KentuckySB 462026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

AN ACT relating to school transportation and declaring an emergency.

Sponsored By: Matthew Deneen (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Boards And CommissionsEducation, Elementary And SecondaryEffective Dates, EmergencyTeachersTransportation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Clearer school job paperwork rules

Every school job application must clearly state that national and state background checks and a child abuse/neglect letter are required. Applications must ask which states you lived in, with dates, and must collect a photo ID. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services must post the child abuse/neglect request form online so applicants can access it easily.

Faster school hiring and postings

Superintendents must post job openings to the statewide system 15 days before filling them and post locally for public viewing. If a job must be filled sooner to avoid disruption, the superintendent can request a waiver; the chief state school officer must respond within two working days. If a job is still open after July 31 or opens during the school term, a superintendent may hire someone on probation while background and child abuse/neglect checks are pending, as long as the person applies for checks by the first day. The probation must end if disqualifying results arrive. Superintendents must also search for minority teacher candidates and report each year on their recruitment efforts.

Safer school vehicles and routes

The state sets clear safety rules for vehicles that carry students. Districts can use smaller passenger vehicles built for 10 or fewer people, but they must be clearly marked and inspected at least every 30 days; if not used daily, at least every 3 months. Buses must be marked and inspected monthly, and all buses must meet state standards. The Kentucky Board of Education sets rules for insurance, safe routes, and pickup rules that avoid making students cross roads or intersections. The Department of Education will consider clean fuels and update standards if safety stays the same or better. Parent-arranged rides that the district reimburses are exempt from these transportation rules.

New rules for student transport drivers

Drivers of non-school-bus passenger vehicles must hold a valid Class D license. Anyone authorized to drive students must complete a three-hour initial training, basic first aid and CPR, and drug testing that follows the federal process. Regular-route drivers without a commercial license with an S endorsement must give national and state criminal checks at least every 3 years (plus a state check in between years), provide a clean driving history every two years, give a yearly child abuse/neglect check, and report certain convictions or citations right away. Activity-only drivers without the S endorsement must pass a state criminal check before driving and each year, show a driving history as required, and report certain legal issues right away. Local boards may add stricter training, drug testing, or qualification rules.

Staff limits and reassignment rules

If a district employee is charged with a felony, the superintendent may move the employee to another job while the case is pending, with the same pay. The law also limits hiring relatives: relatives of a superintendent or school board member generally cannot be regular employees, and principals cannot employ their relatives in the same school. Relatives who are otherwise ineligible may only work as substitutes, with fewer benefits and no hiring preference.

Stronger background checks in schools

Superintendents must collect national and state criminal background checks and a clear child abuse/neglect letter for new hires, nonfaculty coaches, student teachers, school council parent members, and adults with regular access to students under a written agreement. Exemptions apply to people employed before June 27, 2019, certified staff moving within six months with prior clear checks, and student teachers who provide checks from their accredited program. Volunteers or visitors can be required to provide the same checks. Parent council members may start serving before checks arrive, but must be removed if a report later shows abuse/neglect, a sex crime, or violent offender status. Employees must tell the superintendent if a child abuse/neglect finding against them is final. Districts cannot hire violent offenders, certain sex offenders, or people with child abuse/neglect findings. Fingerprint and record fees are capped at actual processing cost.

Law takes effect immediately

The law is in force right away due to the emergency clause. Districts, drivers, applicants, and families must follow these rules immediately.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Matthew Deneen
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Aaron Reed
Republican • Senate
Tom Smith
Republican • House
Emily Callaway
Republican • House
Greg Elkins
Republican • Senate
Wade Williams
Republican • House
Matt Nunn
Republican • Senate
Rick Girdler
Republican • Senate
Scott Madon
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 160 • No: 2

Senate vote • 3/24/2026

passed

Yes: 36 • No: 0

House vote • 3/20/2026

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 87 • No: 2

Senate vote • 1/22/2026