Introduced
Passed House
Passed Senate
Became law
Last action · April 10, 2026
Signed By Governor (Acts Ch. 67)

Introduced January 27, 2026

House
Signed By Governor
2026 Regular Session

AN ACT relating to crimes and punishments.

Amend KRS 508.130 to define "course of conduct" and "social media platform"; establish elements of the crime of stalking and penalize as a Class D felony unless certain aggravating circumstances are met, in which case it is a Class C felony; provide that the Act shall not affect the validity of restraining orders, interpersonal protective orders, or domestic violence orders in place prior to the effective date of the Act; repeal KRS 508.140 and 508.150, relating to stalking in the first and second degrees; amend KRS 14.300, 23A.208, 24A.178, 431.005, 411.220, 456.010, 500.092, 500.120, 506.160, 508.155, and 532.080 to conform.

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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Plain-language summary
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This bill updates Kentucky's stalking laws by replacing the current two-degree system with a single stalking crime, defining key terms like "course of conduct" and "social media platform." The offense is generally a Class D felony but can become a Class C felony if certain aggravating circumstances are present. Existing protective orders remain valid under the new law. Who it may affect: people who have experienced stalking, crime victims, and those currently protected by restraining or domestic violence orders.

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Legislative History

Jan 27, 2026 · House
Introduced In House
Jan 27, 2026 · House
To Committee On Committees (H)
Feb 3, 2026 · House
To Judiciary (H)
Feb 18, 2026 · House
Reported Favorably, 1st Reading, To Calendar
Feb 19, 2026 · House
2nd Reading, To Rules (clerical)
Feb 24, 2026 · House
Posted For Passage In The Regular Orders Of The Day For Wednesday, February 25 2026 (clerical)
Feb 25, 2026 · House
3rd Reading, Passed 96-0
Yea: 96
Nay: 0
Absent: 4
LegiScan roll call
Feb 26, 2026 · Senate
Received In Senate
Mar 31, 2026 · Senate
3rd Reading, Passed 38-0 With Committee Substitute (1) And Committee Amendment (1-Title)
Yea: 38
Nay: 0
LegiScan roll call
Mar 31, 2026 · House
Passed 91-0
Yea: 91
Nay: 0
Absent: 9
LegiScan roll call

Primary Sponsor

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Portrait of Steven Rudy

Steven Rudy

Representative · House District 001

Primary sponsor
Steven.Rudy@kylegislature.gov

Co-sponsors (12)

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Portrait of Stephanie Dietz

Stephanie Dietz

Representative · House District 065

Co-sponsor
stephanie.dietz@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Chad Aull

Chad Aull

Representative · House District 079

Co-sponsor
chad.aull@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Kimberly Banta

Kimberly Banta

Representative · House District 063

Co-sponsor
kim.banta@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Steve Bratcher

Steve Bratcher

Representative · House District 025

Co-sponsor
steve.bratcher@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Randy Bridges

Randy Bridges

Representative · House District 003

Co-sponsor
Randy.Bridges@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Beverly Chester-Burton

Beverly Chester-Burton

Representative · House District 044

Co-sponsor
beverly.chesterburton@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Myron Dossett

Myron Dossett

Representative · House District 009

Co-sponsor
Myron.Dossett@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Chris Freeland

Chris Freeland

Representative · House District 006

Co-sponsor
Chris.Freeland@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Daniel Grossberg

Daniel Grossberg

Representative · House District 030

Co-sponsor
daniel.grossberg@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Walker Thomas

Walker Thomas

Representative · House District 008

Co-sponsor
Walker.Thomas@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Richard White

Richard White

Representative · House District 099

Co-sponsor
Richard.White@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Wade Williams

Wade Williams

Representative · House District 004

Co-sponsor
wade.williams@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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