AN ACT relating to employment and declaring an emergency.

Create new sections of KRS Chapter 335B.010 to 335B.070 to require hiring or licensing authorities to establish an application process that gives persons convicted of a crime an opportunity to obtain a determination about whether the crime will disqualify the individual from a position of public employment or occupational license before pursuing employment or training; require hiring or licensing authorities to formulate policies and procedures for the application process by promulgating regulations no later than…

Administrative Regulations and Proceedings Background Checks Crimes and Punishments Licensing Occupations and Professions Personnel and Employment State Agencies State Employees Workforce

Introduced: January 7, 2026

Last action: April 10, 2026

(Acts Ch. 72)

In effect since April 10, 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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This law requires government hiring agencies and occupational licensing boards to set up a process allowing people with criminal convictions to find out ahead of time whether their record would disqualify them from a public job or professional license, before they invest time and money in training or applications. Agencies must have rules in place by January 1, 2027, and must provide written explanations to applicants when making these determinations. Some entities are exempt from…

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