KentuckyHB 52026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to prison educational programs.

Sponsored By: Jennifer Decker (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Administrative Regulations And ProceedingsBoards And CommissionsCorrections And Correctional Facilities, StateCorrections ImpactEducation, VocationalLabor And IndustryLicensingOccupations And ProfessionsReports MandatedState AgenciesUniversities And CollegesWorkforce

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Fair chance rules for licenses and jobs

Agencies cannot deny public jobs or licenses just because of a past conviction unless the crime directly relates to the work. They must weigh how serious it was, how long ago it happened, and how it relates to the job. If you hold an unrevoked certificate of employability earned after your conviction, you are presumed to have good moral character for licensing, unless the conviction requires registration under KRS 17.500.

Job-readiness certificate and hiring protections

Corrections issues a Certificate of Employability at release and tells new inmates how to earn it. Finishing the KCTCS prison program can qualify you, if you had no major violations in the year before release and you have a job-skills score or an academic credential. The certificate does not remove sex-offender registration, driver’s license suspensions, or certain job bans, and it can be revoked after a later felony. It is a crime to falsely claim you hold a valid certificate. The department confirms certificate status on request, and employers may use a valid certificate as evidence of due care in hiring, unless they knew or should have known the person was not suitable.

Prison job training with college classes

The law creates a hands-on college training program at Northpoint Training Center. KCTCS builds the classroom building, then deeds it to Corrections. The department runs security, utilities, housing, meals, and student transport. KCTCS handles admissions, teaching, records, and FAFSA; financial aid pays the school for tuition, books, and supplies, with no cash to inmates. A written agreement sets daily operations and data sharing. Who pays required license or certification exam fees is negotiated, so some students may face test costs.

Who can join and security rules

Corrections picks students using security rules, job market advice, and instructor capacity. People serving life without parole, for escape, or for sex crimes under KRS 17.500 cannot join. Class hours mirror a normal workday. Teaching space is kept apart from the general population, and students stay separate during program time. Employers may recruit and interview students before parole. Corrections provides transport and writes rules for selection, continuation, housing, discipline, post-release help, data, and emergency remote classes.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jennifer Decker
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Al Gentry
Democrat • House
Adam Moore
Democrat • House
Amy Neighbors
Republican • House
Bobby McCool
Republican • House
Bill Wesley
Republican • House
Chad Aull
Democrat • House
Chris Freeland
Republican • House
Chris Fugate
Republican • House
Chris Lewis
Republican • House
Candy Massaroni
Republican • House
Daniel Elliott
Republican • House
Daniel Fister
Republican • House
Deanna Gordon
Republican • House
Daniel Grossberg
Democrat • House
David Meade
Republican • House
David W. Osborne
Republican • House
Emily Callaway
Republican • House
Jim Gooch Jr.
Republican • House
Jared Bauman
Republican • House
John Blanton
Republican • House
Josh Calloway
Republican • House
John Hodgson
Republican • House
Jason Nemes
Republican • House
James Tipton
Republican • House
Ken Fleming
Republican • House
Kim Holloway
Republican • House
Kevin Jackson
Republican • House
Kim King
Republican • House
Kimberly Poore Moser
Republican • House
Lindsey Burke
Democrat • House
Myron Dossett
Republican • House
Mark Hart
Republican • House
Mary Beth Imes
Republican • House
Matt Lockett
Republican • House
Marianne Proctor
Republican • House
Mitch Whitaker
Republican • House
Nima Kulkarni
Democrat • House
Nancy Tate
Republican • House
Nick Wilson
Republican • House
Patrick Flannery
Republican • House
Peyton Griffee
Republican • House
Ryan Bivens
Republican • House
Randy Bridges
Republican • House
Robert Duvall
Republican • House
Rachel Roarx
Democrat • House
Richard White
Republican • House
Shane Baker
Republican • House
Steve Bratcher
Republican • House
Chris Lewis
Republican • House
Savannah Maddox
Republican • House
Shawn McPherson
Republican • House
Suzanne Miles
Republican • House
Steven Rudy
Republican • House
Scott Sharp
Republican • House
Susan Witten
Republican • House
Tony Hampton
Republican • House
Thomas Huff
Republican • House
T.J. Roberts
Republican • House
Tom Smith
Republican • House
Timmy Truett
Republican • House
Vanessa Grossl
Republican • House
Walker Thomas
Republican • House
Wade Williams
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 137 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 3/4/2026