Introduced
Passed House
Passed Senate
Became law
Last action · April 14, 2026
Delivered To Secretary Of State (Acts Ch. 178)

Introduced January 16, 2026

House
Veto Override
2026 Regular Session

AN ACT relating to executive branch operations and declaring an emergency.

Amend KRS 15.020 to define "entity of the executive branch"; require the Attorney General, in consultation with the Finance and Administration Cabinet, to review and approve or disapprove any settlement of pending or threatened litigation within 180 days before a gubernatorial inauguration that exceeds $1,000,000; amend KRS 18A.111 to require a 24-month probationary period to any person who at any time in 18 months prior to a gubernatorial inauguration is appointed to a position in…

In effect since April 14, 2026

This act carries an emergency clause, so it took effect as soon as it became law instead of waiting the usual 90 days after the session adjourned (Ky. Constitution § 55).

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Plain-language summary
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This bill sets new rules for how the executive branch operates in the final months before a new governor takes office. It requires the Attorney General to review large legal settlements, adds oversight to certain government contracts, extends probationary periods for some newly appointed state employees, and requires that government records be preserved for the incoming administration. Violations of the records preservation rules would be treated as a criminal misdemeanor. Who it may affect: state…

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Legislative History

Jan 16, 2026 · House
Introduced In House
Jan 16, 2026 · House
To Committee On Committees (H)
Jan 27, 2026 · House
To State Government (H)
Feb 12, 2026 · House
Reported Favorably, 1st Reading, To Calendar With Committee Substitute (1) And Committee Amendment (1-Title)
Feb 13, 2026 · House
2nd Reading, To Rules (clerical)
Feb 17, 2026 · House
Posted For Passage In The Regular Orders Of The Day For Wednesday, February 18 2026 (clerical)
Feb 18, 2026 · House
3rd Reading, Passed 78-18 With Committee Substitute (1) And Committee Amendment (1-Title)
Yea: 78
Nay: 18
Absent: 4
LegiScan roll call
Feb 19, 2026 · Senate
Received In Senate
Mar 26, 2026 · Senate
3rd Reading, Passed 32-6 With Committee Substitute (1) And Committee Amendment (1-Title)
Yea: 32
Nay: 6
LegiScan roll call
Yea: 32
Nay: 6
LegiScan roll call
Apr 1, 2026 · Senate
Passed 32-5
Yea: 32
Nay: 5
Absent: 1
LegiScan roll call
Apr 1, 2026 · House
Passed 72-17
Yea: 72
Nay: 17
Absent: 11
LegiScan roll call
Apr 14, 2026 · House
House Floor Vote
Passed
Yea: 79
Nay: 19
Absent: 2
LegiScan roll call

Primary Sponsor

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Portrait of John Hodgson

John Hodgson

Representative · House District 036

Primary sponsor
john.hodgson@kylegislature.gov

Co-sponsors (8)

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Portrait of Jason Nemes

Jason Nemes

Representative · House District 033

Co-sponsor
Jason.Nemes@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Ryan Bivens

Ryan Bivens

Representative · House District 024

Co-sponsor
ryan.bivens@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of George Brown

George Brown

Representative · House District 077

Co-sponsor
George.Brown@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Matt Lockett

Matt Lockett

Representative · House District 039

Co-sponsor
Matt.Lockett@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of David Meade

David Meade

Representative · House District 080

Co-sponsor
David.Meade@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of David Osborne

David Osborne

Representative · House District 059

Co-sponsor
David.Osborne@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of T.J. Roberts

T.J. Roberts

Representative · House District 066

Co-sponsor
tj.roberts@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Steven Rudy

Steven Rudy

Representative · House District 001

Co-sponsor
Steven.Rudy@kylegislature.gov

Bill Text Versions

Enacted: Acts chapter (final law)

Most current
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Enrolled (passed both chambers)

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Engrossed (passed one chamber)

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Introduced (original)

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