KentuckySB 462026 Regular SessionSenate

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

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 5 mixed.

New rules for student transport vehicles

Districts can now use small passenger vehicles with 10 or fewer seats to carry students. All school buses and non-school passenger vehicles must be clearly marked and get safety checks at least every 30 days; if a non-school vehicle is not used daily, it must be checked at least every three months. Drivers of these small vehicles must hold a valid Class D driver’s license. The state board sets minimum standards, including insurance, safe routes and drop-off rules (no drop-offs that require a child to cross a road), driver training, and drug testing. If the district reimburses a parent to drive their own child, these vehicle and driver rules do not apply. The Department may allow clean fuels if they are as safe or safer and will update standards to permit them.

No school jobs for violent/sex offenders

Districts cannot hire anyone who is a violent offender, has a sex crime conviction (including certain misdemeanors), must register as a sex offender, or has a CHFS finding of child abuse or neglect. Every certified and classified employee must tell the superintendent if CHFS has a substantiated child abuse/neglect finding and the worker waived appeal or the finding was upheld. Failing to report can lead to dismissal or termination.

Stronger background checks for school workers

New hires, nonfaculty coaches, student teachers, SBDM parent members, and adults with regular school access must pass national and state criminal checks and provide a clear child abuse/neglect (CA/N) check. Some people are excepted, like staff hired before June 27, 2019, certain certified staff who worked in another Kentucky district within six months and already have checks, and student teachers who use their college’s checks plus a clear CA/N letter. Fingerprints must use State Police cards and go to the FBI; fees for criminal and CA/N checks are capped at the actual processing cost. Job forms must clearly state these checks, list prior states of residency with dates, and require photo ID. The CA/N check request form is available on the CHFS website.

Extra screening for student transport drivers

Drivers who carry students in non-school passenger vehicles and do not have a CDL with an S endorsement must pass national and state criminal checks at least every three years, plus state checks in the other years. They must give a biannual driving record with no disqualifying moving violations, pass drug tests under state rules, and provide a clear CA/N check each year. Activity-trip drivers must get a state criminal check before approval and each year after, follow drug testing rules, and provide driving records as required. Drivers must immediately report certain traffic convictions and any DUI-related citation or arrest. The superintendent must notify the state education department after such driver reports.

Temporary hires and transfers during charges

If a job is still open after July 31 or opens during the school year, the superintendent may hire someone on probation while background and CA/N checks are pending. Checks must be requested by the start date, and the job ends if results show a sex crime or violent-offender record. If an employee is charged with a felony, the superintendent may move the employee to another job at the same pay until the case is resolved. The transfer is to avoid disruption and is not proof of wrongdoing.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Matthew Deneen
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Aaron Reed
Republican • Senate
Brandon Smith
Republican • Senate
Greg Elkins
Republican • Senate
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