(FRANKFORT, Ky.)-As we’ve reached the halfway point of the 2026 Legislative Session, I want to provide a clear update on where things stand and what Kentuckians can expect in the weeks ahead.
With over 30 legislative days complete of the required 60, the Senate has remained focused on steady, deliberate progress. At this stage of the session, nine of the Senate Majority’s 10 top-priority bills passed the Senate. That progress reflects months of preparation during the interim and careful consideration during committee and floor debate.
I have heard from many of you regarding the early budget bill filed in the state House of Representatives and the budget process more broadly. I understand these discussions affect real families, and I appreciate those who have taken the time to share their concerns.
It is important to clarify where we currently stand.
The state budget traditionally originates in the House of Representatives. The early House proposal has not yet passed that chamber and remains subject to committee revisions and floor amendments before reaching the Senate. The measure remains in its earliest stages.
To be clear: no final budget decisions have been made.
When the House delivers a proposed budget to the Senate, we will carefully review the proposal, evaluate any changes and make revisions where necessary. That is the Senate’s constitutional responsibility, and we take it seriously.
Questions surrounding health insurance costs, benefit stability and long-term affordability deserve thoughtful review. Those issues require discipline, transparency and careful
analysis. In fulfilling the Senate’s role in the budget process, our guiding principles remain clear; we will
- maintain a structurally balanced budget, ensuring recurring revenues support recurring expenses
- exercise discipline with one-time dollars and avoid short-term budgeting approaches that create long-term instability and
- make thoughtful, transparent decisions that protect both taxpayers and public employees.
There is considerable work ahead before a final budget is enacted, and I will continue keeping you informed as the process moves forward.
With that, I want to update you on several bills that made progress this week. Energy and affordability update First, I’m happy to say the first bill of the legislative session was signed into law by the governor on Thursday. Senate Bill (SB) 172 is an affordability measure that provides the Kentucky Public Service Commission with an additional tool to help spread out the cost of a fuel surcharge to consumers over several months, rather than having them receive a sudden utility bill reflecting a spike in their monthly bill. This is a good small step in helping people deal with high costs.
On Friday, I was proud to host a meeting and presentation featuring representatives from X Energy and Kairos Power at the Capitol Annex regarding Kentucky’s continued efforts in nuclear energy development. The message was clear: these companies love the steps we are taking in Kentucky, and the work they are already doing in other states is impressive in terms of the latest nuclear energy technology and small modular reactors. Friday’s presentation was informative, and I remain excited about the potential for return on investment if we move forward with my SB 57. This is the bill I’ve explained previously that would establish a pilot program within the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority for the agency to accept applications from utilities, or potential customers working with utilities, for grants up to $25 million.
Bills approved by the Senate SB 191 was approved in the Families and Children Committee, which I chair. The bill establishes the Kentucky Kindergarten Readiness Performance-Based Child Care Incentive Pilot Program to test the effectiveness of financial incentives in improving early childhood outcomes and grow the number of providers in our state. The University of Kentucky College of Education will operate the pilot beginning in 2027, providing $2,000 one-time payments or refundable tax credits, to eligible childcare providers or parents when children are assessed as kindergarten-ready. The program will study effective strategies, support parents and providers, and evaluate whether performance-based incentives increase school readiness across diverse communities, and grow the number of providers. A final report will guide future policy and potential statewide expansion.
SB 104, known as the HALO Act, is a bill I am proud to co-sponsor, especially as a former law enforcement officer. It was approved in the Senate on Thursday. This bill establishes a 25-foot safety zone around first responders while they are lawfully performing their official duties. After a verbal warning, the bill makes it a crime to knowingly approach or remain within the zone with the intent to interfere with official duties, threaten physical harm or harass a first responder. The legislation establishes escalating penalties: a first offense is a Class B misdemeanor, a second or third offense is a Class A misdemeanor, and subsequent offenses are Class D felonies. The HALO Act applies to peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical and rescue personnel, probation and parole officers, and university and airport police, including non-profit responders. The bill is designed to reduce risks in high-stress situations while preserving lawful public activity, including constitutionally protected speech and the right to record.
