All Roll Calls
Yes: 222 • No: 1
KentuckyHB 5682026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT relating to public protection and declaring an emergency.
Sponsored By: Michael Meredith (Republican)
Signed by Governor
ContractsFeesInsuranceLicensingState Agencies
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Caps on adjuster fees and your money
A public adjuster’s fee can only be based on the settlement you actually receive, and it cannot exceed 10%. The adjuster can collect only after you get the money. If the insurer paid or agreed in writing to pay the full policy limit before you signed, the adjuster cannot take a percentage—only reasonable time and expense pay. Contracts cannot require insurer checks be payable only to the adjuster, charge late or collection fees, or take the whole fee from the first check. If an adjuster holds your money, it must go into a separate trust account at a Kentucky bank within two business days, with a deposit receipt to you within three business days and prompt payment of approved invoices.
Clearer public adjuster contracts and rights
A public adjuster must give you a separate, plain-language notice before you sign. You must sign a written contract on a form the insurance commissioner approved, and the cooling-off period must pass before work starts, unless an approved emergency form applies. The contract must clearly list key details, services, fees, how to cancel, and how to complain. You can cancel within 5 business days after you get the paper copy, or within 10 days if tied to a declared emergency. The adjuster must return anything you paid within 15 business days. Adjusters must let the insurer inspect damage and interview you, disclose any financial ties, and cannot own repair or salvage interests in your claim. These rules apply to contracts signed on or after the law’s contract effective date.
Two-year limits on public adjusters
For two years after this law takes effect, the state stops accepting and issuing new public adjuster licenses. People with a temporary or apprentice license on that date may still apply, and current licenses can renew. For the same two years, public adjusters cannot negotiate with insurers for you. Also for two years, no temporary or apprentice licenses are issued to people supervised by a public adjuster.
New rules for adjuster licensing and conduct
Public adjuster applicants must keep a bond or letter of credit of at least $50,000; losing it ends the license. The department can issue a one-time apprentice license for up to 12 months without the exam, if the person is a full-time salaried employee under a licensed supervisor; it is nonrenewable. Nonresident adjusters can be licensed if in good standing at home and their home state offers the same to Kentuckians, and they must keep the home license active. Adjusters must complete 24 hours of approved education every two years, including 3 hours of ethics. Insurers may not use unlicensed adjusters or administrators. The commissioner may deny, suspend, or revoke licenses and fine up to $5,000 per act. Breaking Sections 4–7 counts as an unfair or deceptive trade act under Kentucky law. The law also updates definitions for “catastrophe” and who is an “insurance producer.”
2027–2028 workers’ comp assessment shift
For calendar years starting January 1, 2027 and January 1, 2028, member funds must keep the annual Special Fund assessment and pay it to the Kentucky group self-insurance fund to cover outstanding workers’ compensation claims, on the normal schedule. This rule does not apply to years after 2028.
Corrections adds medical prison division
The Department of Corrections adds a Division of Central Kentucky Medical Correctional Complex. Each division is led by a warden.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Michael Meredith
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Chad Aull
Democrat • House
Erika Hancock
Democrat • House
Jim Gooch Jr.
Republican • House
Jared Carpenter
Republican • Senate
Jim Gooch Jr.
Republican • House
Jason Howell
Republican • Senate
Matt Lockett
Republican • House
Michael Sarge Pollock
Republican • House
Robert Duvall
Republican • House
Suzanne Miles
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/1/2026
passed
Yes: 36 • No: 0
House vote • 4/1/2026
passed
Yes: 91 • No: 0
House vote • 2/24/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 95 • No: 1
Actions Timeline
signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 141)
4/13/2026delivered to Governor
4/2/2026enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
4/2/2026enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
4/2/2026passed 91-0
4/1/2026Free Conference Committee report adopted in House
4/1/2026Houseposted for passage for consideration of Free Conference Committee Report
4/1/2026taken from Rules
4/1/2026to Rules (H)
4/1/2026Housereceived in House
4/1/2026Housepassed 33-1
4/1/2026Free Conference Committee report adopted in Senate
4/1/2026Senateposted for passage for consideration of Free Conference Conference Report (1)
4/1/2026Free Conference Committee report filed in House and Senate
4/1/2026HouseFree Conference Committee appointed in House and Senate
4/1/2026HouseConference Committee report adopted in House and Senate
4/1/2026HouseConference Committee report filed in House and Senate
4/1/2026HouseConference Committee appointed in House and Senate
4/1/2026HouseSenate refused to recede from Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendment (1) and Floor Amendment (2-title)
4/1/2026posted for passage for receding from Senate Floor Amendments (1) and (2-title) and Committee Substitute (1)
4/1/2026to Rules (S)
4/1/2026Senatereceived in Senate
4/1/2026SenateHouse refused to concur in Senate Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendment (1) and Floor Amendment (2-title)
4/1/2026Senateposted for passage for concurrence in Senate Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendment (1) and Floor Amendment (2-title)
4/1/2026Senateto Rules (H)
4/1/2026House
Bill Text
Current
4/2/2026
Introduced
2/24/2026
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