KentuckyHB 1852026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to employment and declaring an emergency.

Sponsored By: Emily Callaway (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Administrative Regulations And ProceedingsBackground ChecksCrimes And PunishmentsLicensingOccupations And ProfessionsPersonnel And EmploymentState AgenciesState EmployeesWorkforce

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Early eligibility decisions for people with records

You can ask for an early decision on whether a past conviction bars you from a public job or license when an authority uses a background check. The authority must request needed information, offer an in-person, phone, or video hearing, and weigh your evidence before acting. If the decision says you are not disqualified, it is binding later unless you get a new conviction or failed to disclose one.

Fairer job and license decisions after convictions

No one is disqualified only because of a past conviction unless the crime directly relates to the job or license. Authorities must weigh the offense, how long ago it was, your age then, bonding needs, work and treatment history, and other rehabilitation proof. If denied for a conviction, you get written reasons and can ask for an administrative hearing within 10 working days. You can appeal to circuit court, and the authority must prove the crime is directly related.

Clear notices, online rules, and deadlines for applicants

Authorities must post their background-check rules online, including that checks or fingerprinting may be required and that state police or courts may run them. They must give this notice to each applicant within 14 days of applying or being picked for an interview, and tell schools that train for the license. Agencies must adopt policies and regulations by January 1, 2027, and report on use of the process by November 1, 2027.

Some agencies exempt from early decisions

Cities, counties, charter, consolidated, and unified local governments, their political subdivisions, and the Department of Financial Institutions when it licenses do not have to offer the early decision process.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Emily Callaway
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Julie Raque Adams
Republican • Senate
Jared Bauman
Republican • House
Matthew Koch
Republican • House
Robert Duvall
Republican • House
T.J. Roberts
Republican • House
Walker Thomas
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 223 • No: 0

House vote • 3/31/2026

passed

Yes: 91 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 37 • No: 0

House vote • 2/23/2026