Policy Bill Tracker

This bill would require the permanent display of a copy of the Ten Commandments in every public elementary and secondary school classroom. The bottom of each copy will read "The secular application of the Ten Commandments is clearly seen in its adoption as the fundamental legal code of Western Civilization and the Common Law of the United States."

KSVT strongly opposes this bill because it clearly violates the Establishment Clause of our Constitution. This could cause many students to feel ostracized and is a thinly veiled attempt to promote Christianity in schools. This bill works against the Kentucky Student Voice Team’s mission of creating more just and democratic schools.

The bill mandates annual updates to the dyslexia toolkit, which provides a resource educators and families to help meet the learning needs of students with dyslexia. It also expands the toolkit to include dysgraphia and requires local school boards to implement policies on dyslexia. It mandates data collection on dyslexia and requires teacher preparation programs to include dyslexia instruction.

The KSVT is in support of HB 272 because it promotes equitable educational opportunities by supporting students with specific learning disabilities.

This bill will appropriate necessary funds for local school districts to provide a five percent salary increase to eligible employees in fiscal year 2025-2026.

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KSVT is in support of HB 271 because it advocates for fair compensation for educators which is well deserved. Investing in educators is investing in Kentucky schools and communities.

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This bill would require school districts to provide a free and full-day preschool education program for eligible three and four-year-olds and to provide transportation. It also removes language allowing kindergarten to operate for less than six hours on a school day. Eligible school districts will receive funding based on the average number of three-year-olds enrolled, and the number of four-year-olds enrolled will be included in attendance of the elementary school offering preschool education for funding purposes. 

KSVT is in support of HB 300 because of the various benefits that children receive from attending preschool. This would also be a great support to families by reducing their payments for childcare.

House Bill 36 is an act relating to misconduct. This bill prevents public and charter schools from using nondisclosure agreements to hide misconduct involving students. It also requires school district applicants to disclose any history of misconduct related to abusive conduct and mandate reference checks. Public and private schools must report records of abuse allegations, conduct background checks, and prohibit the hiring of individuals with violent or sexual felony convictions. Lastly, the bill requires that the Kentucky Department of Education implement mandatory training on sexual misconduct every five years.

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KSVT supports House Bill 36 as it promotes administrative transparency and aims to protect students. This bill also encourages continuous education and training for teachers, ultimately benefiting the school system.

This bill further funds school safety by giving teachers wearable panic buttons. The panic alert systems would send a message directly to 911 and distribute integrated officials of the school and any emergency services. The buttons will also be able to initiate for a school lockdown and provide access to school cameras and other useful data to the situation. This program provide a 50% match to school districts' costs for the implementation of the wearable panic alert system and maintenance.

KSVT supports this bill because it would help students and teachers reach safety more quickly and reduce the response time of first responders.

This bill requires social studies courses to provide instruction on the contributions of indigenous people, people of color, people from other marginalized non-European groups, and LGBT people to the history of the U.S. and Kentucky. It aims to require teaching all Kentucky students diverse U.S. history curriculums.

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KSVT is in support of this bill as it is necessary for students to feel represented in history lessons whether it be nationwide or within the state's history. Also, at a time when other states have banned diverse education, KSVT is in support of students having a well-rounded understanding of the events of our country's past.

House Bill 240 requires kindergarten students to be given a universal screener in the last ten instruction days of the year. Students who do not display adequate learning will be held back for another year of instruction. It prohibits students who turn seven by August 1st from remaining in kindergarten. It requires the school to reevaluate the learning program of the child repeating kindergarten.

KSVT acknowledges the possible benefits of this bill to struggling students. Some of the language such as "universal screener" is vague, and its applications are non-specific. However, we do not feel fully qualified to speak on what educational reforms may or may not work for kindergarten students.

House Bill 74 requires public schools with grades 4-12 to provide free feminine hygiene products and require local school boards to create policies for distribution.

KSVT is in support of this bill as it aims to providing essential hygiene products for students.

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Senate Bill 48 aims to establish the Kentucky Proud School Match Program fund which will reimburse an eligible school district $0.33 for every meal reimbursed by the provision. Schools that receive such reimbursement must develop a Kentucky Proud school plan, which needs to identify and purchase Kentucky-grown agriculture products to optimize food usage.

KSVT recognizes the benefits of this bill for low income schools by funding opportunities, but wants to recognize administrative transparency and hopes schools utilize funds adequate to benefit students.

This bill expands the number of courses students may receive dual credit scholarships for. This includes two career and technical courses per school year along with two general education courses during junior and senior years. This bill also removes the rule that the scholarship amount would decrease if the course is not successfully completed. Scholarships will be awarded in the order of application date.

KSVT supports this bill because it makes career and technical dual credit courses more accessible for students who wish to take them. Scholarships for dual credit courses support students in attaining college credits while they are still in high school.

This bill would mandate a moment of silence or reflection to be held at the start of each school day. It will be between one and two minutes and students will remain seated and silent during its duration. Each student may choose to pray, meditate, or engage in another silent activity that doesn't distract others. District personnel may not provide instruction to students on the nature of the reflection they may engage in.

