# Kentucky HB 500: AN ACT relating to appropriations measures providing funding and establishing conditions for the operations, maintenance, support, and functioning of the government of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and its various officers, cabinets, departments, boards, commissions, institutions, subdivisions, agencies, and other state-supported activities. Kentucky HB 500, AN ACT relating to appropriations measures providing funding and establishing conditions for the operations, maintenance, support, and functioning of the government of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and its various officers, cabinets, departments, boards, commissions, institutions, subdivisions, agencies, and other state-supported activities., is a 2026 Regular Session House bill sponsored by Jason Petrie (Republican); status became law, last action 2026-04-14 (delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 168)); PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-11-01). - Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/KY-HB500-2026RS - As of: 2026-11-01 - Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts. ## Facts - Bill: Kentucky HB 500 - State: Kentucky - Session: 2026 Regular Session - Title: AN ACT relating to appropriations measures providing funding and establishing conditions for the operations, maintenance, support, and functioning of the government of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and its various officers, cabinets, departments, boards, commissions, institutions, subdivisions, agencies, and other state-supported activities. - Status: became law - Chamber: House - Introduced: 2026-01-27 - Last action: 2026-04-14, delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 168) - Sponsor: Jason Petrie (Republican) - Cosponsors: 3 - Subjects: Agriculture, Appropriations, Area Development Districts, Attorney, Commonwealth's, Attorney, County, Attorney General, Auditor Of Public Accounts, Boards And Commissions, Budget And Financial Administration, Capital Construction, Corrections And Correctional Facilities, State, Economic Development, Education, Elementary And Secondary, Education, Finance, Education, Higher, Education, Vocational, Energy, Environment And Conservation, Fish And Wildlife, Governor, Health And Medical Services, Homeland Security, Housing, Building, And Construction, Jails And Jailers, Labor And Industry, Lieutenant Governor, Local Government, Lottery, Medicaid, Mental Health, Military Affairs And Civil Defense, Police, State, Probation And Parole, Prosecutors, Public Advocate, Public Buildings And Grounds, Public Officers And Employees, Public Records And Reports, Public Utilities, Retirement And Pensions, Secretary Of State, State Agencies, State Employees, Tobacco, Tourism, Treasurer, Universities And Colleges - Touches household money: yes - Roll calls: 6 (336 yes, 64 no in all) - Economic provisions PRIA read: 180 ## Summary No summary available. ## Bill overview: provisions PRIA read - Health account money for public employees: benefit, high. Public employees who waive employer coverage under Kentucky's Public Employee Health Insurance Program receive health account contributions. Employers must contribute at least $175 monthly to a health reimbursement account or health flexible spending account. That equals at least $2,100 over 12 mon… - Retired teachers get state health support: benefit, high. From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, Kentucky funds health insurance contributions for eligible Teachers' Retirement System retirees. They must receive a retirement allowance, have retired on or after July 1, 2010, and not qualify for Medicare. Eligible retirees under 65 must be allowed into t… - Training incentives and State Police overtime: benefit, high. Eligible State Police training participants receive $4,653 in 2026–2027 and $4,746 in 2027–2028. Those amounts also apply where a listed agency's restricted-fund appropriation provides training incentives. The law provides $5.5 million each fiscal year to convert compensatory time to paid overtime… - Training payments for law enforcement workers: benefit, high. Kentucky Law Enforcement Foundation Program participants receive annual training incentive payments. Full-time participants receive $4,653 in 2026–2027 and $4,746 in 2027–2028. Part-time participants receive $2,327 and $2,373 in those years. - School funding and transportation for students: benefit, high. Kentucky's SEEK school funding base guarantee is $4,626 per student in average daily attendance in 2026–27 and $4,792 in 2027–28. District base funding also includes an adjustment equal to the number of limited-English-proficiency students multiplied by 0.096. Funding remains subject to the SEEK ap… - Funding for Medicaid provider payments: benefit, high. Additional Medicaid state directed payments receive Restricted and Federal Funds, respectively: $76.5 million and $305.9 million in 2025–2026. The amounts are $153 million and $611.7 million in 2026–2027, then $145.3 million and $581 million in 2027–2028. Medicaid cost settlements receive another $… - School employee retirement and teacher supplements: benefit, high. School district employer retirement matches receive $529.41 million in 2026–27 and $541.26 million in 2027–28 for qualified employees. The law does not state each employee's match amount. Public school teachers certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards have $4 million annu… - Child care help for working families: benefit, medium. Child Care Assistance Program funding is $10.176 million in 2026–2027 and $9.858 million in 2027–2028. Services support families earning at or below 160% of the federal poverty level, updated annually by federal health officials. The Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership gets $1 million each y… - Childcare providers get income-counting relief: benefit, medium. Kentucky funds excluding child care providers' income when deciding Child Care Assistance Program eligibility. It provides $17.24 million in 2026–2027 and $16.67 million in 2027–2028. The provision does not further define covered providers or state each family's benefit amount. - Deaf-blind waiver participants gain service access: benefit, medium. Medicaid officials must change regulations, service definitions, or policies to help deaf-blind participants access intervener services. Participants must be eligible for the Michelle P. waiver. These services support independence and community life. The law gives no service amount, funding amount,… - Emergency help and services for veterans: benefit, medium. From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, Kentucky provides $300,000 annually for homeless veterans' emergency financial assistance. Veterans' Service Organization programs also receive $187,500 in grants each year. The law does not set each veteran's payment amount or specify the services funded b… - Faster foster approval for kin caregivers: benefit, medium. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services must establish provisional foster-home licensing through revised rules that meet federal requirements. Relative and fictive kin homes must receive provisional approval within five days of placement. All federal safety requirements must be met immediately.… - Health funding preserved for school employees: benefit, medium. The law carries $98.3107 million in General Fund money from 2025–2026 into 2026–2027 rather than letting it expire. The money supports school employee health insurance contributions and health reimbursement accounts. Account contributions support employees who waive coverage. This provision does no… - Medicaid plans must provide lung screening: benefit, medium. Medicaid managed care organizations participating in Kentucky's next contract renewal cycle must provide lung cancer screening to members. Screening can include genetic prescreen testing. The provision does not state an individual payment amount. - More Medicaid home care waiver slots: benefit, medium. Kentucky adds 115 Home and Community Based Waiver slots in 2026–2027 and 45 more in 2027–2028. That adds 160 slots across the biennium. Funding is $1.4042 million state and $3.2764 million federal in 2026–2027. It is $1.9536 million state and $4.5584 million federal in 2027–2028. People must qualif… - Six-month child care help for families: benefit, medium. Families that no longer qualify for the Child Care Assistance Program receive a six-month transition period of continued help. Kentucky provides $1.44 million in 2026–27 and $1.395 million in 2027–28 for this transition. The law does not state each family's benefit amount. - Survivor benefits for public safety families: benefit, medium. Kentucky provides $690,900 annually from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, for covered survivor benefits and firefighter insurance premiums. Covered survivors include families of state and local police, firefighters, and active-duty National Guard and Reserve members. Existing Kentucky survivor-… - College