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KentuckyHB 8262026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to education.

Sponsored By: James Tipton (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Education, Elementary And SecondaryEducation, VocationalState AgenciesWorkforce

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

85% of adult education funds go to programs

The Office of Adult Education must spend at least 85% of its General Fund money on adult education programs. The rest can pay for the Office’s administrative costs. This rule applies to the General Fund amounts the General Assembly gives the Office.

Free high school equivalency diploma and job recognition

At least one adult education program uses a qualifying test aligned to College and Career Readiness standards. Passing it earns you a High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma. Your HSE Diploma is issued at no charge when you complete the program. The Office may charge for duplicate diplomas or score reports, and it uses those fees to support adult education. For public jobs in Kentucky, an HSE Diploma counts the same as a high school diploma. Diplomas stay valid even if the state later changes the test, and diplomas recognized on June 29, 2017 are treated as HSE Diplomas.

Earlier law section removed; no longer in effect

The law repeals Section 15 of 2026 RS SB 4/VO. That section is not codified and has no legal effect now. This removes any duties, permissions, or rights that section created.

Civics course for Kentucky public colleges

The University of Kentucky’s Center of American Civics develops a three-credit American government or history course. The course must cover the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, at least five Federalist Papers, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, and key civil rights documents. The Center sends these materials to every public college in Kentucky.

Paper equivalency testing and outside scoring

You can choose a written paper version of the High School Equivalency qualifying test instead of an electronic test. Testing programs must offer the paper option. The Office of Adult Education can hire a college or other group each year to score exams.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • James Tipton

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Beverly Chester-Burton

    Democrat • House

  • Sarah Stalker

    Democrat • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 221 • No: 4

Senate vote • 4/15/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote • 4/15/2026

passed

Yes: 89 • No: 4

House vote • 3/19/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 94 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 197)

    4/23/2026

  2. delivered to Governor

    4/15/2026

  3. enrolled, signed by President of the Senate

    4/15/2026House

  4. enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House

    4/15/2026House

  5. passed 89-4

    4/15/2026House

  6. House concurred in Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)

    4/15/2026House

  7. posted for passage for concurrence in Senate Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)

    4/15/2026Senate

  8. to Rules (H)

    4/15/2026House

  9. received in House

    4/15/2026House

  10. 3rd reading, passed 38-0 with Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)

    4/15/2026Senate

  11. posted for passage in the Consent Orders of the Day for Wednesday, April 15 2026

    4/15/2026Senate

  12. reported favorably, to Rules with Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title) as a consent bill

    4/15/2026Senate

  13. to Education (S)

    4/14/2026Senate

  14. returned to Committee on Committees (S)

    4/1/2026Senate

  15. 2nd reading

    4/1/2026Senate

  16. taken from Committee on Committees (S)

    4/1/2026Senate

  17. returned to Committee on Committees (S)

    3/31/2026Senate

  18. 1st reading

    3/31/2026Senate

  19. taken from Committee on Committees (S)

    3/31/2026Senate

  20. to Committee on Committees (S)

    3/20/2026Senate

  21. received in Senate

    3/20/2026Senate

  22. 3rd reading, passed 94-0

    3/19/2026House

  23. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Thursday, March 19 2026

    3/18/2026House

  24. reported favorably, 2nd reading, to Rules

    3/17/2026House

  25. returned to Postsecondary Education (H)

    3/13/2026House

Bill Text

  • Current

    4/15/2026

    PDF

  • Introduced

    3/19/2026

    PDF

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