All Roll Calls
Yes: 119 • No: 11
KentuckySB 572026 Regular SessionSenate
AN ACT relating to nuclear energy development.
Sponsored By: Danny Carroll (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Boards And CommissionsEconomic DevelopmentEnergyFederal Laws And RegulationsNuclear EnergyPublic Records And ReportsPublic UtilitiesFiscal Note
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Big grants for nuclear site permits
Kentucky offers grants that pay up to one-third of U.S. nuclear permit costs, capped at $25 million per project. To apply, the host community must have applied for a nuclear‑ready designation; to win funds, it must hold that designation. Recipients must post a surety bond equal to the grant and repay within 60 days if they miss milestones (apply within 1 year; seek next permits within 5 years; start construction within 10 years). Good‑cause extensions are allowed. The General Assembly must approve funding, and application materials are confidential under state law.
Grants to grow nuclear projects
The state runs a Nuclear Energy Development Grant Program for projects across the nuclear ecosystem, like fuel, reactor parts, siting, radioisotopes, operations, and waste. A five‑member grant subcommittee creates applications, sets eligibility, and scores awards. Scores must weigh added investment, economic impact, and community readiness, including nuclear‑ready status. Each grant is capped at $2 million.
Utilities can recover nuclear permit costs
Regulated electric utilities can ask the Kentucky Public Service Commission to add nuclear permitting costs to customer bills. The commission reviews the request and decides. Utilities cannot recover any costs already paid by state grants. If approved, your electric bill can increase.
New state office for nuclear growth
Kentucky creates the Nuclear Energy Development Authority, attached to the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research. It is a nonregulatory office that supports nuclear development, hires a director and staff, and may use expert consultants. By December 1, 2025, and every year after, it reports activities, grant scores, and recommendations. Starting January 1, 2027, advisory board members get at least 20 hours of nuclear training each year.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Danny Carroll
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Greg Elkins
Republican • Senate
Gerald A. Neal
Democrat • Senate
Matthew Deneen
Republican • Senate
Max Wise
Republican • Senate
Phillip Wheeler
Republican • Senate
Robby Mills
Republican • Senate
Stephen West
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 3/26/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 82 • No: 11
Senate vote • 3/2/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 37 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 56)
4/8/2026delivered to Governor
3/27/2026enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
3/27/2026Senateenrolled, signed by President of the Senate
3/27/2026Senatereceived in Senate
3/27/2026Senate3rd reading, passed 82-11
3/26/2026Houseposted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Thursday, March 19 2026
3/18/2026Housereported favorably, 2nd reading, to Rules
3/17/2026Houseto Appropriations & Revenue (H)
3/13/2026Housereturned to Committee on Committees (H)
3/13/2026House1st reading
3/13/2026Housetaken from Committee on Committees (H)
3/13/2026Houseto Committee on Committees (H)
3/3/2026Housereceived in House
3/3/2026House3rd reading, passed 37-0 with Committee Substitutes (1) and (2)
3/2/2026Senateposted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Monday, March 02 2026
2/26/2026Senatereported favorably, to Rules with Committee Substitutes (1) and (2)
2/25/2026Senaterecommitted to Appropriations & Revenue (S)
2/12/2026Senate2nd reading, to Rules
2/12/2026Senatereported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)
2/11/2026Senateto Natural Resources & Energy (S)
1/15/2026Senateto Committee on Committees (S)
1/9/2026Senateintroduced in Senate
1/9/2026Senate
Bill Text
Current
3/2/2026
Introduced
1/8/2026
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