students get continued aid funding: benefit, medium. Kentucky's College Access Program receives $179.3448 million from the General Fund and $1.1 million in restricted funds each fiscal year. The law also provides $450,000 annually from Minority Educator Recruitment and Retention Scholarship loan collections. These funds support assistance for eligibl… - Raises funded for qualifying public defenders: benefit, medium. Public Advocacy attorney raises receive $3.6106 million in 2026–27 and $5.4043 million in 2027–28. Attorneys must have a caseload and be reclassified under House Bill 762 of the 2026 Regular Session. The funding supports annual salary increases, but the law does not state each attorney's raise. - School speech specialists get extra pay: benefit, medium. Full-time public school audiologists and speech-language pathologists receive a $2,000 annual salary supplement. They must hold an active Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The law provides $2.312 million each fiscal year; payments can be reduc… - Two raises for eligible state employees: benefit, medium. Eligible Kentucky state employees receive a 2% base salary or wage increase on July 1, 2026. They receive a further 2% increase on July 1, 2027. The dollar amount depends on eligible base pay. The supplied provision does not detail the employee eligibility rules. - Funding for emergencies and Guard deployments: benefit, medium. For July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, Kentucky provides $4.5 million yearly for qualifying emergency and National Guard costs. Costs must result from a Governor-declared emergency and the Governor calling the Kentucky National Guard to active duty. When qualifying costs exceed $4.5 million annua… - Funding for Kentucky streams and hatchery: benefit, medium. The law funds stream mitigation projects with $64.5 million in 2026–27 and $48.6 million in 2027–28. It also provides $33.528 million to build the Western Kentucky Fish Hatchery. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources receives these restricted funds. These are public projects, not h… - Funding for psychiatric hospitals and services: benefit, medium. Contracted psychiatric services in Hospital District IV and Appalachian Regional Hospital's KCARE program receive annual funding in 2026–2028. Amounts are $14.6 million in General Fund, $6.8 million in Restricted Funds, and $85 million in Federal Funds. Medicaid officials must seek KCARE federal ap… - Funding for preschool and student support: benefit, medium. Each year in 2026–28, the law funds Preschool at $84.4811 million, Family Resource and Youth Services Centers at $48.889 million, and Extended School Services at $23.9163 million. Annual reading funds are Read to Achieve, $12.2611 million; Read to Succeed, $11 million; and Statewide Reading Researc… - State support for school building levies: benefit, medium. For 2026–27 and 2027–28, school facilities levy equalization receives $54.3704 million and $46.4492 million. Eligible districts imposing the levy in KRS 157.621(1)(b)1 receive this support in addition to other specified equalization. A separate allocation provides $18.7468 million and $17.1861 mill… - Kentucky funds two conference center projects: benefit, medium. The Northern Kentucky Convention Center gets $58 million for renovation and expansion. That includes $18 million in restricted funds and $40 million in agency bonds. The law reauthorizes $7.5 million in bonds for a new conference center at John James Audubon State Park. It also reauthorizes and mov… - Loan funding for community water systems: benefit, medium. Kentucky funds infrastructure loans for eligible water systems and communities, not direct household payments. The Federally Assisted Wastewater Program receives $120.062 million in 2026–27 and $24.268 million in 2027–28. The Drinking Water Revolving Loan Program receives $153.03 million and $21.95… - Funding supports rural health care providers: benefit, medium. The federal appropriation includes $212.9056 million annually from the Rural Health Transformation Fund for 2026–2028. The provision does not explain how recipients share the money. Separately, eligible clinics and small regional health providers receive $77,900 annually for malpractice insurance p… - More school and community nutrition funding: benefit, medium. The law adds $100.1812 million in federal funds each year for school and community nutrition programs in 2026–2028. This supports increased program spending. The provision does not state household eligibility rules or individual benefit amounts. - Community colleges get facility project funds: benefit, medium. The law funds Kentucky Community and Technical College System facilities, equipment, property purchases, and aviation equipment. Jefferson Community and Technical College receives $47.3 million in agency bonds for a student services building. Bluegrass Community and Technical College receives $42 m… - Eligible districts get school building support: benefit, medium. The law provides $75.5749 million in 2026–2027 and $70.8087 million in 2027–2028 for retroactive school facility funding. Qualifying districts must have levied a tax rate subject to voter recall. Levies before January 15, 2024, receive 100% of calculated equalization during the biennium. Levies aft… - Funding for students' career training programs: benefit, medium. Kentucky provides $127.1159 million annually in 2026–27 and 2027–28 for career and technical education. That includes $70.0634 million each year in extra funding for qualifying local centers, state area technology centers, and programs. The extra funding follows enrollment and incentive criteria un… - Public universities get building upgrade funds: benefit, medium. The law funds Louisville and Western Kentucky University construction, renovations, equipment, technology, athletics, and student housing projects. Louisville receives $10 million in bonds for preservation, $142 million in bonds for a STEM building, and $70 million in other funds for medical resear… - Kin caregivers can request custody changes: benefit, low. Relatives and family-like caregivers with temporary custody can ask the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to seek a custody change. They can ask within 120 days after receiving temporary custody or after a verified qualifying event. Events include caregiver death or incapacity, certain disabil… - Travel help for Medal of Honor recipients: benefit, low. Kentucky residents who received the Congressional Medal of Honor can receive approved travel and daily expense support. They must attend a veterans, military, or memorial event in Kentucky. The Veterans’ Affairs Commissioner must approve payment. No amount is set, and payment is not guaranteed. - Brain injury support grants for veterans: benefit, low. From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, two organizations each receive $93,700 annually. They are the Brain Injury Association of America's Kentucky Chapter and the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana. Each grant must solely support work with veterans who experienced brain trauma and their familie… - Married state workers can share coverage: benefit, low. The Personnel Cabinet can allow married couples to enroll together in one family health benefit plan. Both spouses must be eligible for the state health insurance plan. Cabinet permission is discretionary, so combined coverage is not guaranteed. - Specialty care funding for disabled people: benefit, low. Lee Specialty Clinic receives $720,000 in 2026–27 and $697,500 in 2027–28 for specialty medical services. The services support eligible people with moderate developmental and intellectual disabilities living in residential or community settings. The law does not set a payment for each patient. - Support for youth leaving foster care: benefit, low. Independent living supports for children aging out of foster care get $1.92 million in 2026–2027 and $1.86 million in 2027–2028. The Fostering Success Program gets $480,000 and $465,000 in those years. The law does not specify each person's services or payment amount. - Eligible students get exam cost help: benefit, low. The law funds Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exam costs for students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. It provides $960,000 in 2026–2027 and $930,000 in 2027–2028. The provision does not state a per-student payment amount. - Funding for prepaid tuition and refunds: benefit, low. The Kentucky Affordable Prepaid Tuition Trust Fund receives $5.1 million in 2026–27 and $5.6 million in 2027–28. The money supports projected tuition payments and refunds through 2025–26 for beneficiaries entitled to them. The law does not state each beneficiary's payment. - Park workers can keep full-time status: benefit, low. Some Kentucky state park jobs can remain full-time with as few as 25 assigned work hours per week. The work must depend on changes in tourism. The law does not specify a change in pay or benefits. - Special schools