All Roll Calls
Yes: 221 • No: 4
KentuckyHB 8262026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT relating to education.
Sponsored By: James Tipton (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Education, Elementary And SecondaryEducation, VocationalState AgenciesWorkforce
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Adult education funds go to programs
At least 85% of state General Fund money for the Office of Adult Education must go to adult education programs. The rest may cover administration. The Office can also sign yearly contracts with a college or other group to score exams.
Easier path to free equivalency diploma
The Office of Adult Education sets programs that match the College and Career Readiness Standards. At least one program must use a qualifying test; passing it earns a High School Equivalency Diploma. A paper test option must be offered. The diploma is issued at no charge after you finish. Any recognized equivalency or external diplomas as of June 29, 2017 count as a state equivalency diploma. Once issued, your diploma stays valid even if the test later changes.
Equivalency counts for public jobs
For Kentucky public employment, a High School Equivalency Diploma counts the same as a high school diploma. You can use an equivalency diploma to meet education rules for public jobs.
New civics course materials for colleges
The Center of American Civics at the University of Kentucky must create and share a three‑credit American government or history course with every public college. It must include the full U.S. Constitution, the full Declaration of Independence, at least five Federalist Papers (chosen by the instructor), the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, and key civil rights documents.
Fees for duplicate equivalency diplomas
The Office of Adult Education can charge a fee for a duplicate equivalency diploma and for a duplicate score report. These fees must be used to support adult education programs.
Earlier law section is repealed
The law repeals Section 15 of 2026 RS SB 4/VO. The reviser of statutes must not codify it, and it has no legal effect.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
James Tipton
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Beverly Chester-Burton
Democrat • House
Sarah Stalker
Democrat • House
Stephen West
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/15/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 38 • No: 0
House vote • 4/15/2026
passed
Yes: 89 • No: 4
House vote • 3/19/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 94 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
signed by Governor
4/23/2026delivered to Governor
4/15/2026enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
4/15/2026enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
4/15/2026passed 89-4
4/15/2026House concurred in Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)
4/15/2026posted for passage for concurrence in Senate Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)
4/15/2026Senateto Rules (H)
4/15/2026Housereceived in House
4/15/2026House3rd reading, passed 38-0 with Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)
4/15/2026posted for passage in the Consent Orders of the Day for Wednesday, April 15 2026
4/15/2026reported favorably, to Rules with Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title) as a consent bill
4/15/2026to Education (S)
4/14/2026Senatereturned to Committee on Committees (S)
4/1/2026Senate2nd reading
4/1/2026taken from Committee on Committees (S)
4/1/2026Senatereturned to Committee on Committees (S)
3/31/2026Senate1st reading
3/31/2026taken from Committee on Committees (S)
3/31/2026Senateto Committee on Committees (S)
3/20/2026Senatereceived in Senate
3/20/2026Senate3rd reading, passed 94-0
3/19/2026posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Thursday, March 19 2026
3/18/2026reported favorably, 2nd reading, to Rules
3/17/2026returned to Postsecondary Education (H)
3/13/2026House
Bill Text
Current
4/15/2026
Introduced
3/19/2026
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