Senate
Signed By Governor
2026 Regular Session

SB249

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AN ACT relating to workforce development and declaring an emergency.

Create a new section of KRS 151B to grant the governor, in consultation with the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board, the authority to approve all eligible workforce training programs for federal Workforce Pell Grants and coordinate approval of eligible workforce training programs to avoid duplicative payments; require the board to establish an internal procedure to determine that a program meets applicable federal requirements and ensure that the implementation of this procedure does not impose requirements more restrictive than or inconsistent with any applicable federal rules governing the Workforce Pell Grants; EMERGENCY.

Advisory Boards, Commissions, and CommitteesEducation, HigherGovernorWorkforceEducation, FinanceEffective Dates, EmergencyFederal Laws and Regulations

Introduced: February 25, 2026

Last action: April 13, 2026

Signed By Governor (Acts Ch. 132)

In effect since April 13, 2026

This act carries an emergency clause, so it took effect as soon as it became law instead of waiting the usual 90 days after the session adjourned (Ky. Constitution § 55).

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Plain-language summary
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This bill sets up a state process for approving workforce training programs that qualify for federal Workforce Pell Grants, giving the governor that approval authority in consultation with the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board. The board is required to create an internal review procedure to confirm programs meet federal requirements, without adding rules that go beyond what federal law requires. Because it was declared an emergency, the law took effect immediately upon signing. Who it may affect: people seeking job training or workforce education, workforce training program providers, and community and technical colleges.

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Legislative History

Feb 25, 2026 · Senate
Introduced In Senate
Feb 25, 2026 · Senate
To Committee On Committees (S)
Mar 11, 2026 · Senate
To Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor (S)
Mar 12, 2026 · Senate
Reported Favorably, 1st Reading, To Calendar
Mar 13, 2026 · Senate
2nd Reading, To Rules (clerical)
Mar 13, 2026 · Senate
Posted For Passage In The Regular Orders Of The Day For Monday, March 16 2026 (clerical)
Mar 16, 2026 · Senate
3rd Reading, Passed 35-0
Yea: 35
Nay: 0
Absent: 3
LegiScan roll call
Mar 17, 2026 · House
Received In House
Apr 1, 2026 · House
3rd Reading, Passed 93-0
Yea: 93
Nay: 0
Absent: 7
LegiScan roll call

Primary Sponsor

Portrait of Phillip Wheeler
Phillip Wheeler

Senator · Senate District 31

Primary sponsor
Phillip.Wheeler@kylegislature.gov
BallotpediaOfficial profile

Bill Text Versions

Enacted — Acts chapter (final law)

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Engrossed (passed one chamber)

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Introduced (original)

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