gain state technology access: benefit, low. The Kentucky School for the Deaf and Kentucky School for the Blind are fully eligible for the state education technology system. They can participate alongside local school districts. Participation must account for their students' special needs. - Veterans Center staff keep premium pay: benefit, low. Kentucky Veterans Centers can continue extra pay for qualifying weekend and holiday work. The authority runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. The law does not state the extra-pay rate. - Kentucky businesses get hotel contract preference: benefit, low. The State Fair Board must prefer qualifying Kentucky businesses for hotel development improvements on its properties and recommend their participation. Businesses must have Kentucky employees and a Kentucky executive office that directs employees, other offices, and affiliated entities. The prefere… - Annual money for state park upkeep: benefit, low. The Kentucky State Parks maintenance pool receives $10 million in investment income in each fiscal year, 2026–27 and 2027–28. The money supports park upkeep, not household payments. - Correctional treatment centers get payment floor: benefit, low. Corrections must pay contracted substance abuse, mental health, and reentry centers for at least 65% of contracted beds monthly. This payment floor applies in both 2026–2027 and 2027–2028. The law does not state a payment amount per bed. - Corrections can receive extra overrun payments: benefit, low. The law allows up to $10 million in extra correctional payments in each of 2026–2027 and 2027–2028. Payments apply when operating costs or local jail daily payments exceed appropriations for the budgeted average daily state-felon population. Money can come from the General Fund Surplus Account or B… - Counties get jail and corrections support: benefit, low. The Kentucky Local Correctional Facilities Construction Authority provides $8.8473 million in 2026–2027 and $7.7422 million in 2027–2028 for local facilities and operations. Counties also receive $4.6302 million each year under House Bill 757 of the 2026 Regular Session. Another $860,000 each year… - Funding for conservation programs and districts: benefit, low. The Environmental Stewardship Program receives $1.7731 million in 2026–2027 and $1.6386 million in 2027–2028. The Division of Conservation receives $886,500 and $819,300 in those years for direct aid to local conservation districts. Both allocations use General Fund tobacco money. They support prog… - Funding for Jefferson youth detention centers: benefit, low. The law provides $6.5153 million in 2026–27 and $12.0198 million in 2027–28 for two Jefferson County detention centers. The funding supports the Jefferson Regional Detention Center in Lyndon and the Jefferson County Youth Detention Center in downtown Louisville. It does not create household payment… - Funding for recovery and drug programs: benefit, low. The Volunteers of America Family Recovery Court gets $480,000 in 2026–2027 and $465,000 in 2027–2028 for operations. Operation UNITE gets $1.44 million and $1.395 million in those years. Tobacco settlement money provides the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy with $2.6596 million and $2.4579 mi… - Funding for shelters and victim services: benefit, low. Children's Advocacy Centers receive $10.5577 million annually in 2026–2027 and 2027–2028. Domestic violence shelters receive $13.9127 million each year. Rape crisis centers receive $7.7761 million each year. The funding supports operating costs and services, not a set payment to each person. - Funding for two justice programs: benefit, low. Tobacco settlement money funds Volunteers of America’s Restorative Justice Program with $221,600 in 2026–2027 and $204,800 in 2027–2028. The Prosecutors Advisory Council’s Rocket Docket Program gets $1.94 million and $1.86 million in those years. Rocket Docket funding is paid in quarterly installme… - Funding supports Gateway youth diversion: benefit, low. Gateway Juvenile Diversion receives $247,500 in 2026–2027 and $239,800 in 2027–2028. The funding supports the program and its youth services from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. This provision does not set individual eligibility rules or direct payments. - Kentucky funds forensic labs and examiners: benefit, low. The Northern Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office gets $1.6187 million for staffing in 2027–2028. Crime labs get $609,700 in 2026–2027 and $770,500 in 2027–2028. This supports Northern Kentucky lab relocation and four Central Kentucky forensic biologist positions in 2026–2027. It also supports two No… - Kentucky funds park and visitor-facility upkeep: benefit, low. The law funds maintenance in each of 2026–2027 and 2027–2028. The Horse Park gets $1.5 million yearly, and the State Fair Board gets $3 million. The Artisans Center gets $500,000 yearly, and the Kentucky Center for the Arts gets $550,000. Those maintenance pools use investment income. Fish and Wild… - Kentucky funds tobacco manufacturer enforcement: benefit, low. Phase I Tobacco Settlement money funds enforcement against noncompliant tobacco manufacturers that do not participate in the settlement. The Attorney General gets $150,000 in each of 2026–2027 and 2027–2028. The Department of Revenue gets $250,000 each year. These appropriations fund enforcement, n… - New ranges for police training: benefit, low. Middletown receives $15 million in 2026–27 and $10 million in 2027–28 to build a statewide police training range. A separate indoor range and training facility receives $2 million in restricted funds and $18 million in federal funds. That facility must allow shared use by all law enforcement agenci… - Old State Capitol gets preservation funding: benefit, low. The law provides $5.023 million in investment income for the Kentucky Old State Capitol preservation project. It also reauthorizes $2.185 million in bond funds and $169,000 in other funds. The money supports preservation work, not household payments. - Operating support for Family Scholar House: benefit, low. Family Scholar House gets $960,000 for operations in 2026–2027 and $930,000 in 2027–2028. The law does not specify which services this money supports. It also does not set individual eligibility rules or household payment amounts. - Payments continue for sentencing credit programs: benefit, low. The law provides $13.5 million each fiscal year during 2026–28 for payments tied to qualifying program completions that earn sentencing credit. Payments continue despite the statutory expiration under KRS 197.045(6)(a), (b), and (c). The provision does not say this money goes directly to incarcerat… - Police get training and equipment funding: benefit, low. Louisville gets $5 million in 2026–2027 to build a driving track for statewide law enforcement training. State Police get $1.036 million that year for mobile data terminals and docking stations; unspent money carries into 2027–2028. That funding includes excess proceeds from the sale of specified s… - Prisons and counties get medical funding: benefit, low. Adult correctional institutions get $4 million in 2026–2027 and $9 million in 2027–2028 for higher medical costs. County medical-care contracts get $792,800 each year, with Department of Corrections approval and distribution under the KRS 441.206 formula. Another $851,800 each year partly reimburse… - State funding for Mary Kendall Homes: benefit, low. Mary Kendall Homes receives $247,500 in 2026–2027 and $239,800 in 2027–2028. Funding applies from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. The provision does not set individual eligibility rules or direct payments to people it serves. - State matching money for disaster recovery: benefit, low. From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, Military Affairs can request up to $25 million each fiscal year. The money must match eligible federal aid for a presidentially declared disaster or emergency. FEMA reimbursements for eligible state disaster costs go into the Budget Reserve Trust Fund Accou… - State money for emergency forest fires: benefit, low. Kentucky sets aside at least $2.5 million annually from the Natural Resources General Fund budget for emergency forest fire suppression. Costs above $2.5 million can receive up to $4 million in additional payments each year. Those payments can come from the General Fund Surplus Account or Budget Re… - State Police gain emergency response support: benefit, low. State Police emergency costs can receive General Fund support when the Governor declares an emergency and calls extraordinary duty. Money can come from the General Fund Surplus Account or Budget Reserve Trust Fund, following the law’s funding procedures. State Police can also directly acquire land… - Support for regional forensic services: benefit, low. Unspent money from the 2022 authorization of $1.8 million remains available to reestablish the Northern Kentucky Regional Medical Examiners Office. This is retained funding, not a new $1.8 million