Introduced
Passed House
Passed Senate
Became law
Last action · April 23, 2026
Signed By Governor (Acts Ch. 197)

Introduced March 3, 2026

House
Signed By Governor
2026 Regular Session

AN ACT relating to education.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 151B to require no less than 85% of general fund appropriations to the Office of Adult Education to be used for programs fulfilling the adult education mission and goals of the office; amend KRS 151B.403 to require a qualifying test to obtain a High School Equivalency Diploma to offer a written or paper test administration.

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 law sets rules for how the Office of Adult Education spends its state funding, requiring that at least 85% of general fund money goes directly toward adult education programs rather than administrative or other costs. It also requires that the test used to earn a High School Equivalency Diploma be available in a written or paper format, not just digitally. These changes aim to protect resources for adult learners and ensure the diploma test is accessible to more people. Who it may affect: adults seeking a High School Equivalency Diploma and Kentuckians participating in adult education programs.

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Legislative History

Mar 3, 2026 · House
Introduced In House
Mar 3, 2026 · House
To Committee On Committees (H)
Mar 10, 2026 · House
To Postsecondary Education (H)
Mar 13, 2026 · House
Taken From Postsecondary Education (H) (clerical)
Mar 13, 2026 · House
1st Reading (clerical)
Mar 13, 2026 · House
Returned To Postsecondary Education (H) (clerical)
Mar 17, 2026 · House
Reported Favorably, 2nd Reading, To Rules
Mar 18, 2026 · House
Posted For Passage In The Regular Orders Of The Day For Thursday, March 19 2026 (clerical)
Mar 19, 2026 · House
3rd Reading, Passed 94-0
Yea: 94
Nay: 0
Absent: 6
LegiScan roll call
Apr 15, 2026 · Senate
3rd Reading, Passed 38-0 With Committee Substitute (1) And Committee Amendment (1-Title)
Yea: 38
Nay: 0
LegiScan roll call
Apr 15, 2026 · House
Passed 89-4
Yea: 89
Nay: 4
Absent: 7
LegiScan roll call

Primary Sponsor

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Portrait of James Tipton

James Tipton

Representative · House District 053

Primary sponsor
James.Tipton@kylegislature.gov

Co-sponsors (2)

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Portrait of Sarah Stalker

Sarah Stalker

Representative · House District 034

Co-sponsor
sarah.stalker@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Beverly Chester-Burton

Beverly Chester-Burton

Representative · House District 044

Co-sponsor
beverly.chesterburton@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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