AN ACT relating to background checks.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 17 to define terms and require criminal justice agencies to provide criminal history records information to requesting agencies when they are conducting a basic suitability or fitness assessment for federal or contractor employees under 5 U.S.C. sec. 9101; authorize the agency to request a fee of $25 for reimbursement of expenses related to the check from entities other than the Commonwealth; amend KRS 610.340, relating to juvenile justice records, to conform.

Archives and Records Background Checks Cities Corrections and Correctional Facilities, State Counties Courts Education, Elementary and Secondary Federal Laws and Regulations Fees Jails and Jailers Local Government Peace Officers and Law Enforcement Police, City and County Police, State Public Records and Reports Public Safety Sheriffs State Agencies

Introduced: January 21, 2026

Last action: April 7, 2026

(Acts Ch. 42)

In effect since July 15, 2026

Acts from the 2026 Regular Session that don't carry an emergency clause or set their own effective date took effect 90 days after the session adjourned (Ky. Constitution § 55).

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This law requires Kentucky criminal justice agencies to share criminal history records with agencies conducting background checks on federal employees or contractor employees, as allowed under federal law. It also allows those agencies to charge a $25 fee to cover the cost of providing the records, except when the requesting party is the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Juvenile justice records rules are updated to match these new requirements. Who it may affect: people applying for federal government jobs or federal contractor positions, and the Kentucky criminal justice agencies that handle background check requests.

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