appropriation. Qualified retirees can also be recruited for supported forensic biologist jobs at the N… - Three regional offices get driver-testing support: benefit, low. The law funds staffing and driver testing at three existing regional driver’s licensing offices. It provides $1.3029 million in 2026–2027 and $1.57 million in 2027–2028. It does not specify a change in testing fees. - Funding for medical marijuana product testing: benefit, low. Kentucky provides $2 million in 2026–27 and $2.75 million in 2027–28 for required medical marijuana testing. The funding supports analysis and testing of medical marijuana and edible products. It does not change patient eligibility or create a household payment. - Funding to complete statewide emergency calling: benefit, low. Kentucky provides $5 million in each year, 2026–27 and 2027–28, to complete statewide next-generation 9-1-1 deployment. This totals $10 million during July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. The system must meet the National Emergency Number Association i3 technical standard. - Barren River treatment funds stay available: benefit, low. Unspent money previously authorized in 2024 for the Barren River regional substance use disorder services pilot carries forward. It does not expire at the end of the funding period. The law does not state how much remains or provide direct participant payments. - Funding for children's cancer research: benefit, low. Kentucky provides $5 million annually in 2026–27 and 2027–28 to the Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund. The money supports pediatric cancer research and expanded clinical trials at the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville. It does not guarantee any child's eligibility for… - Funding for family health and screening: benefit, low. For 2026–27 and 2027–28, respectively, HANDS receives $5.3015 million and $4.8994 million. Healthy Start and Early Childhood Mental Health each receive $620,600 and $573,500. Early Childhood Oral Health receives those same amounts from Kentucky Healthcare Improvement Fund interest. Lung cancer scre… - Funding for foster and kinship families: benefit, low. The law provides $22 million each budget year, 2026–2027 and 2027–2028, for foster and kinship care. It maintains support, helps secure placements, and enhances services for children with exceptional needs; other available reserves must be spent first. Maryhurst gets $1.35 million each year for hig… - Funding for Hart supported living: benefit, low. The Hart-Supported Living Program gets $6.2881 million in each budget year, 2026–2027 and 2027–2028. The appropriation supports the program. It does not set individual eligibility rules or household payment amounts. - Funding for psychiatric and residential care: benefit, low. In both 2026–27 and 2027–28, Kentucky provides $20 million for staffing and more patients at state psychiatric and intellectual disability facilities. Personal care homes receive $12 million each year for facility reimbursements. Eastern State Hospital lease payments receive $9.8073 million and $9.… - Funding for regional health education centers: benefit, low. Kentucky's eight regional Area Health Education Centers receive $2.4 million in 2026–27 and $2.325 million in 2027–28. The money supports center operations, not direct household payments. - Funding for treatment and recovery services: benefit, low. Substance use prevention and treatment for pregnant women with a substance abuse history receive tobacco settlement funding. Amounts are $1.1525 million in 2026–2027 and $1.0651 million in 2027–2028. The Healing Place receives $1.44 million and $1.395 million in those years for direct client servic… - Funding for young children and caregivers: benefit, low. Tobacco settlement funds provide $8.4221 million in 2026–27 and $7.7833 million in 2027–28 for Early Childhood Development. Early Childhood Adoption and Foster Care Supports receives $1.7731 million and $1.6386 million, respectively. Relative and fictive kin caregiver purposes receive $6 million ea… - Funding for Youth Villages Intercept: benefit, low. The Youth Villages Intercept Program gets $6.3786 million in General Fund money and $6.3964 million in federal funds in 2026–2027. In 2027–2028, it gets $7.7923 million and $8.9977 million from those sources, respectively. The law funds the program without setting individual eligibility rules or ho… - Funding keeps poison help services running: benefit, low. Kentucky provides $1 million in each budget year, 2026–27 and 2027–28, for the Kentucky Poison Control Center. The money supports its operations and poison-related information and assistance. - Higher Medicaid payments for dental care: benefit, low. Medicaid dental rate increases receive $8 million in Restricted Funds and $31.6 million in Federal Funds each year in 2026–2028. The Technical Advisory Committee on Dental Care must recommend which procedures receive priority to the health cabinet. The law does not state the new rates for specific… - Higher payments for ventilator care facilities: benefit, low. Beginning January 1, 2026, qualifying hospital-based ventilator facilities receive $1,220 daily instead of $982, a $238 increase. Facilities must have a separate ventilator unit with more than 100 beds and a dedicated pediatric unit with at least 12 beds. Drugs remain outside the daily rate and are… - Kentucky funds early childhood development programs: benefit, low. Early childhood development initiatives receive $21.0181 million in 2026–2027 and $19.9997 million in 2027–2028. The funding uses tobacco settlement payments and lapsed funds. It supports the initiatives named in this part of the law, without setting household eligibility or individual benefit amou… - More funding for Ryan White participants: benefit, low. The Ryan White Program receives $4 million in 2026–27 and $6 million in 2027–28. The money supports more participants and higher medication costs. The law does not change eligibility or set each participant's benefit amount. - More staffing funds for veterans centers: benefit, low. Bowling Green Veterans Center receives $5.6168 million in General Fund and $10 million in Restricted Funds each year in 2026–2028. This supports staffing and operations. Restricted Funds for added Thomson-Hood staff total $5.1108 million in 2026–2027 and $5.4884 million in 2027–2028. Western Kentuc… - Payments support emergency shelters for children: benefit, low. Supplemental payments for children's emergency shelter services total $528,000 in 2026–2027 and $511,500 in 2027–2028. Pediatric facilities must be dually licensed and provide those shelter services to qualify. The money goes to facilities, not households. - Education and job support for disabled adults: benefit, low. Vocational Rehabilitation receives $3.5 million in 2026–27 and $3.6 million in 2027–28. This funding meets increased state matching and ongoing spending requirements for federal vocational rehabilitation grants. Heuser Hearing Institute receives $1.92 million and $1.86 million, respectively. Its fu… - Families get clearer school performance results: benefit, low. SEEK-funded districts must prominently post their latest Kentucky Summative Assessment reading and math results on district and school websites. Required proficient and distinguished score percentages must use at least 16-point type. Websites must link to detailed assessment results. The Department… - Funding for early childhood development scholarships: benefit, low. The Early Childhood Development Scholarship Program receives $2.4 million in 2026–27 and $2.325 million in 2027–28. The law funds the program but does not state who qualifies, award amounts, or covered expenses. - Library buildings and children's reading get funding: benefit, low. Public library construction receives $3.0747 million annually in 2026–27 and 2027–28; expired debt-service payments return to the Budget Reserve Trust Fund Account. Imagination Library of Kentucky receives $2.5 million annually. Libraries and Archives and Health and Family Services must jointly stu… - Safety funding for public and private schools: benefit, low. The Center for School Safety receives $15 million annually in 2026–27 and 2027–28 for legally authorized school safety work. Eligible sites include public and private school buildings, campuses, grounds, recreational areas, and athletic fields. The center can retain no more than $2 million annually… - School safety and mental health funding: benefit, low. For July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, the law funds implementation of Kentucky's 2024 school-safety law. That provision states no dollar amount or specific safety measures. Separately, $7.4125 million each year reimburses school-based mental health provider positions, measured as full-time-equiv… - Bond funding for economic development projects: benefit, low. Three economic development programs each get $5 million in bond funds in both 2026–2027 and 2027–2028. They are the Economic Development Bond Programs, High-Tech Construction/Investment