Kentucky General Assembly session dates and schedule
A regular session convenes each January under the Kentucky Constitution. In even-numbered years the General Assembly meets for up to 60 legislative days and must adjourn by April 15. These are the budget sessions. In odd-numbered years it meets for up to 30 legislative days, adjourning by March 30. Most bills can only be introduced and passed during this window.
Recent and scheduled sessions
2026 Regular Session
Session datesJanuary 6, 2026 – April 15, 2026Veto recessApril 2, 2026 – April 14, 2026Sine dieApril 15, 2026Acts effectiveJuly 15, 20262025 Regular Session
Session datesJanuary 7, 2025 – April 15, 20252024 Regular Session
Session datesJanuary 2, 2024 – April 15, 20242023 Regular Session
Session datesJanuary 3, 2023 – March 30, 20232022 Special Session
Session datesAugust 24, 2022 – August 26, 2022Called for: Eastern Kentucky flood relief after the July 2022 floods.
2022 Regular Session
Session datesJanuary 4, 2022 – April 14, 20222021 Special Session
Session datesSeptember 7, 2021 – September 9, 2021Called for: COVID-19 response: state of emergency, school flexibility, and federal relief funds.
2021 Regular Session
Session datesJanuary 5, 2021 – March 30, 20212020 Regular Session
Session datesJanuary 7, 2020 – April 15, 20202019 Special Session
Session datesJuly 19, 2019 – July 24, 2019Called for: Pension relief for quasi-governmental agencies (regional universities, health departments).
2019 Regular Session
Session datesJanuary 8, 2019 – March 28, 20192018 Special Session
Session datesDecember 17, 2018 – December 18, 2018Called for: Public-pension reform (adjourned without passing a pension bill).
2018 Regular Session
Session datesJanuary 2, 2018 – April 14, 20182017 Regular Session
Session datesJanuary 3, 2017 – March 30, 20172016 Regular Session
Session datesJanuary 5, 2016 – April 15, 20162015 Regular Session
Session datesJanuary 6, 2015 – March 25, 20152014 Regular Session
Session datesJanuary 7, 2014 – April 15, 20142013 Special Session
Session datesAugust 19, 2013 – August 23, 2013Called for: Legislative redistricting of the House and Senate districts.
2013 Regular Session
Session datesJanuary 8, 2013 – March 26, 20132012 Regular Session
Session datesJanuary 3, 2012 – April 12, 20122010 Special Session
Session datesMay 24, 2010 – May 29, 2010Called for: State budget: enacted the FY2010–2012 budget after the regular session adjourned without one.
2010 Regular Session
Session datesJanuary 5, 2010 – April 15, 2010
The veto recess
Near the end of a session, the chambers recess for about ten days while the governor considers passed bills. The General Assembly then reconvenes for its final days, when it can vote to override vetoes before adjourning sine die, the formal end of the session.
The interim
Between sessions, the General Assembly is in the interim. Interim joint committees meet to study issues and hear testimony, but no bills can be passed. The General Assembly is currently in the 2026 Interim. Committee meetings during the interim are listed on the Committee meetings page.
Special sessions
A special session is called by the Governor, or by petition of 3/5 of the members of each chamber, outside the regular annual schedule. Business is limited to topics specified in the call. Special sessions are typically brief and focused on urgent or time-sensitive matters.