All Roll Calls
Yes: 325 • No: 71
KentuckyHB 102026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT relating to executive branch operations and declaring an emergency.
Sponsored By: John Hodgson (Republican)
Became Law
State AgenciesState EmployeesTreasurerCorrections ImpactLocal MandateAttorney GeneralPublic ProcurementPublic Records And Reports
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 6 costs, 1 mixed.
Immunity for People Reporting Transition Misconduct
People involved in misconduct tied to a state constitutional officer’s transition receive criminal and related ethics-penalty immunity when they provide qualifying evidence. The evidence must concern an executive-branch official who took part in or directed the conduct. It must help prosecute that official or support an ethics finding. It must be provided within 12 months before or after a state constitutional officer takes the oath of office. Immunity does not apply if the person commits perjury.
More Checks on End-of-Term State Spending
During the 180 days before a governor’s inauguration, executive-branch litigation settlements over $1 million need prior Attorney General approval. The Attorney General consults the Finance and Administration Cabinet secretary; newly created or attached entities are also covered. During that window, agencies can execute or renew no-bid contracts only when the secretary and Treasurer both certify an emergency. During their final six months, state constitutional officers submit travel expense requests to the Treasurer for approval. The Auditor of Public Accounts approves the Treasurer’s own requests.
State Workers Face Longer Return Probation
Covered former unclassified employees entering classified state service within 18 months before a governor’s inauguration face 24 months of probation. This applies regardless of their earlier classified-service status. They also lose hiring and reemployment preferences under the specified personnel rules. These restrictions also cover career employees promoted to exempt service who seek a vacant position after that service ends.
Aviation Appointees Need Senate Confirmation
Beginning April 16, 2026, the Governor’s Department of Aviation commissioner appointee needs Senate confirmation. The Governor’s Kentucky Airport Zoning Commission appointees also need Senate confirmation. Commission members serve until successors are appointed. Successors receive four-year terms, replacing the prior staggered initial terms.
Stricter Rules for Wildlife Commission Applicants
Felony convictions under Kentucky, another state’s, or federal law bar wildlife commission service; members can serve only two full terms. Partial terms do not count. Applicants must submit a sworn statement and supporting papers at least 15 days before the district meeting. They must show five consecutive years of hunting and fishing licenses, or license-exempt hunting and fishing in Kentucky, plus conservation and restoration knowledge. The department checks qualifications and gives the commission a qualified-applicant list; the commissioner must announce meeting details at least 30 days before the meeting is called.
Wildlife Commission Controls Contracts and Appointments
The Kentucky wildlife commission is the department’s sole contracting body under state procurement law. The commission appoints the department commissioner, and that appointment requires Senate confirmation.
Building Regulation Appointees Need Senate Confirmation
Beginning April 16, 2026, the Governor’s appointee to lead the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction needs Senate confirmation. The 14 governor-appointed members of its advisory committee also need Senate confirmation.
Education Leaders Need Senate Confirmation
The School Curriculum, Assessment, and Accountability Council, Education Professional Standards Board, and Council on Postsecondary Education choose chairs from their members. Each chair needs Senate confirmation; the school curriculum council elects its chair annually. A chair who is not confirmed stays a member but leaves the chair position, and members choose a replacement. Beginning April 16, 2026, the Council on Postsecondary Education’s selected president also needs Senate confirmation.
Transition Records Protected With New Penalties
Agencies must preserve covered public records from the 12 months before a governor’s inauguration for the Governor-elect and transition team. Covered topics include contracts, appointments, permits, licenses, pardons, executive-branch employee changes, litigation, and campaign donations. The Governor must provide access the day after the Governor-elect is determined. Knowing violations are Class A misdemeanors, and violators owe the Commonwealth for its damages or losses. State employees may be dismissed after a hearing finds a serious violation; the Attorney General also has authority to enforce these rules.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
John Hodgson
Republican • House
Cosponsors
David Meade
Republican • House
David W. Osborne
Republican • House
George Brown Jr.
Democrat • House
Jason Nemes
Republican • House
Matt Lockett
Republican • House
Ryan Bivens
Republican • House
Steven Rudy
Republican • House
T.J. Roberts
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 4/14/2026
passed
Yes: 79 • No: 19
Senate vote • 4/14/2026
passed
Yes: 32 • No: 6
House vote • 4/1/2026
passed
Yes: 72 • No: 17
Senate vote • 4/1/2026
passed
Yes: 32 • No: 5
Senate vote • 3/26/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 32 • No: 6
House vote • 2/18/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 78 • No: 18
Actions Timeline
delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 178)
4/14/2026enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
4/14/2026Houseenrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
4/14/2026Housereceived in House
4/14/2026Housepassed 32-6
4/14/2026Senateveto overridden
4/14/2026Senateposted for passage for consideration of Governor's veto
4/14/2026to Rules (S)
4/14/2026Senatereceived in Senate
4/14/2026Senatepassed 79-19
4/14/2026Houseveto overridden
4/14/2026Houseposted for consideration of Governor's veto
4/14/2026taken from Rules
4/14/2026Houseto Rules (H)
4/14/2026Housereceived in House
4/14/2026HouseVetoed
4/13/2026delivered to Governor
4/1/2026enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
4/1/2026Houseenrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
4/1/2026Housepassed 72-17
4/1/2026HouseFree Conference Committee report adopted in House
4/1/2026Houseposted for passage for consideration of Free Conference Committee Report
4/1/2026Housetaken from Rules
4/1/2026Houseto Rules (H)
4/1/2026Housereceived in House
4/1/2026House
Bill Text
Current
4/14/2026
Introduced
1/15/2026
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