KentuckyHB 1362026 Regular SessionHouse

AN ACT relating to campaign finance.

Sponsored By: Wade Williams (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Campaign FinanceElections And VotingSafetyState Agencies

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Campaign funds can cover security costs

Campaign accounts can pay reasonable security costs for a state candidate or officeholder, their family, and campaign or office staff. The security must address real, ongoing threats linked to their role. Allowed items include locks, alarms, fencing, guards, and cybersecurity tools and services. Payments must be at normal market prices or reasonable service rates.

Lawmakers can give $5,000 to parties

Members of the General Assembly can give up to $5,000 per year from their campaign account to a political party or caucus campaign committee. They may also give to other candidates or committees within existing legal limits. They can spend campaign money in election and non-election years. They can attend approved conferences, meetings, receptions, or courses that build job skills. They can pay legal fees for matters tied to their campaign, election, or official duties.

More ways campaigns can spend money

The law expands what campaign accounts can pay for and reimburse. Allowed costs include staff pay, food at events, ads, office space, polling, printing, postage, gear used mainly for the campaign, and more. Legal fees to defend a case before the Legislative Ethics Commission are allowed only when the final ruling is in the candidate’s favor. Travel is allowed only when it is reported, and spending that is unlawful or gives a private profit is not allowed. Campaign stationery bought with campaign funds does not need a disclaimer.

Penalties for misusing campaign money

The registry can hold a hearing and order you to repay campaign money spent for nonallowed purposes. If you do not repay within 30 days, it can fine up to $100 per day, capped at $1,000. For knowing violations, it may also refer the case for criminal prosecution, in addition to repayment and fines.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Wade Williams
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Beverly Chester-Burton
Democrat • House
Josh Branscum
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 135 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/25/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 2/17/2026