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

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

More people can use Safe at Home

Beginning January 1, 2027, more people can join Kentucky’s Safe at Home address‑protection program. Eligible victims join for free but must be U.S. citizens and Kentucky residents. The law adds many attorneys (including prosecutors, public defenders, and certain federal defense lawyers) and people who live with a victim. If you already use a similar program in another state and move to or do business in Kentucky, you are treated as approved here for one year.

Fingerprint checks for Safe at Home staff

The Secretary of State must require staff who run the Safe at Home program to give fingerprints. The state checks them with the Kentucky State Police and the FBI. This is an added background‑check step for those employees.

Tighter lawsuit rules for public road projects

The law makes it harder to win lawsuits over public highways, roads, bridges, and streets. Once a government accepts a project, the starting point is that the design and work met standards. To recover, you must prove a design mistake, a failure to follow the plans, or a hidden defect that was a major cause of the harm. Contractors are not liable for the government’s design choices or out‑of‑scope issues unless they agreed to do the design or extra work. In crashes, if the driver was DUI, texting, or 25+ mph over the limit, the law presumes that driver’s conduct was a major cause. These rules apply to claims that arise after the law takes effect.

New petition rules for Safe at Home signers

Starting January 1, 2027, the two required voters who swear to and sign a candidate’s petition cannot be Safe at Home participants. But if a Safe at Home participant does sign, that signature does not invalidate the filing, remove the candidate from the ballot, or support a challenge to the nomination or election. These rules apply to candidate petitions, including judicial races.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Craig Richardson
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Donald Douglas
Republican • Senate
Greg Elkins
Republican • Senate
Gex Williams
Republican • Senate
Rick Girdler
Republican • Senate
Stephen Meredith
Republican • Senate

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