Introduced
Passed Senate
Passed House
Became law
Last action · April 14, 2026
Delivered To Secretary Of State (Acts Ch. 155)

Introduced January 9, 2026

Senate
Veto Override
2026 Regular Session

AN 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).

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Plain-language summary
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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

Jan 9, 2026 · Senate
Introduced In Senate
Jan 9, 2026 · Senate
To Committee On Committees (S)
Feb 20, 2026 · Senate
To Appropriations & Revenue (S)
Feb 25, 2026 · Senate
Reported Favorably, 1st Reading, To Calendar With Committee Substitute (1)
Feb 26, 2026 · Senate
2nd Reading, To Rules (clerical)
Mar 4, 2026 · Senate
Posted For Passage In The Regular Orders Of The Day For Thursday, March 05 2026 (clerical)
Mar 5, 2026 · Senate
3rd Reading, Passed 28-9 With Committee Substitute (1)
Yea: 28
Nay: 9
Absent: 1
LegiScan roll call
Mar 6, 2026 · House
Received In House
Mar 25, 2026 · House
3rd Reading, Passed 75-16 With Committee Substitute (1) And Floor Amendment (2)
Yea: 75
Nay: 16
Absent: 9
LegiScan roll call
Mar 26, 2026 · Senate
Passed 29-8
Yea: 29
Nay: 8
Absent: 1
LegiScan roll call
Apr 14, 2026 · Senate
Senate Floor Vote
Passed
Yea: 31
Nay: 7
LegiScan roll call
Apr 14, 2026 · House
House Floor Vote
Passed
Yea: 80
Nay: 19
Absent: 1
LegiScan roll call

Primary Sponsor

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Portrait of Steve Rawlings

Steve Rawlings

Senator · Senate District 11

Primary sponsor
steve.rawlings@kylegislature.gov

Co-sponsors (5)

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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 Matthew Deneen

Matthew Deneen

Senator · Senate District 10

Co-sponsor
matthew.deneen@kylegislature.gov
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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 Aaron Reed

Aaron Reed

Senator · Senate District 07

Co-sponsor
aaron.reed@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Lindsey Tichenor

Lindsey Tichenor

Senator · Senate District 06

Co-sponsor
lindsey.tichenor@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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