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KentuckySB 1952026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT relating to participants in the legal system.

Sponsored By: Craig Richardson (Republican)

Became Law

Civil ActionsCivil ProcedureConsumer ProtectionHighways, Streets, And BridgesInsurancePhysiciansPropertyRules Of Evidence

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New liability shields for road contractors

When a public road project is accepted, the law presumes the plans met standards and the contractor followed them. A contractor or design firm is liable only if evidence shows a design error, failure to follow plans, or a hidden defect that substantially caused the danger. Contractors are not liable to third parties for the owner’s design choices or hazards outside the project, unless they agreed to do design work or worked outside scope. If a driver was drunk, illegally using a phone while driving, or 25+ mph over the limit, the law presumes the driver’s conduct was a main cause. These rules apply to claims that arise after the law takes effect.

Safer address privacy for victims and legal staff

Beginning January 1, 2027, Safe at Home expands and strengthens address privacy. Victims who are U.S. citizens and Kentucky residents, their household members, and listed prosecutors and government attorneys can use a free substitute mailing address. Agencies must accept the substitute address, and participant addresses are not public records. Participants must report address changes within 14 days. The Secretary of State must approve a proper application if the applicant is not a registered sex offender; certification lasts four years, with renewal rules. Lying about danger can be a crime. Kentucky honors similar out‑of‑state program participants for one year when they move here or do business here. Participants cannot be one of the two required signers on a candidate petition, but a participant’s signature does not void a filing.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Craig Richardson

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Donald Douglas

    Republican • Senate

  • Greg Elkins

    Republican • Senate

  • Wade Williams

    Republican • House

  • Jason Nemes

    Republican • House

  • Nick Wilson

    Republican • House

  • Rick Girdler

    Republican • Senate

  • Michael Meredith

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 126 • No: 39

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

passed

Yes: 29 • No: 9

House vote • 3/26/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 66 • No: 25

Senate vote • 3/19/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 31 • No: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. became law without Governor's Signature (Acts Ch. 97)

    4/12/2026

  2. filed without Governor's signature with the Secretary of State

    4/10/2026

  3. delivered to Governor

    3/31/2026

  4. enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House

    3/31/2026

  5. enrolled, signed by President of the Senate

    3/31/2026

  6. passed 29-9

    3/31/2026

  7. Senate concurred in Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendments (3) and (1) and Floor Amendment (2-title)

    3/31/2026

  8. passed over and retained for concurrence in House Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendments (1) and (3) and Floor Amendment (2-title)

    3/27/2026House

  9. posted for passage for concurrence in House Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendments (1) and (3) and Floor Amendment (2-title)

    3/27/2026House

  10. taken from Rules

    3/27/2026

  11. to Rules (S)

    3/27/2026Senate

  12. received in Senate

    3/27/2026Senate

  13. 3rd reading, passed 66-25 with Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendments (1) and (3) and Floor Amendment (2-title)

    3/26/2026

  14. placed in the Orders of the Day

    3/26/2026

  15. taken from Rules

    3/26/2026

  16. floor amendments (1) and (3) filed to Committee Substitute , floor amendment (2-title) filed to bill

    3/25/2026

  17. reported favorably, 2nd reading, to Rules with Committee Substitute (1)

    3/25/2026

  18. returned to Judiciary (H)

    3/24/2026House

  19. 1st reading

    3/24/2026

  20. taken from Judiciary (H)

    3/24/2026House

  21. to Judiciary (H)

    3/20/2026House

  22. to Committee on Committees (H)

    3/19/2026House

  23. received in House

    3/19/2026House

  24. 3rd reading, passed 31-5 with Committee Substitute (1)

    3/19/2026

  25. placed in the Orders of the Day

    3/19/2026

Bill Text

  • Current

    3/31/2026

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/12/2026

    PDF

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