Pool, and Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Loan Pool. The economic development secretary may use e… - Earlier project and maintenance money preserved: benefit, low. Unspent money from the specified 2022 American Battlefield Trust appropriation remains available rather than expiring. Maintenance pool funding from the 2022–24 and 2024–26 budgets also carries forward despite capital-project expiration rules. These provisions preserve earlier money rather than cre… - Frankfort gets property tax replacement money: benefit, low. Kentucky pays Frankfort $200,000 annually from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. The payments replace property taxes the city normally receives. This provision supports city finances without changing household taxes or providing household payments. - Funding for exposition expansion and staff: benefit, low. The Kentucky Exposition Center gets $1.7206 million in 2026–2027 and $3.7401 million in 2027–2028 for expansion and staffing. The money comes from the State Fair Board’s restricted-fund appropriations. It supports the facility and its operations, not direct household payments. - Funding for Kentucky mountain recreation: benefit, low. The Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority gets $1.5 million annually from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. The money comes from taxes collected under KRS 142.400(2). The Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet transfers those funds to the authority. This funds the authority rather than dir… - Funding for regional and local agencies: benefit, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, area development districts receive operating support through the Joint Funding Administration Program. It provides $3.8247 million in 2026–2027 and $3.7052 million in 2027–2028. Districts also get $240,000 and $232,500, respectively, to match increased Appalachian Regional C… - Funding supports the Vital Statistics office: benefit, low. Restricted Funds include $1.6408 million each year in 2026–2028 for increased Office of Vital Statistics operating costs. The provision supports agency operations. It does not change household fees or create an individual benefit. - Kentucky directs settlement and bond money to debt: benefit, low. Tobacco settlement money provides $14.1002 million for state debt payments in 2026–2027 and $13.8809 million in 2027–2028. Bond investment income above required IRS arbitrage rebates and penalties must also go toward debt payments. Leftover bond proceeds must go toward debt payments after a capital… - Kentucky funds agricultural development for farms: benefit, low. The Agricultural Development Fund gets $38.0865 million in 2026–2027 and $35.1976 million in 2027–2028 from tobacco settlement payments. The money supports the agricultural development initiatives named in this part of the law. This appropriation does not identify individual recipients or set house… - Legislative appointment background checks stay free: benefit, low. State Police cannot charge the Legislative Research Commission for background checks requested during specified confirmation investigations. These cover appointments and reappointments to boards, commissions, and administrative law judge positions. The rule does not create a general fee exemption f… - Matching money for Delta development grants: benefit, low. Area development districts receive $240,000 in 2026–2027 and $232,500 in 2027–2028 to match increased Delta Regional Authority grants. Funding runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. It supports regional development projects through districts, not direct household payments. - Older infrastructure projects keep unused funding: benefit, low. Qualifying water, sewer, and economic-development projects from the listed 2003–2009 bond pools keep their unused funding. The money does not lapse and stays credited to previously authorized projects. The General Assembly can expressly reauthorize and move the funds. The law does not state how muc… - Operating funds for Kentucky's film office: benefit, low. The Kentucky Film Office receives $500,000 each year in 2026–2028 for staff and operating costs. In 2027–2028, it also receives 2.5% of transient room tax collections, capped at $500,000. The funding supports the office rather than direct household payments. - Quarter Horse racing gets targeted funding: benefit, low. With Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association approval, the Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation can fund Grade I race rights purchases. The race must run at a licensed Kentucky track or association, and the rights belong to the Association. Kentucky venues offering a Grade I race can also seek app… - State funding supports the Hope Center: benefit, low. The Hope Center receives $96,000 in 2026–2027 and $93,000 in 2027–2028. The provision does not describe the services funded or establish a direct household benefit. - State officials must reduce travel spending: benefit, low. Three state officials must take steps to reduce Executive Branch travel spending during April–June 2026. They are the State Budget Director, Executive Cabinet Secretary, and Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary. The requirement covers both in-state and out-of-state travel. The law sets no d… - Tobacco money stays reserved for programs: benefit, low. Phase I Tobacco Settlement payments enter the General Fund but keep a separate identity. Unspent balances carry into the next fiscal year instead of becoming General Fund surplus. When a General Fund shortfall of 5% or less triggers budget reductions, unexpected settlement receipts must follow Part… - Matching money for local flood projects: benefit, low. The Department for Local Government receives $6 million in investment income in each year, 2026–27 and 2027–28. The money provides local matching funds for flood-control projects. It supports community infrastructure rather than direct household payments. - Funding for cancer screening and research: benefit, low. Kentucky funds medical research and screening at the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. Cancer research and screening receive $6.1659 million in 2026–27 and $5.7455 million in 2027–28, split equally. Each year's cancer funding includes $625,000 from unused early childhood fund… - Local health departments keep service fees: benefit, low. Local and district health departments retain 90% of fees collected for foundational public health services. They can use the money for operations, services, and employer contributions to the Kentucky Employees Retirement System. This retention rule does not itself change household fees. - Medicaid sets timely and fair payments: benefit, low. Kentucky must make 12 monthly payments each fiscal year to contracted Medicaid service vendors. Payments due that year cannot be delayed or moved into a later fiscal year. Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program must pay pharmacists at least what other nonphysician practitioners receiv… - State health plan can reuse balances: benefit, low. The Finance and Administration and Personnel cabinet secretaries may use prior-year excess health plan funds for 2022–2025 claims or expenses. State Group Health Insurance Plan Year 2021 closes on June 30, 2026, with its balance transferred to Plan Year 2022. After that date, income and expenses ti… - State psychiatric hospitals receive funding share: benefit, low. After publication, 92.3% of the annual federal mental-disease disproportionate-share hospital funding limit is directed to state-operated mental hospitals. State hospitals can receive more if psychiatric-pool money remains after private psychiatric hospitals reach their hospital-specific limits. St… - Tobacco funds support state health programs: benefit, low. The Health Care Improvement Fund receives $13.5702 million in 2026–2027 and $10.0468 million in 2027–2028. The money comes from Phase I tobacco settlement payments and lapsed funds. It supports the health initiatives named in that part of the law. This appropriation does not set household eligibili… - Adult education keeps unspent state money: benefit, low. The Office of Adult Education must carry its General Fund appropriation forward at each fiscal year's end. The money does not expire at year-end. This preserves program funding, not a direct payment to adult learners. - College boards can sell major assets: benefit, low. Postsecondary governing boards can sell or dispose of real estate or major equipment. Proceeds must be divided in proportion to the funding sources used to buy those assets. The law does not create household payments. - Funding replaces the unemployment insurance system: benefit, low. The Service Capacity Upgrade Fund can collect up to $68 million to replace Kentucky's unemployment insurance system. The Office of Unemployment Insurance must report quarterly on progress and spending beginning May 1, 2026. The law does not change benefit amounts or who qualifies. - Public