KentuckyHB 672026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to schools and declaring an emergency.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 3 mixed.

School tax floor and 5¢ facilities levy

Each board must levy at least a $0.30 equivalent tax rate for general school use. A board may also levy up to 15% of guaranteed program revenues, with state equalization at 150% of the statewide average per‑pupil assessment. To join the Facilities Support Program, a board must add a 5¢ equivalent rate for debt, new buildings, major renovations, or land (with approval). This 5¢ is on top of the $0.30 and is equalized the same way. The 5¢ levy and its equalization funds may be used for guaranteed energy‑savings projects that meet state rules.

Notice rules for school personnel actions

The superintendent’s personnel actions must be recorded in the next board meeting minutes. No action takes effect until the employee gets written notice from the superintendent.

More transparency on school money and pay

The finance officer gives a monthly report, and the approved report stays on the district website for at least six months. Within six months after year‑end, the annual report is sent to the state and posted for two years. The state reviews it within two months, posts a written status report for two years, and presents it to lawmakers each year. Districts must run a financial‑disclosure webpage with set monthly reports; if the reserve is under 4%, it must add procurement‑card and credit card purchase summaries. Superintendent contracts and amendments (within five days), extra pay by January 1, final‑year salary and leave payouts, the independent audit, and the adopted working budget must be posted. Each year, the district must publish its annual financial statement and school report card, with a newspaper notice if posted online or at the library.

Certification and training for finance officers

Anyone first hired as a school finance officer on or after July 1, 2015 must be certified by the state before starting. Finance officers must complete 42 hours of approved training every two years. The state sets providers, topics, rules, consequences, and reinstatement.

Tighter rules for student-staff messages

Each district must use a traceable messaging system and tell parents the programs within the first 10 days. Staff and approved volunteers may not privately message students outside that system without written parental consent on file. Parents can name who may contact their child; consent is revocable, cannot be forced, and never allows inappropriate messages. Some exceptions apply: family members, real emergencies (with prompt supervisor notice), school trips with consent, work‑based learning, and messages about a disclosed outside affiliation. Employees and volunteers must report unauthorized messages right away; leaders must notify parents and start an investigation with updates and a written outcome. Violations can bring staff discipline or bar a volunteer from future service.

How school tax rates are checked

The board must set the annual school tax by July 1, and only after the state approves the district’s working budget; the levy must match that budget. If a general rate is above the compensating rate, the board must hold a public hearing and give required notice or mail notices to all property owners. Any part of a rate that raises more than 4% over compensating revenue is subject to a recall or reconsideration, and the board must publish a recall notice. A board may set a personal property rate to match the same percent revenue increase as real property, but not above last year’s personal‑property rate; these rates are exempt from hearing and recall. Certain equivalent rates are also exempt from hearing and recall procedures.

Set budget dates and 2% reserve

By January 31 a draft budget goes to public review. By May 31 a tentative budget is adopted at a public meeting. By September 30 a working budget is adopted and sent to the state board. Every budget must include at least a 2% reserve of the total budget.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

J.T. Payne
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Bobby McCool
Republican • House
Daniel Grossberg
Democrat • House
Jennifer Decker
Republican • House
Kim Holloway
Republican • House
Patrick Flannery
Republican • House
Shelley Funke Frommeyer
Republican • Senate
Steven Rudy
Republican • House
Tony Hampton
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 250 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/1/2026

passed

Yes: 37 • No: 0

House vote • 4/1/2026

passed

Yes: 92 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/27/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 36 • No: 0

House vote • 3/6/2026