All Roll Calls
Yes: 238 • No: 14
KentuckyHB 2572026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT relating to the education assessment and accountability system.
Sponsored By: J.T. Payne (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Administrative Regulations And ProceedingsBoards And CommissionsEducation, Elementary And SecondaryState Agencies
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
8 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Accelerated help for students below benchmarks
If a high school student's highest ACT, SAT, or equivalent score in English, reading, or math is below the systemwide standard, the school must offer accelerated learning before graduation. Each high school and district must create an individualized plan using test results and meetings with parents, teachers, and the student. Plans can change the student's schedule to close gaps. The Department of Education, the Council on Postsecondary Education, and public colleges provide ongoing technical help to schools and districts.
State pays college and career tests
Beginning July 1, 2026, the state pays for the spring grade 11 college admissions test. Students pay for any extra test dates. If funds are available, juniors may get a free test‑prep program. Also starting July 1, 2026, the state pays for a student's industry certification exam if the student finished two related, approved career pathway courses. If the course rule is not met but the student meets performance‑based rules and passes, the state reimburses the district. The Board will set detailed eligibility and reimbursement amounts. Test accommodations follow the test provider or IEP rules when scores are not reportable to colleges.
New funding rules for CTE programs
Beginning July 1, 2024, the state splits supplemental CTE funds: 60% by prior‑year weighted enrollment and 40% by incentives earned by grade 12 students (concentrator status, technical skill, work‑based learning, or approved CTE dual credit; each type counts once per setting, up to four types). Districts may request a waiver to use part of these funds in grades 5–8 if aligned to pathways and without harming high‑school programs. The Department pays administrative costs for state‑run and converted centers; for converted centers, it deducts the prior‑year admin amount and sends 75% to the local district and 25% to a new innovation and support fund. The innovation fund can receive state and federal money and carries balances forward. The Office monitors how funds are spent, and the Department must post program lists, funding splits, and admin costs and contributions online.
New school ratings, reports, and appeals
Starting with 2026–27 data, Kentucky rates schools on test results, student growth, English learner progress, chronic absenteeism (missing 10% or more), graduation, and college or career readiness. Targeted quality measures count for at least 5% beginning July 1, 2030. The Department posts a color‑coded dashboard with cut scores that stay in place at least six years and sends a school report card to parents and the largest local paper. Scores count for the school where a student was enrolled a full academic year, or for the prior school if not, and dropouts are included in graduation rates. The state sets stronger actions for schools that stay in improvement and may create district‑level rules, while schools and districts can appeal ratings through a formal hearing. The Department also files twice‑yearly technical advisory summaries to oversight bodies.
More test scores count for KEES
For KEES, your ACT score can be from a national test date or the statewide exam when the ACT is used. An equivalent SAT score set by the authority also counts. This gives students more ways to meet KEES score rules.
Clearer state testing rules and reports
From July 1, 2026, the state board runs a balanced, standards‑aligned testing program. State tests use multiple competency‑based parts; grades 3–8 test reading and math each year, and science and social studies at least once; high schools test core subjects and give a college exam in grade 11. Districts give tests in the last 14 instructional days unless the board sets a different window. Districts and schools get results within 75 days, including item‑level data. The Department makes a two‑year validation plan and bans test‑prep that replaces normal instruction, with possible discipline.
Local school quality indicators and support
Districts may create local indicators of school quality that follow state rules. If they use student data, they must show subgroup results when allowed and post a public online display for each school and the district. The Department of Education provides technical help and can make a one‑time payment up to $15,000 per district to build the system. The state board will set the detailed rules.
Regular review and updates to standards
Starting July 1, 2026, Kentucky reviews academic standards and matching tests every six years. Teacher and higher‑education committees and grade‑band advisory panels lead the work, and an independent third party collects public comments on a dedicated website. Existing standards stay until the state board approves changes, which must be in classrooms no later than the second school year after the review. The Department trains educators on the updates, and teacher‑prep programs must align so interns plan instruction using the standards.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
J.T. Payne
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Adrielle Camuel
Democrat • House
Beverly Chester-Burton
Democrat • House
Daniel Grossberg
Democrat • House
Jim Gooch Jr.
Republican • House
James Tipton
Republican • House
Kevin Jackson
Republican • House
Lindsey Tichenor
Republican • Senate
Chris Lewis
Republican • House
Steve Riley
Republican • House
Stephen West
Republican • Senate
Tina Bojanowski
Democrat • House
Timmy Truett
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/1/2026
passed
Yes: 30 • No: 6
House vote • 4/1/2026
passed
Yes: 84 • No: 2
Senate vote • 3/27/2026
passed
Yes: 32 • No: 5
House vote • 2/17/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 92 • No: 1
Actions Timeline
signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 138)
4/13/2026delivered to Governor
4/1/2026enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
4/1/2026enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
4/1/2026passed 84-2
4/1/2026Free Conference Committee report adopted in House
4/1/2026Houseposted for passage for consideration of Free Conference Committee Report
4/1/2026taken from Rules
4/1/2026to Rules (H)
4/1/2026Housereceived in House
4/1/2026Housepassed 30-6
4/1/2026Free Conference Committee report adopted in Senate
4/1/2026Senateposted for passage for consideration of Free Conference Committee Report
4/1/2026Free Conference Committee report filed in House and Senate
4/1/2026HouseFree Conference Committee appointed in House and Senate
4/1/2026HouseConference Committee report adopted in House and Senate
4/1/2026HouseConference Committee report (1) filed in House and Senate
4/1/2026HouseConference Committee appointed in House and Senate
4/1/2026HouseSenate refused to recede from Committee Substitute (1) and Floor Amendment (6)
4/1/2026posted for passage for receding from Senate Floor Amendment (6) and Committee Substitute (1)
4/1/2026to Rules (S)
4/1/2026Senatereceived in Senate
4/1/2026SenateHouse refused to concur in Senate Committee Substitute (1) and Floor Amendment (6)
3/31/2026Senateposted for passage for concurrence in Senate Committee Substitute (1) and Floor Amendment (6)
3/31/2026Senateto Rules (H)
3/31/2026House
Bill Text
Current
4/1/2026
Introduced
1/7/2026
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