KentuckySB 1012026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT relating to children.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 5 mixed.

Year-long expulsions for severe misconduct

School boards must expel students for at least 12 months for dangerous threats, bringing a weapon to school or a bus stop, or certain assaults on employees by students in grades 6–12. Bus stops count as school locations. Expelled students cannot join school extracurriculars. Boards must review the case within 30 days before the end and may extend expulsion up to 12 months each time. Ending early is possible only after 26 weeks with a written request to injured people, at least 15 hours of weekly community service since expulsion, a 3.0 GPA on work since expulsion, and a unanimous decision. Boards may adjust punishments case by case, but the 12‑month minimum still applies to the listed serious offenses.

Stronger protections for students with disabilities

A suspension over 10 straight school days, or a pattern totaling more than 10, is a placement change. The special education committee must meet; if behavior is related to the disability, no further suspension or expulsion unless the current placement risks injury. Educational services continue during long suspensions and expulsions. All actions must follow federal law. Staff do not have to report conduct if they have cause to believe the disability made the student unable to follow the code.

Stricter discipline for drugs and fights

Boards must discipline, up to expulsion, students who possess prescription drugs or controlled substances at school to sell or distribute. Boards must also discipline students who physically assault, batter, or abuse another student on school grounds, at bus stops, or at school events, and for off‑campus assaults that likely disrupt school. Student employees and apprentices are not counted as school personnel for these rules.

Alternative education and virtual placements

When a student is expelled, the board provides education in an appropriate alternative setting unless it finds, by clear and convincing evidence, the student is a threat and cannot be placed. Superintendents may use an alternative or virtual placement instead of expulsion, or after expulsion, if regular placement would disrupt learning or threaten safety. Students in these programs count for state funding, must attend, and get an annual placement review. If a state agency provides the program, it pays for educational services. Transportation is not included, so families may need to arrange travel.

Classroom removals and suspension limits

Staff can immediately remove threatening or violent students from class or a school bus. After three removals from the same class in 30 days, a student is chronically disruptive and may be suspended or moved, including virtual options, with an appeal process. Before a suspension, students must get notice, the evidence if denied, and a chance to respond; if suspended right away for safety, these steps happen within three school days. Primary‑age students may be suspended only in exceptional safety cases.

Faster sharing of student discipline records

The state student system must collect and move records between schools. Districts must tell the state when a new student enrolls, and the state must forward records to the new district within 10 working days. Districts must enter expulsions within five days. If a student has past adjudications or expulsions for homicide, assault, weapons, alcohol, or drugs, a sworn form must reach the new school within five working days of the enrollment request. Transfer records must show expulsion charges and outcomes, and records cannot be sent while an expulsion case is still pending.

Stronger school threat reporting rules

School employees must immediately report threats, planned violence, illegal firearms on school property, and serious crimes at school or school events. Reports go to school police, local police, or the Kentucky State Police. School police must send a weekly list of reports to a designated local agency. People who report in good faith are immune from lawsuits or charges. Intentionally failing to report is a crime (Class B misdemeanor first, Class A later). Spousal and some professional privacy rules cannot block a report; attorney‑client and religious privileges still apply.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Matt Nunn
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Amanda Mays Bledsoe
Republican • Senate
Aaron Reed
Republican • Senate
Tom Smith
Republican • House
Chad Aull
Democrat • House
Craig Richardson
Republican • Senate
Donald Douglas
Republican • Senate
Daniel Grossberg
Democrat • House
Gary Boswell
Republican • Senate
Greg Elkins
Republican • Senate
Wade Williams
Republican • House
Jason Nemes
Republican • House
Lindsey Burke
Democrat • House
Lindsey Tichenor
Republican • Senate
Lisa Willner
Democrat • House
Matthew Deneen
Republican • Senate
Max Wise
Republican • Senate
Phillip Wheeler
Republican • Senate
Robby Mills
Republican • Senate
Shelley Funke Frommeyer
Republican • Senate
Scott Madon
Republican • Senate
Steve Rawlings
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 143 • No: 21

Senate vote • 3/26/2026

passed

Yes: 32 • No: 6

House vote • 3/25/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 84 • No: 5

Senate vote • 2/24/2026