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, StateEducation, VocationalLabor And IndustryLicensingOccupations And ProfessionsReports MandatedState AgenciesUniversities And CollegesWorkforceCorrections Impact

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Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

College job training at Northpoint prison

The law creates a hands-on college training campus at the Northpoint Training Center. KCTCS builds the school, runs accredited classes, and manages online learning. The Department runs security, maintenance, transportation, meals, and separate housing for participants. The Department selects and moves eligible inmates based on security, readiness, and instructor capacity. Classes follow a normal workday, and employers can recruit and interview you before parole. KCTCS handles admissions, FAFSA, and arranges aid to pay tuition, books, and supplies; no cash is paid to inmates. The Department issues program rules, trains KCTCS staff, allows remote classes in emergencies, and exam fees are set by agreement.

Easier licenses and public jobs after release

If you complete the KCTCS prison program and earn a certificate, diploma, or degree, you can qualify for a Certificate of Employability if you had no major disciplinary violations in the past year. Public employers and licensing boards cannot deny you just because of a past conviction unless it directly relates to the job or license. If you hold a valid Certificate of Employability, boards must presume you meet good‑moral‑character rules, except for convictions that require registration under KRS 17.500.

Who cannot join this prison program

You cannot join this program if you are serving life without parole, were sentenced for escape or attempted escape, or were convicted of a sex crime under KRS 17.500.

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
George Brown Jr.
Democrat • 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
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
Scott 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