All Roll Calls
Yes: 232 • No: 60
KentuckySB 192025 Regular SessionSenate
AN ACT relating to permitted uses of time during the school day.
Sponsored By: Rick Girdler (Republican)
Became Law
Education, Elementary and SecondaryTeachers
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Students get time for moral instruction
Kentucky school boards must excuse students for board-approved, off-campus moral instruction with parent or guardian consent. The limit is one hour, including travel, on no more than one day each week. Participation is voluntary, and school staff cannot pressure students to attend. Students attending at the set time and for the full period receive attendance credit and cannot be penalized for missed school work. This time counts toward required school work and the attendance count used for state school funding. Nonparticipants must stay at school for noncredit enrichment or educational activities outside the regular curriculum, supervised by certified school staff. Their time also counts toward required school work; schools may combine grades only within legal class-size limits. Districts cannot discriminate against students for either choice, and offerings may cost boards only minimal administrative expenses.
Daily silence and voluntary school observances
Kentucky public schools must start the first class each day with one to two minutes of silence or reflection. Students must stay seated and silent, but may choose a quiet activity that does not disturb others. Staff cannot direct their reflection, and districts must notify parents or guardians about the policy and its use. Local boards may allow the Lord’s Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance in elementary schools, with strictly voluntary student participation. Students must be told these exercises reflect freedoms, including religious freedom, and are not meant to shape their religious beliefs. Boards must also set policies allowing students to join the pledge at the start of each school day. The state education board must develop instruction covering federal flag design, use, display and etiquette rules, plus other patriotic exercises. Local boards may buy or display historic documents in classrooms, including the Declaration of Independence and Gettysburg Address.
Safety checks for moral instruction providers
Moral instruction and transportation providers must submit a signed application to the local school board. It must include contact and location details, a transportation safety plan, liability and indemnification acknowledgments, and insurance information. Providers must show adequate insurance for liability, property loss and personal injury. After board approval, each named person must complete state and national criminal-history checks and provide a clear child-abuse-or-neglect check. The person or providing organization pays for these checks. Disqualifying records involving child abuse or neglect, specified crimes against minors, or violent crimes bar instruction and transportation work. The bar lasts until the board receives an updated record without a disqualifying item.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Rick Girdler
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Lindsey Tichenor
Republican • Senate
Shelley Funke Frommeyer
Republican • Senate
Steve Rawlings
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/27/2025
passed
Yes: 29 • No: 8
House vote • 3/27/2025
passed
Yes: 74 • No: 17
Senate vote • 3/14/2025
passed
Yes: 26 • No: 10
House vote • 3/13/2025
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 72 • No: 19
Senate vote • 2/25/2025
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 31 • No: 6
Actions Timeline
delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 111)
3/27/2025enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
3/27/2025Senateenrolled, signed by President of the Senate
3/27/2025Senatereceived in Senate
3/27/2025Senatepassed 74-17
3/27/2025Houseveto overridden
3/27/2025Houseposted for consideration of Governor's veto
3/27/2025taken from Rules
3/27/2025Houseto Rules (H)
3/27/2025Housereceived in House
3/27/2025Housepassed 29-8
3/27/2025Senateveto overridden
3/27/2025Senateposted for passage for consideration of Governor's veto
3/27/2025to Rules (S)
3/27/2025Senatereceived in Senate
3/27/2025SenateVetoed
3/26/2025delivered to Governor
3/14/2025enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
3/14/2025Senateenrolled, signed by President of the Senate
3/14/2025Senatepassed 26-10
3/14/2025SenateSenate concurred in House Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)
3/14/2025Senateposted for passage for concurrence in House Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)
3/14/2025Houseto Rules (S)
3/13/2025Senatereceived in Senate
3/13/2025Senate3rd reading, passed 72-19 with Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)
3/13/2025House
Bill Text
Current
3/27/2025
Introduced
2/25/2025
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