employers get pension cost support: benefit, low. Annual baseline pension subsidies in 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 provide $332,100 for Non-P1 state agencies, $18.8821 million for Regional Mental Health Units, and $25.1513 million for health departments. Each group’s 2019–2020 baseline support is divided using creditable compensation reported to the K… - Retraining grants for large manufacturing employers: benefit, low. Beginning July 1, 2026, Bluegrass State Skills Corporation training grants receive $2.4 million for 2026–27 and $2.325 million for 2027–28. Manufacturers must have industry code 336111, 336112, 336120, or 336211. They must employ at least 10,000 full-time workers at one facility or multiple facilit… - School districts keep minimum state funding: benefit, low. Each district is guaranteed at least its fiscal year 1991–1992 SEEK state funding per pupil. That floor remains when insufficient SEEK funds trigger covered allotment reductions. The law also transfers accumulated Common School Fund earnings to SEEK each fiscal year. These rules support district fu… - School funding counts kindergarten pupils fully: benefit, low. Kindergarten pupils count fully for the school year in state funding based on average daily attendance. Districts receive half the state share of the average statewide guaranteed base funding for each qualifying early graduate. Early graduates must qualify under Kentucky's early-graduation law. Dis… - Schools get pilot and leadership support: benefit, low. The law provides a one-time $1 million allocation in each budget year for Star Academy pilots within existing public schools. It also creates a state program to develop and mentor new principals. That program receives a one-time $1 million allocation in each of 2026–2027 and 2027–2028. The Departme… - Universities can refinance qualifying debt: benefit, low. Universities can refinance qualifying debt issued through a nonprofit corporation, city, or county. University rental or use payments must substantially cover the debt payments. Refinancing cannot increase the debt principal or university rental payments. University funds used for the debt remain s… - Export promotion funding for Kentucky businesses: benefit, low. Kentucky expands the federal State Trade and Export Promotion program with $135,000 in 2026–27 and $100,000 in 2027–28. This federal funding supports Kentucky businesses participating in the program. It applies from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028. The law does not state each business's funding… - Limits on students’ pandemic tuition lawsuits: cost, medium. Public colleges, affiliated corporations, officers, employees, and agents have immunity from certain pandemic tuition claims. Claims must concern tuition for a term that included March, April, and May 2020. The alleged loss must arise from actions or failures to act during or in response to the COV… - Governor must address remaining budget shortfalls: cost, medium. The Governor must take further action if an actual or projected General Fund shortfall remains after the first 11 reduction steps. The actions concern Executive Branch budget units and must follow the budget plan’s criteria. The law does not identify particular service cuts or dollar amounts. - Kentucky pays more SNAP operating costs: cost, medium. Kentucky provides $43.5 million in 2026–2027 and $58 million in 2027–2028 for SNAP administrative costs. Its required share rises from 50% to 75% under H.R. 1 of the 119th Congress. This provision funds the state's higher operating costs, not changes to household benefit amounts or eligibility. - State agencies face operating cost controls: cost, medium. State budget, finance, and personnel officials must control agency spending in a stated priority order. Steps include reducing temporary workers, abolishing positions vacant for six months, and pausing discretionary raises. Specified advertising, travel, food, and other coded expenses require prior… - Child support pursued during state care: cost, low. For children in juvenile court proceedings, the Cabinet must immediately seek child support orders when they enter state custody or Cabinet-placed out-of-home care. Orders favor the Commonwealth, and the Cabinet must enforce them during custody or placement. Collections are used for the child’s ben… - Lawmakers can restrict weapons in buildings: cost, low. During the 2026–2028 budget period and ongoing Capitol renovation, the General Assembly can regulate, restrict, or prohibit carrying deadly weapons. This authority overrides KRS 237.115 in buildings or building portions controlled, occupied, or inhabited by the Legislative Branch. The law grants au… - Libraries lose state operating aid: cost, low. Kentucky provides no General Fund money for library operating aid through its per-capita grants program. Libraries that relied on this nonconstruction aid lose that source of support. The provision does not identify replacement funding. - Park renovation fund transfers blocked: cost, low. The law blocks transfers to the Park Capital Maintenance and Renovation Fund despite the existing statutory transfer rule. It does not state how much money otherwise transfers to that fund. - State police face assignment limits: cost, low. Beginning in fiscal year 2025–2026, no more than 25% of covered sworn Kentucky State Police personnel may serve outside post assignments. Positions established under KRS 16.187 and 16.196 are excluded from the calculation. The rule limits police staffing assignments, not household conduct. - Aging service providers retain matching requirement: cost, low. Organizations contracting with the health cabinet for covered essential aging services must provide a local match. The match must be at least the amount required in 2025–2026. It can include money, materials, commodities, transportation, office space, staff services, or other facility services. The… - Veterans nursing home projects face threshold: cost, low. Future state veterans' nursing home projects cannot be considered until existing homes reach 80% combined bed occupancy. After that threshold, the legislature states its intent to dedicate future federal or state-reallocated beds to Magoffin County. The law does not guarantee a new project or beds. - Education programs lose General Fund support: cost, low. The law provides no General Fund money for Professional Development, Commonwealth School Improvement, Leadership and Mentor, or Middle School Academic Center programs. Teacher's Professional Growth, Teacher Academies, Writing, Kentucky Principal Internship, and Kentucky Teacher Internship also rece… - Counties get no jail design reimbursement: cost, low. The law provides no county reimbursement for architectural and engineering design fees for approved new local correctional facilities. Approval must come from the Kentucky Local Correctional Facilities Construction Authority. Counties receive no reimbursement for those costs under this provision. - Deadline for existing state project funding: cost, low. Existing line-item construction and technology project appropriations expire June 30, 2026, unless this law renews them or an exception applies. Funding remains available if a construction or purchase contract is awarded by that date. Bond projects also qualify with permanent financing or a short-t… - Development bonds require approval and documentation: cost, low. Economic development bonds require approval before issuance from the Finance and Administration Secretary and State Property and Buildings Commission. Project selections must be documented for presentation to the Secretary. Documentation must explain the selection reasons and expected economic deve… - Officials need approval for aircraft travel: cost, low. Executive Branch cabinet secretaries and other state officials need the State Treasurer’s approval for out-of-state travel on state aircraft. Documentation must show that aircraft use is the lowest-cost option, considering travel costs and time. The Treasurer cannot delegate this approval authority… - Police training funds face spending limits: cost, low. Criminal Justice Training salary and fund-administration reimbursements cannot exceed $42.5519 million in 2026–27 or $43.0007 million in 2027–28. Administrative reimbursement under KRS 15.460(1)(c)3 is capped at $1 million. Kentucky Law Enforcement Council operating funding is capped at $622,900 in… - Academy students leave home-district funding counts: cost, low. During the 2026–2028 budget period, three academies' students do not count toward their home districts' school funding attendance. The schools are Craft Academy, Gatton Academy, and Votruba Young Scholars Academy. This lowers the attendance count used for those districts' SEEK funding, not a househ… - Early childhood council loses reserved funding: cost, low. Kentucky returns $6.5 million previously set aside for the Early Childhood Advisory Council to the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund. The money came from Early Childhood Development