(FRANKFORT, Ky.) — Feb. 13, 2026 — A contentious proposal to allow Kentucky healthcare workers to refuse services based on religious or moral objections sparked fierce debate this week, highlighting deep divisions as the state legislature barrels through the sixth week of its 2026 session.
Senate Bill 72, which would protect healthcare workers from discrimination if they decline to participate in services that violate their sincerely held beliefs, passed the Senate 28-5 on Friday after nearly an hour of heated floor debate. The measure now advances to the House, where its fate remains uncertain.
Supporters argue the legislation is essential for protecting workers’ rights and could help address Kentucky’s healthcare workforce shortage. However, critics warn it could allow discrimination against patients and restrict access to care, particularly for vulnerable populations.
“This is vital to protecting the rights of healthcare workers and to improving recruitment and retention in a state struggling with shortages,” said supporters of the bill during Wednesday’s Health Services Committee hearing, where the measure passed 8-2.
Opponents countered that the bill would permit workers to deny care based on personal beliefs, potentially leaving patients without critical health services.
Child Care Takes Center Stage
The legislature also focused significant attention on Kentucky’s struggling child care sector, advancing two separate bills aimed at addressing the industry’s challenges.
Senate Bill 160, which cleared the Senate floor Thursday, would give state regulators more flexibility when overseeing child care centers. The measure requires officials to consider mitigating factors before issuing disciplinary actions and mandates bi-weekly support contacts during a center’s six-month probationary period.
Meanwhile, House Bill 6 proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the child care regulatory framework, aimed at modernizing the system and improving data collection. The bill advanced from the House Families and Children Committee without opposition.
Supporters say both measures are critical as demand for child care continues to outpace supply across the state.
First Responder Protection Advances
In a move to shield police, firefighters and emergency workers from interference, the Senate Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection voted 9-2 Thursday to advance Senate Bill 104.
The legislation would establish a 25-foot safe zone around first responders performing official duties. Anyone who remains in the zone after an initial warning could face criminal charges.
Education Bills Move Forward
Lawmakers also advanced several education-related measures, including:
- Senate Bill 2, prohibiting school administrators from receiving larger percentage pay raises than classroom teachers
- Senate Bill 4, creating a five-year training program for new principals in partnership with the Kentucky Chamber Foundation
- House Bill 253, ending the use of the “three-cuing method” for teaching reading by the 2029-30 school year in favor of phonics-based approaches
- Senate Bill 152, replacing school-based decision-making councils with advisory councils and shifting final authority to principals and superintendents
Other Notable Legislation
Among the dozens of other bills gaining traction:
Senate Bill 153 would protect homeowners from fraudulent contractors after severe weather by creating a post-disaster registry for roofing and tree-removal businesses and prohibiting door-to-door solicitations during declared emergencies. The bill cleared the Senate on Thursday.
House Bill 526 would make Kentucky Bar Association membership voluntary for attorneys starting in 2027. The measure passed the House on Friday.
House Bill 44 would establish a state trust fund to promote robotics education in high schools and create career pathways for students in the field.
Senate Bill 69 would create an autism spectrum disorder trust fund, allowing taxpayers to donate their refunds to support research and services.
Budget Talks Continue
As the legislative machinery churns, budget negotiations continue behind the scenes. The House held six budget review subcommittee meetings this week, along with a hearing in the Appropriations and Revenue Committee focused on funding for four state agencies.
The legislature will be in recess Monday for Presidents’ Day and reconvene Tuesday for the 28th day of the session.
Kentuckians can track legislation and share their views with lawmakers by calling the General Assembly’s toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181 or visiting the Legislative Record webpage.
