Senate
Signed By Governor
2026 Regular Session

SB189

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AN ACT relating to the regulation of digital asset business.

Establish Subtitle 13 of KRS Chapter 286 and create new sections thereof to regulate virtual currency kiosks; establish definitions; provide for enforcement by the commissioner of the Department of Financial Institutions; establish license requirements for virtual currency kiosks; require regulatory filings to be submitted to a nationwide licensing system registry; establish initial and renewal application processes and requirements, reporting, surety bond and tangible net worth, and change of control requirements for virtual currency kiosk operators;…

Administrative Regulations and ProceedingsBanks and Financial InstitutionsCommerceConsumer ProtectionDigital AssetsEffective Dates, DelayedLicensingPeace Officers and Law EnforcementReports MandatedState Agencies

Introduced: February 12, 2026

Last action: April 13, 2026

Signed By Governor (Acts Ch. 126)

Effective date: set within the act

This act specifies its own effective date(s) for some or all of its sections instead of following the standard 90-day rule (Ky. Constitution § 55) — see the act text for the exact dates.

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Plain-language summary
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This bill creates a new set of rules for businesses that operate virtual currency kiosks in Kentucky, which are physical machines that allow people to buy or sell cryptocurrency. It sets up a licensing process overseen by the Department of Financial Institutions and establishes consumer protections, fraud safeguards, and rules about how these businesses must operate. The law is set to take effect in 2027, giving regulators time to put the required rules in place. Who it may affect: Kentuckians who use virtual currency kiosks, as well as businesses that own or operate those machines in the state.

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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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Legislative History

Feb 12, 2026 · Senate
Introduced In Senate
Feb 12, 2026 · Senate
To Committee On Committees (S)
Feb 20, 2026 · Senate
To Banking & Insurance (S)
Feb 24, 2026 · Senate
Reported Favorably, 1st Reading, To Calendar With Committee Substitute (1)
Feb 25, 2026 · Senate
Floor Amendment (1) Filed To Committee Substitute (clerical)
Feb 25, 2026 · Senate
2nd Reading, To Rules (clerical)
Feb 26, 2026 · Senate
Floor Amendment (2) Filed To Committee Substitute (clerical)
Feb 26, 2026 · Senate
Posted For Passage In The Regular Orders Of The Day For Friday, February 27 2026 (clerical)

Primary Sponsor

Portrait of Steve Rawlings
Steve Rawlings

Senator · Senate District 11

Primary sponsor
steve.rawlings@kylegislature.gov
BallotpediaOfficial profile

Co-sponsors (1)

Portrait of Robert Mills
Robert Mills

Senator · Senate District 04

Co-sponsor
Robby.Mills@kylegislature.gov

Roll calls

March 2, 2026

Senate: Passed 37-0 with Committee Substitute (1) and Floor Amendment (2)

Yea: 37
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
LegiScan roll call
April 1, 2026

House floor vote

Yea: 81
Nay: 3
Absent: 16
April 1, 2026

House: 3rd reading, passed 81-7 with Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendment (2) and Committee Amendment (1-title)

Yea: 81
Nay: 7
Absent: 12
April 1, 2026

Senate: Passed 38-0

Yea: 38
Nay: 0

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