In Committee
2026 Regular Session

SB240

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AN ACT relating to student rights.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 158 to define terms and establish student rights related to secular education and religious liberty; direct school districts to establish a formal grievance procedure for students, parents, and staff to report violations of those rights and set minimum requirements for the procedure; create a cause of action for violations of those rights that permits students or parents of students to bring an action for a violation of those rights within 2 years from the date of violation; permit recovery of attorney's fees and costs; waive sovereign and governmental immunity; prohibit retaliation; direct the Kentucky Department of Education to establish model policies, guidance documents, and training materials to assist in implementation by designated dates; direct school districts to provide trainings on compliance during the 2026-2027 school year; amend KRS 158.175 to remove schools' permission to recite the Lord's prayer; remove the requirement for a moment of silence or reflection within the first period of a school day; amend KRS 158.188 to remove references to the Bible and religious aspects of holidays; amend KRS 158.195 to remove the requirement that schools display "In God We Trust" in a prominent location; repeal KRS 158.170, KRS 158.177, and 158.178; provide that the Act may be cited as the Student Secular Bill of Rights.

Boards and CommissionsChildren and MinorsCivil ActionsCivil RightsClaimsEducation, Elementary and SecondaryParental RightsReligionShort Titles and Popular NamesState Agencies

Introduced: February 24, 2026

Last action: February 24, 2026

To Committee On Committees (S)
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Legislative History

Feb 24, 2026 · Senate
Introduced In Senate
Feb 24, 2026 · Senate
To Committee On Committees (S)

Primary Sponsor

Portrait of Karen Berg
Karen Berg

Senator · Senate District 26

Primary sponsor
Karen.Berg@kylegislature.gov
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