AN ACT relating to professional licensing background checks.

Create new sections of KRS Chapter 319, 319A, 334A, 335.010 to 335.160, and 335.500 to 335.599, relating to psychologists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and audiologists, social workers, and professional counselors, to require a national and state background check for applicants seeking an initial license, reinstatement of a license, or authorization to practice in another state in accordance with a compact; provide that the results of a national and state criminal background check shall not be…

Background Checks Boards and Commissions Compacts, Interstate Occupations and Professions Police, State

Introduced: February 18, 2026

Last action: March 27, 2026

(Acts Ch. 6)

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 people applying for an initial license, reinstating a license, or seeking to practice in another state under an interstate agreement to complete a national and state criminal background check in fields such as psychology, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, audiology, social work, and professional counseling. Background check results are kept confidential and can only be shared with the applicant or used as evidence in a legal proceeding. Boards are not allowed to require…

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