SB 69 was also sent to the House. It’s another bill I co-sponsor. The proposal is modeled after past legislation establishing a pediatric cancer research trust fund. SB 69 establishes an autism spectrum disorder trust fund in the state treasury and allows Kentucky taxpayers to voluntarily contribute all or a portion of their state income tax refund to support autism-related initiatives, including research. According to the CDC, one in 31 children at age 8 is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Nearly 40 percent also have an intellectual disability, and many face co-occurring conditions such as seizures, mental illness and communication delays. The trust fund may also receive grants, appropriations and other contributions. Funds are protected from lapsing, distributed through a competitive grant process, and used to support evidence-based research, services and workforce development for Kentuckians across the autism spectrum. A comprehensive statewide needs assessment will inform grants to ensure funding reaches areas of greatest impact. By July 1 each year, the Kentucky Department of Revenue will transfer funds to the Advisory Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders, which will distribute them in accordance with the law. The council is administratively attached to the Office of Autism within Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The bill requires the council to develop a written plan for the use of the funds by October 1, and update it annually by that date. The bill includes an emergency clause, which means it takes effect immediately upon its filing with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office.
SB 85 received final passage this week. It’s another bill I co-sponsor, and I outlined it in detail last week. It allows retirement benefits from Kentucky’s public pension systems to be directed into a special needs trust for a disabled beneficiary, giving families greater certainty that long-term care needs will be met. The bill permits members of the state police, teachers’, judicial and public employee retirement systems to name a special needs trust as a beneficiary so lifetime survivor benefits can be paid without jeopardizing eligibility for Medicaid or other support services.
Additional bills were approved and delivered to the state House of Representatives.
- SB 9 streamlines regulations and creates new financing tools to support housing construction and redevelopment across Kentucky. By giving local communities greater flexibility to plan and fund growth, the bill aims to increase housing supply, strengthen local economies and help more Kentuckians find homes they can afford.
- SB 47 expands state death benefits and tuition waivers to include search and rescue personnel who lose their lives while performing official emergency operations. This measure ensures families of these dedicated volunteers and professionals receive the same support as other emergency responders, recognizing their service and sacrifice.
- SB 70 strengthens oversight of Kentucky’s public pension systems by updating the Public Pension Oversight Board’s structure and expanding legislative and fiscal accountability. The bill also requires annual reporting on line-of-duty death benefits, helping ensure transparency and responsible stewardship of retirement funds.
- SB 127 clarifies how the cost of unused annual leave included in a retiring teacher’s pension benefit is funded. The bill ensures clearer financial responsibility between the state and school employers, promoting long-term stability within the Teachers’ Retirement System.
- SB 141 modernizes Kentucky’s public notice laws by clarifying publication requirements, updating timelines, expanding digital access and helping control taxpayer costs. The bill strengthens transparency while making it easier for citizens to stay informed about decisions that affect their communities.
- SB 152 strengthens school leadership and accountability by clarifying that principals have final decision-making authority while maintaining structured input from teachers and parents through advisory councils. The goal is to support strong, effective leadership that helps schools better serve students and families.
- SB 154 strengthens Kentucky’s voter ID law by updating the list of documents that may be used to verify identity when casting a ballot. The measure focuses on ensuring secure and reliable identification while maintaining confidence in the election process.
- SB 159 strengthens Kentucky’s response to missing persons cases by requiring timely reporting and improved coordination between state and federal databases. The bill helps ensure information is shared quickly, increasing the likelihood that missing individuals are located and families receive answers.
- Senate Joint Resolution 74 directs the development of a statewide fiscal map of substance use disorder programs and funding. This effort will improve transparency, coordination and accountability as Kentucky continues investing in prevention, treatment, and recovery services to support individuals, families, and communities.
Each of these bills now advances to the House for further consideration.
In closing, I want to say that on Thursday, the Senate welcomed military families from across the commonwealth for our annual Military Kids Day at the Capitol. This special event honors the children and grandchildren of those who serve or have served in the United States Armed Forces. While we rightly recognize the men and women in uniform, it is important to acknowledge that their children serve alongside them in their own way. Military kids endure long deployments, frequent moves, new schools and time away from parents who answer the call to protect our freedoms. Their sacrifices are real and deeply felt. Despite construction limiting space this year, the event reached full capacity, reflecting how meaningful this tradition has become. These young Kentuckians explored a Capitol campus they may one day return to as public servants themselves. It was an honor to recognize their resilience and thank their families for the shared sacrifice that strengthens both our state and our nation.
As we enter the second half of the session, our focus remains on steady progress and responsible governance. Legislative deadlines are approaching, committees continue to meet daily, and collaboration between chambers will intensify.
Your engagement in this process matters. Good-faith communication strengthens public policy, and I encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts as the legislation advances.
Please feel free to contact my office if you have any concerns or suggestions. My office can be reached at 502-564-8100 or by email at Danny.Carroll@kylegislature.gov.
