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 · January 12, 2026

To Committee On Committees (S)

Introduced January 12, 2026

Senate

Adjourned Sine Die

2026 Regular Session

SB63

AN ACT relating to student journalist freedom.

Short title: New Voices Act

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 158 to state legislative findings; define terms; establish additional free speech protections for student journalists; place limitations on additional protections; establish protections for student media advisors; require each local school board to adopt a written policy for time, place, and manner restrictions and for an appeals procedure; provide that student speech not be considered school speech; allow for a student journalist or student media advisor to seek injunctive relief; provide that the Act may be cited as the New Voices Act.

Civil Rights Education, Elementary and Secondary Publications Short Titles and Popular Names Teachers Media

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This bill, known as the New Voices Act, would give student journalists at Kentucky's elementary and secondary schools stronger free speech protections for their reporting and publications. It would also protect teachers and staff who advise student media programs from retaliation. Local school boards would be required to create written policies on when and where student expression can be limited, and students or advisors could go to court to enforce these protections. Who it may affect: students involved in school news and media programs, and the teachers and staff who advise them.

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