Introduced
Passed Senate
Passed House
Became law
Last action · March 27, 2026
Signed By Governor (Acts Ch. 7)

Introduced January 7, 2026

Senate
Signed By Governor
2026 Regular Session

AN ACT relating to school transportation and declaring an emergency.

Amend KRS 156.153 to permit schools to use non-school bus passenger vehicles designed for 10, instead of 9, or fewer passengers; limit statewide driver qualification, training, and drug testing requirements to drivers of non-school bus passenger vehicles along regular bus routes and permit local school boards to adopt district policies on the use of those vehicles to and from approved school activities; exclude parents transporting students to and from school pursuant to a compensation agreement from the requirements of the section; amend KRS 160.380 to conform; EMERGENCY.

In effect since March 27, 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 changes the rules for how Kentucky schools can transport students in smaller passenger vehicles. It raises the passenger limit for non-bus vehicles from 9 to 10, clarifies which drivers must meet state safety and drug testing requirements, and allows local school boards to set their own policies for using these vehicles for school activities. Parents who are paid to transport students under a compensation agreement are exempt from these requirements. The emergency declaration…

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Legislative History

Jan 7, 2026 · Senate
Introduced In Senate
Jan 7, 2026 · Senate
To Committee On Committees (S)
Jan 14, 2026 · Senate
To Education (S)
Jan 15, 2026 · Senate
Reported Favorably, 1st Reading, To Calendar With Committee Substitute (1)
Jan 16, 2026 · Senate
2nd Reading, To Rules (clerical)
Jan 20, 2026 · Senate
Floor Amendment (1) Filed To Committee Substitute (clerical)
Jan 20, 2026 · Senate
Posted For Passage In The Regular Orders Of The Day For Thursday, January 22, 2026 (clerical)
Jan 22, 2026 · Senate
3rd Reading, Passed 37-0 With Committee Substitute (1)
Yea: 37
Nay: 0
Absent: 1
LegiScan roll call
Mar 20, 2026 · House
3rd Reading, Passed 87-2 With Committee Substitute (1) And Floor Amendment (2)
Yea: 87
Nay: 2
Absent: 11
LegiScan roll call
Mar 24, 2026 · Senate
Passed 36-0
Yea: 36
Nay: 0
Absent: 2
LegiScan roll call

Primary Sponsor

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Portrait of Matthew Deneen

Matthew Deneen

Senator · Senate District 10

Primary sponsor
matthew.deneen@kylegislature.gov

Co-sponsors (6)

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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 Scott Madon

Scott Madon

Senator · Senate District 29

Co-sponsor
scott.madon@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Matt Nunn

Matt Nunn

Senator · Senate District 17

Co-sponsor
matt.nunn@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Aaron Reed

Aaron Reed

Senator · Senate District 07

Co-sponsor
aaron.reed@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Brandon Smith

Brandon Smith

Senator · Senate District 30

Co-sponsor
Brandon.Smith@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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