Fund appropriations. This removes the amount from the council's available funding. The law does not specify a reducti… - Educator preparation receives no general funding: cost, low. The budget provides no General Fund money for Professional Education Preparation. The provision does not state the program's earlier funding level. It also does not identify a specific benefit amount lost by any person. - Model Laboratory School funding is cut: cost, low. Kentucky reduces the school-funding adjustment for students attending Eastern Kentucky University's Model Laboratory School. The SEEK adjustment falls by $900,000 in 2026–27 and $1.8 million in 2027–28. The law does not specify changes to student services or household costs. - State agencies face job position limits: cost, low. On July 1, 2026, and July 1, 2027, the Personnel Cabinet and State Budget Director must set each budget unit’s position limit. Those limits follow the enacted budget and authorized adjustments. Filled permanent full-time and other positions cannot exceed the limit. Extra positions require an agency… - Budget shortfalls trigger transfers and cuts: mixed, medium. When a General Fund shortfall of 5% or less triggers budget reductions, branch heads can transfer excess unappropriated restricted funds. This adds General Fund resources but leaves less money for the source funds' purposes. Fiduciary funds, both local government aid funds, specified tobacco settle… - Rules for state shortfalls and surpluses: mixed, medium. For General Fund shortfalls of 5% or less, branch heads must identify and apply excess appropriations within their branches. Eligible excess comes from vacancies, turnover, or lower operating expenses, grants, and capital spending. Branch heads certify the amounts, and the Finance Secretary carries… - Highways get surplus funds, face cuts: mixed, medium. Kentucky sends all Road Fund Surplus Account money to the State Construction Account for the 2026–2028 highway construction program. The law does not state the surplus amount. The Governor must reduce spending when actual or projected Road Fund receipts fall below the applicable revenue threshold.… - Medicaid vendor cuts fund higher rates: mixed, medium. In Plan Year 2028, Kentucky reduces Medicaid managed care vendor payments by 2.50%. Federally approved state directed payment programs are excluded. Provider reimbursement rates cannot be reduced under this provision. Savings must raise fee-for-service reimbursement rates for care provided to Medic… - Court advocate funding with fee limits: mixed, low. From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, the law provides $12.3483 million annually for covered court-appointed guardian ad litem fees. Courts set those fees, capped at $500 per appointment under the laws listed in the act. Court-Appointed Special Advocate programs also get $3 million in grants in… - Longer window for state prisoner transfers: mixed, low. Eligible state prisoners can be transferred to state institutions within 90 days after final sentencing. The county jail must not object to the extra 45 days. The rule excludes Class C and Class D felons who qualify to serve their time in county jails. - Providers can end unfilled bed contracts: mixed, low. Providers can choose to end contracts for beds that remain unfilled on the law’s effective date. This releases providers from those contracted bed obligations but can reduce contracted capacity. Providers decide whether to use this option. - Religious protections and substitute service providers: mixed, low. Community Based Services contracts cannot interfere with a contractor’s religious freedom. Contracts must allow substitute providers when sincerely held religious beliefs prevent a contractor from providing a service. The substitute must be licensed or approved by the Cabinet. This protects contrac… - Jefferson funds reserved for early childhood: mixed, low. From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, Jefferson County must use all distributions under KRS 42.470(2)(a) for Thrive By Five Louisville. The Jefferson County Fiscal Court must direct that money to the program. The law does not state a dollar amount, individual eligibility rules, or household pay… - Local school taxes support equalized funding: mixed, low. Districts can levy a local tax that raises up to 17.5% of their SEEK-guaranteed revenue. Levy revenue is equalized at 150% of the statewide average per-pupil property assessment. Districts choosing this levy must impose it by October 1 of each odd-numbered year. The levy supports school funding but… - School construction aid with borrowing limits: mixed, low. Critical school construction receives $10.1368 million in 2026–27 and $9.7818 million in 2027–28 for districts qualifying under KRS 157.621(5). The law also reallocates $23.691 million in previously authorized bond funds to the commission's 2024–26 Offers of Assistance. From July 1, 2026, through J… - School family centers face overhead limits: mixed, low. Family Resource and Youth Services Center funding transfers to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services each fiscal year. The Cabinet can use no more than 2% of transferred funds for administration. Center rules also limit administrative use to 2% of total funds transferred from the Department of… - Vocational rehabilitation gets first cafeteria opportunity: mixed, low. The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation gets the first opportunity to provide food services in two specified Frankfort state office buildings. A state agency cannot hire a nongovernmental operator unless the office first declines in writing. The rule changes contracting priority without specifying… - Youth Challenge schools use separate funding: mixed, low. Students in Kentucky Guard Youth Challenge programs do not count toward SEEK average daily attendance. Those programs cannot receive SEEK distributions. Districts providing their education services must be paid solely from the law's separately specified General Fund appropriation. - Coal counties gain flexible assistance spending: mixed, low. From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, 70% of Local Government Economic Assistance Fund money goes to coal-producing counties. Each county’s share follows its portion of coal severed statewide. Non-coal counties receive none of that 70% portion. During the same period, local governments no longe… - Convention center corporation manages its renovation: mixed, low. The Northern Kentucky Convention Center Corporation may manage the center’s renovation and modernization on the state’s behalf. Its authority covers planning, design, purchasing, construction, administration, and completion, replacing the Finance and Administration Cabinet in those roles. The cabin… - Dedicated funds shift to general spending: mixed, low. Kentucky transfers money from dedicated funds to the General Fund, leaving less for those funds' other uses. The Environmental Protection Insurance Administration Fund supplies $24 million in 2026–27 and $26 million in 2027–28. The Medical Cannabis Agency Fund supplies $10.4 million in 2027–28. Cri… - Governments cannot mandate electric vehicle purchases: mixed, low. State agencies, departments, air pollution control districts, and local governments cannot mandate electric vehicle purchases. Vehicle purchase requests for proposals also cannot be limited to electric vehicles only. The law removes those purchasing mandates while restricting government purchasing… - Rural infrastructure fund closes new contracts: mixed, low. The Rural Infrastructure Improvement Fund cannot make new contracts after June 30, 2026. Kentucky Infrastructure Authority contracts executed before that date remain active only to pay claims. Funds not committed as of June 30, 2026, and unspent General Fund amounts return to the Budget Reserve Tru… - Shortfall cuts adjust aid with safeguards: mixed, low. These rules apply when a General Fund revenue shortfall of 5% or less triggers the budget reduction plan. The state must adjust the Local Government Economic Assistance and Economic Development funds to revised receipt estimates. Specific appropriations expressing legislative intent cannot face a l… - State partnerships need approval with exceptions: mixed, low. Public-private project delivery requires General Assembly approval when estimated project costs reach $1 million. Exceptions apply to specified State Fair Board and University of Kentucky projects. The State Fair Board can use this method without explicit legislative approval for projects estimated… - State spending faces approval and caps: mixed, low. In 2026–2027 and 2027–2028, budget units may spend excess restricted or federal receipts only after statutory procedures and approvals. The State Budget Director must authorize spending, and the Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary must approve it. Before excess restricted-fund spending, of… - Tobacco funds adjust and shift destinations: mixed, low. Phase I tobacco settlement appropriations rise