As we concluded week three of the 2026 legislative session, much of Kentucky experienced severe winter weather that reminded us how much we depend on one another. I want to begin this update by expressing my deep appreciation for Kentucky’s law enforcement officers, highway crews, electric line workers, emergency medical professionals, National Guard and all others who stayed on the job while others stayed safe at home. Your service and commitment during this weather and throughout the year are appreciated.
If you have a true emergency during this frigid cold weather, please continue to call 911. If you or someone you know needs help regarding winter weather, but it is not an emergency, please call the Kentucky Emergency Management line at 502-607-6665. They are available to help connect you with resources across the state. Help keep emergency lines open for those who truly need them.
In Frankfort, a lot of work continued in week three. It is the point in the session when many filed bills begin to take shape, committees evaluate them, and the Senate begins moving priority legislation over to the House for consideration.
A bill I co-sponsored that is moving forward is Senate Bill (SB) 22, which supports efforts to address the teacher workforce challenges by strengthening pathways for students to enter the profession and earn credentials. The ‘grown your own’ program allows high schoolers who dream of becoming teachers to take dual credit courses while still in high school. This will help them get into the classroom sooner and with less debt. A great part of this program is it helps keep these bright young minds in their communities and teaching in the schools they know and love.
Another measure I co-sponsored this session, which the Senate passed this week, was a priority bill, SB 10. It would place reasonable restrictions on gubernatorial pardon and commutation powers during certain periods. This bill passed with strong support and now goes to the House. This same proposal has passed the Senate several times before.
The Senate also saw activity on other education measures. SB 3, another priority bill, was filed to improve transparency and accountability in local school district budgeting.
In the Senate Education Committee, of which I am a member, we advanced SB 181, a bill intended to clean up last year’s legislation by the same number that focused on appropriate communication between school staff and students. I heard a lot of frustration and confusion from educators and families after that bill passed in 2025. It may have been well-intended, but it wasn’t well-thought-out in its full scope. That’s why I want to take time to listen closely to those affected in the district. Its latest version adds significant clarity about what communication between school staff and students is permitted. I appreciate the effort being put into this year’s version and hope this one gets it right.
In addition to measures I sponsored, the Senate advanced other bills that address issues Kentuckians care about. SB 51 remains one of the most talked-about bills, as it would let voters decide whether to freeze increases in the assessed value of a home for homeowners age 65 and older. It has strong support from citizens across the commonwealth.
SB 38 also passed this week. It strengthens access to health care by ensuring pharmacists are fairly reimbursed under Medicaid and the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program. This bill supports local pharmacies and helps reduce unnecessary emergency room visits.
Another Senate bill that passed was SB 13, which improves coordination between military installations and local planning commissions by allowing advisory representation. This helps protect national security interests while promoting local input on land use matters.
The work of the 2026 session continues. I remain focused on legislation that protects families, supports local schools and encourages responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Your voice matters in this process and I welcome your input.
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.
