment outcomes and workforce participation related to healthy workforce habits through public-private partnerships.
All of this legislation exemplified the wellness revolution we are experiencing across Kentucky!
Below are several other 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 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 raising campaign contribution limits, improving election administration, tightening voter ID rules 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 adjusts 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 and 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 490 allows public postsecondary institutions to remove faculty members for bona fide financial reasons, such as financial exigency, low program enrollment or budget misalignment, with notice and an opportunity for the faculty member to respond.
HB 627 increases the allowable medical expense for funeral, cremation or burial from $1,000 to $5,000. It also raises the allowable weekly reimbursement for work loss and other losses from $200 to $500. Medical expenses must be billed within 180 days of the product. The attorney general will be authorised with concurrent jurisdiction in the investigation and prosecution of insurance fraud.
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 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 our community in Frankfort, and I appreciate the many conversations I’ve had with constituents throughout this session. Your perspectives help shape the work we do here, and I anticipate continuing that work on your behalf. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, you can always contact me at 502-564-8100 or by email at shelley.funkefrommeyer@kylegislature.gov.
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Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria, represents the 24th Senate District, including Bracken, Campbell and Pendleton Counties and part of Kenton County. She serves as co-chair of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary and the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee. Frommeyer is the vice-chair of the Economic Development, Tourism & Labor Committee. In addition, she is a member of the Public Pension Oversight Board and the Agriculture and Families & Children’s Committees. Frommeyer is also a member of the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Commission. In 2025, she co-chaired the Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Task Force, which examined strategies to improve Kentucky’s health through nutrition and food as medicine. In addition, she formed the Aeronautics and Aviation Economic Development Task Force.