KentuckyHB 3792026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to postsecondary education.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.

In-state tuition options for graduates’ siblings

Colleges can offer in-state tuition to nonresident siblings of their graduates. The college must already offer that rate to graduates’ nonresident children. Each college decides whether to extend the rate to siblings; the law does not guarantee this discount.

Higher charges on unpaid college bills

Enrollment debt includes unpaid tuition, fees, student housing, dining, and other enrollment costs. When public colleges refer this debt to Revenue for collection, a one-time 25% collection fee applies unless waived. The fee covers the debt balance plus legal accruals as of referral. Interest also runs from referral until payment at the tax interest rate set under KRS 131.183. The Department of Revenue can waive the interest and fee.

Fewer goal restrictions on university funds

The law removes an earlier goal requirement for research challenge trust fund support at Kentucky and Louisville universities. It also removes a goal-consistency requirement for distinction and applied research programs supported by the comprehensive university excellence trust fund. That change covers Eastern Kentucky, Kentucky State, Morehead State, Murray State, Northern Kentucky, and Western Kentucky universities. Neither change provides a new funding amount.

State collection rules for college debts

Public colleges and Revenue must make yearly collection agreements covering referred enrollment-related and liquidated debts. Agreements can also cover other debts before liquidation, and Revenue must pursue covered debts it finds feasible and cost-effective. Revenue must review each rejected referral individually and explain in writing why it falls outside covered types or cannot be collected. Debts deemed infeasible or not cost-effective return to the college, subject to special return rules; they are not forgiven. Collected money and interest go back to the college, minus Revenue’s collection fee.

Education committees and science initiative repealed

The law removes the statutory basis for the Strategic Committee on Postsecondary Education and local P-16 councils. It also repeals the Kentucky STEM Initiative Task Force, its duties, and the initiative’s fund. These provisions state no funding amount or direct change to household education costs, benefits, or eligibility.

Required college board training, limited public access

Covered appointed and elected college board members must complete training prescribed by the Council on Postsecondary Education. New members must complete the six-hour program within one year. Completion is required to serve and qualify for a second term. Required orientations, including those at the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville, do not count as open-meetings meetings. This exception applies only when no official action occurs, regardless of how many members attend.

Private president reviews, public final evaluations

Beginning July 1, 2026, covered university boards hold preliminary discussions of their president’s evaluation in closed session. Boards must discuss and adopt the final written evaluation at an open meeting. The evaluation must be recorded in the minutes and available to the public upon request.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Shane Baker
Republican • House

Cosponsors

James Tipton
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 242 • No: 23

House vote • 4/14/2026

passed

Yes: 80 • No: 17

Senate vote • 4/14/2026

passed

Yes: 32 • No: 6

Senate vote • 3/25/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 2/13/2026