KentuckyHB 5622026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to alternative high school diplomas.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New diplomas for students with disabilities

Beginning with the 2027–2028 school year, Kentucky offers two new diploma paths for some students with disabilities. If a student’s IEP says they cannot take the regular state test, the school uses an alternate assessment and a modified course of study. The state issues an alternate high school diploma that can count in the federal graduation rate when it meets state criteria. Students who complete the alternate diploma keep their right to free public education until they earn a regular diploma or age out. The state also offers a modified diploma, which does not count in the federal graduation rate.

Work Ready scholarships for CTP students

Work Ready Kentucky Scholarships now cover more CTP students. You can qualify with a Kentucky alternate or modified diploma, or as a student with an intellectual disability who attended a Kentucky public high school. You must also meet the program’s other rules: U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, Kentucky residency, no prior associate degree, FAFSA and scholarship application, enrollment in an eligible program and school, good academic progress, and not being in loan default unless waived. This can lower your tuition and fee costs.

More KEES aid for CTP students

Students in comprehensive transition and postsecondary (CTP) programs can get Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) aid with more paths. You qualify if you earned an alternate diploma after June 30, 2012; earned a modified diploma under this law; or attended a Kentucky public high school after June 30, 2008 and have an intellectual disability. If you enrolled in CTP before 2016–2017, KEES pays $250 per term for six or more hours, or $125 for fewer than six. If you began in 2016–2017 or later, KEES pays $500 per term for six or more hours, or $250 for fewer than six. KEES for CTP students is capped at eight academic terms total.

Employer list for alternate diploma holders

The Department of Workforce Development reaches out to employers to hire people with Kentucky alternate high school diplomas. It publishes a list of these employers by county on its website. Employers can ask to be added or removed. This helps diploma holders find job leads in their area.

Cursive writing required in elementary schools

Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, all public elementary schools teach cursive writing. Students must reach cursive proficiency by the end of fifth grade.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Timmy Truett
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Al Gentry
Democrat • House
Beverly Chester-Burton
Democrat • House
Bill Wesley
Republican • House
Chad Aull
Democrat • House
Chris Fugate
Republican • House
Daniel Fister
Republican • House
Deanna Gordon
Republican • House
Daniel Grossberg
Democrat • House
David Hale
Republican • House
Derek Lewis
Republican • House
George Brown Jr.
Democrat • House
John Blanton
Republican • House
Josh Branscum
Republican • House
Kevin Jackson
Republican • House
Kimberly Poore Moser
Republican • House
Myron Dossett
Republican • House
Michael Sarge Pollock
Republican • House
Patrick Flannery
Republican • House
Ryan Bivens
Republican • House
Shane Baker
Republican • House
Scott Lewis
Republican • House
Shawn McPherson
Republican • House
Tina Bojanowski
Democrat • House
Thomas Huff
Republican • House
Tom Smith
Republican • House
Vanessa Grossl
Republican • House
William Lawrence
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 227 • No: 0

House vote • 3/31/2026

passed

Yes: 95 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 36 • No: 0

House vote • 2/17/2026