Introduced

Passed Senate

Passed House

Became law

Adjourned sine die. The bill was pending when the session ended, so it did not pass.

Last action · February 12, 2026

To Committee On Committees (S)

Introduced February 12, 2026

Senate

Adjourned Sine Die

2026 Regular Session

SB196

AN ACT relating to grooming.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 156 to define "grooming behavior"; amend KRS 161.120 to add, current and recent former students to the list of individuals upon which the Education Professional Standards Board may refuse to issue or take disciplinary action against a certificate if the applicant or certificate holder engaged in sexual contact with the specified individuals; amend KRS 160.390 to require superintendents to include employment terms prohibiting sexual contact between an employee…

Education, Elementary and Secondary Teachers Boards and Commissions Children and Minors

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This bill creates a legal definition for "grooming behavior" and strengthens rules against sexual contact between school employees and students across Kentucky's public, charter, and certified nonpublic schools. It would allow the Education Professional Standards Board to deny or revoke teaching certificates when an employee has had sexual contact with current or recent former students, and it requires school districts and charter schools to make prohibitions on such conduct a formal part of employment terms. Who it may affect: students, teachers and school staff, school administrators, and charter school employees and contractors.

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