HB259
Log in to followAN ACT proposing an amendment to Sections 32, 72, 91, 100, and 122 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to citizenship requirements of state and local elected officials.
Propose to amend Sections 32, 72, 91, 100, and 122 of the Constitution of Kentucky to require candidates for the General Assembly, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Auditor of Public Accounts, Commissioner of Agriculture, Secretary of State, Attorney General, county clerk, Circuit Court clerk, Commonwealth’s attorney, county attorney, District Judge, Circuit Judge, Court of Appeals Judge, and Justice of the Supreme Court to be a natural born citizen of the United States and a national of only the United States in order to hold each respective office; provide ballot language; submit to voters for ratification or rejection.
Introduced: January 8, 2026
Last action: January 15, 2026
Plain-language summary
This bill proposes changes to the Kentucky Constitution that would require candidates for a wide range of state and local elected offices to be natural-born United States citizens and to hold only U.S. nationality. It would apply to offices ranging from the General Assembly and Governor to county clerks, judges, and attorneys. Because it is a constitutional amendment, it would be placed on the ballot for Kentucky voters to approve or reject. Who it may affect: people considering running for state or local elected office in Kentucky, and voters who would decide whether to ratify the change.
Legislative History
Primary Sponsor
Co-sponsors (4)
