Introduced January 9, 2026
SB59
Log in to followAN ACT relating to prohibited uses of tax dollars and resources.
Amend KRS 65.013 to define terms; expand the prohibition on using tax dollars to advocate for or against a public question on the ballot to prohibit using any resources, and to explicitly apply prohibition to school districts, regional educational cooperatives, and recalls on a ballot; establish a criminal penalty and a prohibition against holding a position of public trust or profit for 10 years for a person found guilty of violating the prohibition; create a…
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).
Plain-language summary
This law strengthens an existing rule that prohibits government officials and agencies, including school districts, from using public tax dollars or resources to campaign for or against measures on the ballot. It adds criminal penalties and a 10-year ban from public office or employment for anyone found guilty of violating the rule, and it allows citizens who believe the rule was broken to sue for damages, including as a class action. Who it may affect: government employees and officials, school district staff and administrators, local government agencies, and voters and taxpayers who want to challenge potential violations.
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Legislative History
Primary Sponsor
Steve Rawlings
Senator · Senate District 11
Co-sponsors (5)
Greg Elkins
Senator · Senate District 28
Matthew Deneen
Senator · Senate District 10
Donald Douglas
Senator · Senate District 22
Aaron Reed
Senator · Senate District 07
Lindsey Tichenor
Senator · Senate District 06
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