Introduced
Passed Senate
Passed House
Became law
Last action · April 12, 2026
Became Law Without Governor's Signature (Acts Ch. 97)

Introduced February 12, 2026

Senate
Enacted
2026 Regular Session

AN ACT relating to participants in the legal system.

Amend KRS 367.220 to require written notice from a consumer to a prospective defendant 60 days before initiating a civil action; require giving of notice to toll the statute of limitations; make failure to give notice result in dismissal of a filed claim without prejudice; amend KRS 189.125 to declare failure to wear a safety restraint or wear a restraint properly to be admissible as it may relate to fault only upon a showing that…

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 makes several changes to how civil lawsuits are filed and handled in Kentucky. Key changes include requiring people to give written notice before suing in many types of cases, setting new rules for medical malpractice claims, limiting who can sue insurance companies for unfair settlement practices, and preventing someone from recovering damages if they are found more than 50% at fault for their own injury. It also adjusts rules around seatbelt use as…

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Legislative History

Feb 12, 2026 · Senate
Introduced In Senate
Feb 12, 2026 · Senate
To Committee On Committees (S)
Mar 16, 2026 · Senate
To Judiciary (S)
Mar 16, 2026 · Senate
Taken From Judiciary (S) (clerical)
Mar 16, 2026 · Senate
1st Reading (clerical)
Mar 16, 2026 · Senate
Returned To Judiciary (S) (clerical)
Mar 17, 2026 · Senate
Taken From Judiciary (S) (clerical)
Mar 17, 2026 · Senate
2nd Reading (clerical)
Mar 19, 2026 · Senate
3rd Reading, Passed 31-5 With Committee Substitute (1)
Yea: 31
Nay: 5
Absent: 2
LegiScan roll call
Mar 26, 2026 · House
3rd Reading, Passed 66-25 With Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendments (1) And (3) And Floor Amendment (2-Title)
Yea: 66
Nay: 25
Absent: 9
LegiScan roll call
Mar 31, 2026 · Senate
Passed 29-9
Yea: 29
Nay: 9
LegiScan roll call

Primary Sponsor

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Portrait of Craig Richardson

Craig Richardson

Senator · Senate District 03

Primary sponsor
craig.richardson@kylegislature.gov

Co-sponsors (5)

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Portrait of Donald Douglas

Donald Douglas

Senator · Senate District 22

Co-sponsor
Donald.Douglas@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Greg Elkins

Greg Elkins

Senator · Senate District 28

Co-sponsor
greg.elkins@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Rick Girdler

Rick Girdler

Senator · Senate District 15

Co-sponsor
Rick.Girdler@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Stephen Meredith

Stephen Meredith

Senator · Senate District 05

Co-sponsor
Stephen.Meredith@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Gex Williams

Gex Williams

Senator · Senate District 20

Co-sponsor
gex.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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