or fall when actual payments differ from official estimates. Debt service, the Attorney General, and the Department of Revenue are exempt from adjustment. Adjustments are split 50% to agricultural development, 30% to early childhood development, and 20… - State agencies can refinance limited debt: mixed, low. Specified state agencies may refinance existing appropriation-supported debt paid through Commonwealth lease-rental payments. Refinancing cannot increase principal or extend the debt term. Agencies must follow reporting rules for the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee. The law does not g… - Employer funding rates for state retirement: mixed, low. For work performed July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, the Kentucky Employees Retirement System employer contribution rate is 18.83%. The State Police Retirement System employer rate is 54.33%: 51.84% for pensions and 2.49% for health insurance. These rates apply regardless of when employees are p… - Kentucky university gains options and liabilities: mixed, low. The University of Kentucky or an affiliate may assume leases, debts, and liabilities from mergers, acquisitions, or partnerships authorized in the 2026–2028 budget. Those deals must support its education, healthcare, research, or service mission; lease and debt assumptions require oversight reporti… - Schools gain spending flexibility with limits: mixed, low. Districts can use Extended School Services and Safe Schools funds for general operating costs in both budget years. They must still follow the programs' governing laws and serve their intended students. Districts must report each program's operating spending to state education officials and the leg… - Coal taxes support two local funds: mixed, low. From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, eligible coal severance and processing tax revenue follows a 70%–30% split. The Local Government Economic Development Fund receives 70%; the Local Government Economic Assistance Fund receives 30%. Transfers occur in July, October, January, and April, using… ## Sponsors and cosponsors - Sponsor: Jason Petrie (Republican), House - Cosponsor: Adam Bowling (Republican), House - Cosponsor: Josh Bray (Republican), House - Cosponsor: Kim Banta (Republican), House ## Roll call votes | Date | Chamber | Motion | Result | Yes | No | Other | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2026-04-14 | Senate | passed | pass | 32 | 6 | | | 2026-04-14 | House | passed | pass | 74 | 19 | | | 2026-04-01 | Senate | passed | pass | 38 | 0 | | | 2026-04-01 | House | passed | pass | 73 | 21 | | | 2026-03-18 | Senate | 3rd reading, passed | pass | 38 | 0 | | | 2026-02-26 | House | passed | pass | 81 | 18 | | ## Actions (73) - 2026-04-14: delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 168) - 2026-04-14: enrolled, signed by President of the Senate (House) - 2026-04-14: enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House (House) - 2026-04-14: received in House (House) - 2026-04-14: passed 32-6 (Senate) - 2026-04-14: vetoes overridden in-part (Senate) - 2026-04-14: posted for consideration of Governor's line vetoes - 2026-04-14: to Rules (S) (Senate) - 2026-04-14: received in Senate (Senate) - 2026-04-14: passed 74-19 (House) - 2026-04-14: vetoes overridden in-part (House) - 2026-04-14: posted for consideration of Governor's line vetoes - 2026-04-14: taken from Rules (House) - 2026-04-14: to Rules (H) (House) - 2026-04-14: received in House (House) - 2026-04-13: line items vetoed - 2026-04-01: delivered to Governor - 2026-04-01: enrolled, signed by President of the Senate (House) - 2026-04-01: enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House (House) - 2026-04-01: passed 73-21 (House) - 2026-04-01: Free Conference Committee report adopted in House (House) - 2026-04-01: posted for passage for consideration of Free Conference Committee Report (House) - 2026-04-01: taken from Rules (House) - 2026-04-01: to Rules (H) (House) - 2026-04-01: received in House (House) - 2026-04-01: passed 38-0 (Senate) - 2026-04-01: Free Conference Committee report adopted in Senate (Senate) - 2026-04-01: posted for passage for consideration of Free Conference Committee Report (House) - 2026-04-01: Free Conference Committee report filed in House and Senate (House) - 2026-04-01: Free Conference Committee appointed in House and Senate (House) - 2026-04-01: Conference Committee report adopted in House and Senate (House) - 2026-04-01: Conference Committee report (1) filed in House and Senate (House) - 2026-03-19: Conference Committee appointed in House and Senate (House) - 2026-03-19: Senate refused to recede (Senate) - 2026-03-19: posted for passage for receding from Senate Committee Substitute (1) (Senate) - 2026-03-19: taken from Rules (Senate) - 2026-03-19: to Rules (S) (Senate) - 2026-03-19: received in Senate (Senate) - 2026-03-19: House refused to concur in Senate Committee Substitute (1) (Senate) - 2026-03-19: posted for passage for concurrence in Senate Committee Substitute (1) (Senate) - 2026-03-19: to Rules (H) (House) - 2026-03-19: received in House (House) - 2026-03-18: 3rd reading, passed 38-0 with Committee Substitute (1) (Senate) - 2026-03-18: placed in the Orders of the Day (Senate) - 2026-03-18: taken from Rules (Senate) - 2026-03-18: reported favorably, to Rules with Committee Substitute (1) (Senate) - 2026-03-17: returned to Appropriations & Revenue (S) (Senate) - 2026-03-17: 2nd reading (Senate) - 2026-03-17: taken from Appropriations & Revenue (S) (Senate) - 2026-03-16: returned to Appropriations & Revenue (S) (Senate) - 2026-03-16: 1st reading (Senate) - 2026-03-16: taken from Appropriations & Revenue (S) (Senate) - 2026-03-02: to Appropriations & Revenue (S) (Senate) - 2026-02-27: to Committee on Committees (S) (Senate) - 2026-02-27: received in Senate (Senate) - 2026-02-26: passed 81-18 with Committee Substitute (1) (House) - 2026-02-26: floor amendments (12), (14) and (15) filed to Committee Substitute , floor amendments (9), (10), (11) and (13) filed to bill (House) - 2026-02-26: 3rd reading (House) - 2026-02-26: placed in the Orders of the Day (House) - 2026-02-26: taken from Rules (House) - 2026-02-26: reported favorably, to Rules with Committee Substitute (1) (House) - 2026-02-25: returned to Appropriations & Revenue (H) (House) - 2026-02-25: 2nd reading (House) - 2026-02-25: taken from Appropriations & Revenue (H) (House) - 2026-02-24: returned to Appropriations & Revenue (H) (House) - 2026-02-24: 1st reading (House) - 2026-02-24: taken from Appropriations & Revenue (H) (House) - 2026-02-23: floor amendment (8) filed (House) - 2026-02-23: floor amendment withdrawn Floor Amendment (2) (House) - 2026-02-20: floor amendments (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7) filed (House) - 2026-02-03: to Appropriations & Revenue (H) (House) - 2026-01-27: to Committee on Committees (H) (House) - 2026-01-27: introduced in House (House) ## Bill text - Current, 2026-04-14: [PDF](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/26RS/hb500/bill.pdf) - Introduced, 2026-01-20: [PDF](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/26RS/hb500/orig_bill.pdf) ## Related bills - SB 197: AN ACT providing funding and establishing conditions for state government agencies and institutions, making an appropriation therefor, and declaring an emergen… (became law) - SB 133: AN ACT relating to the fiscal reporting of local entities. (signed) - HB 869: AN ACT relating to fiscal matters and declaring an emergency. (signed) - HB 727: AN ACT relating to education and declaring an emergency. (signed) - SB 324: AN ACT relating to the entertainment industry. (signed) - SB 66: AN ACT relating to the operation of a motor vehicle. (signed) ## Sources - [Current (PDF)](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/26RS/hb500/bill.pdf) - [Introduced (PDF)](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/26RS/hb500/orig_bill.pdf) ## Related - [SB 197: AN ACT providing funding and establishing conditions for state government agenc…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/KY-SB197-2026RS) - [SB 133: AN ACT relating to the fiscal reporting of local entities.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/KY-SB133-2026RS) - [HB 869: AN ACT relating to fiscal matters and declaring an emergency.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/KY-HB869-2026RS) - [HB 727: AN ACT relating to education and declaring an emergency.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/KY-HB727-2026RS) - [SB 324: AN ACT relating to the entertainment industry.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/KY-SB324-2026RS) - [SB 66: AN ACT relating to the operation of a motor vehicle.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/KY-SB66-2026RS) - [Kentucky bills](https://policyrisk.com/states/kentucky/bills) - [Kentucky state hub](https://policyrisk.com/states/kentucky) - [All state legislation](https://policyrisk.com/state-bills) Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/KY-HB500-2026RS (as of 2026-11-01).