While it is important to note that this bill does not allow staff members to outright instruct students to pray, if they cannot provide students with instruction on what to use this time for, this could cause confusion for students on the purpose of this period of silence. KSVT opposes this bill because we do not feel that students would benefit greatly from a minute of silent reflection in their day. We also have concerns about the bill’s potential to blur the lines between church and state.

House Bill 66 aims to remove a provision from KRS 164.020 which makes the Council on Postsecondary Education wait to approve new programs at state colleges if they haven't met equal educational opportunity goals. The bill also makes changes to conform and remove outdated language about staggering initial terms.

KSVT is not in support this bill as the team recognizes the importance of equal educational opportunity goals, and supports the upkeep of the such institutions.

This bill aims to abolish the Council on Postsecondary Education and transfer the authorities and responsibilities to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). Additionally, all personnel, records, files, equipment, and funds currently under the jurisdiction of the Council would be reassigned to KHEAA. To ensure student representation, the bill mandates the addition of three student members to the KHEAA board.

KSVT is concerned that this bill would lead to a lack of independent oversight in higher education. Shifting responsibilities from the CPE to KHEAA could weaken state-wide policy advocacy and create conflicts of interest. This transition could disrupt governance and financial aid processes, ultimately affecting student's access and success in higher education.

The bill would allow the reading or posting of the Ten Commandments in public schools. It does not specify whether the postings will be required and says this can occur in a classroom, at an event, or in the general school building.

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KSVT is opposed to HB 116 because it does not allow for religious freedom in public schools since it is promoting Christianity.

This bill will require require public middle and high school history classes to cover instruction on African and Native American history relevant to the time period covered by the course, unless they are advanced placement classes. It also requires that the Department of Education will work with organizations like Kentucky Center for African-American Heritage and the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission to make curriculums and develop high school elective courses on African and Native American history.

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KSVT is in support of HB 119 because we believe students deserve to have unbiased history lessons that cover diverse histories and cultures. Without this bill's passing, students may learn a strictly Eurocentric history in which they may not be represented.

This bill would amend Kentucky law in order to prohibit school disciplinary actions that unfairly target students on the basis of race. It also expands the definition of racially discriminatory school policies to include policies that target traits associated with race including specific hairstyles.

KSVT is in support of this bill because it ensures that Kentucky's students of color will be subjected to less unfair discrimination due to their race, contributing to a more just school system.

This bill limits availability for gender neutral bathrooms in a specified school building. Only 5% of bathrooms could be gender neutral and 95% of bathrooms would be for a specified biological sex.

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KSVT is opposed to this bill because it is harmful towards youth who do not identify with the sex assigned to specific bathrooms. This bill is very prejudiced and the specific percentages of restrooms outlined would be difficult to enforce.

This bill would amend Kentucky law in order to prohibit school disciplinary actions that unfairly target students on the basis of race, and expand the definition of racially discriminatory school policies to include policies that target traits associated with race including specific hairstyles.

KSVT is in support of this bill because it ensures that Kentucky's students of color will be subjected to less unfair discrimination due to their race, contributing to a more just school system.

This bill requires all school board elections to have a partisan election. Candidates will have partisan labels and emblems associated with them on the ballot.

KSVT opposes this bill because it makes school board elections unnecessarily political. Kentucky has long separated partisan associations from school board elections, and this threatens the non-partisan history of education governance at the local level in Kentucky.

Also known as the "New Voices Act", this bill would ensure a slew of new protections for student journalists. It seeks to counteract the 1988 Supreme Court Case Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, which gave school administrators to censor "school-sponsored media" at their will. It allows for censorship of student media only if it meets a stricter standard for harm.

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KSVT is in support of this bill because it will greatly expand the freedom of student journalists across Kentucky and encourage more youth to express themselves freely.

This bill would invalidate Governor Andy Beshear's 2024 executive order that banned the use of federal funds for the practice of conversion therapy.

KSVT is opposed to this bill because it blatantly disregards the rights of our state's queer citizens and will enable the continuation of an inhumane and discriminatory practice.

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This bill would allow local school districts to authorize the voluntary recitation of the Lord's Prayer along with the traditional Pledge, as well as require school districts to develop policies that give every student the ability to recite the Pledge each day. It also requires school districts to develop curriculums around respectful treatment of the flag. In addition, it would require that all public Kentucky schools mandate a "moment of silence" for students and staff between 1-2 minutes at the beginning of each school day.

KSVT is in opposition to this bill due to its irresponsible blurring of the line between church and state.

HB 48 would increase the time period between mandatory summary evaluations for tenured school staff from once every three years to once every five years. Additional summative evaluations will be at the discretion of the staff member's supervisor. This also requires the Department of Education to create a recurring four-year professional development training schedule. Teachers will also be able to access their teaching contracts upon request and there is no longer a mandated formal induction program for new teachers. This also prohibits the Department of Education from requiring comprehensive school improvement plans that are not required by federal law.

KSVT supports this bill because it has bipartisan support and attempts to streamline administrative processes for teachers.

This bill would allow the use of cameras on school buses and allow the enforcement of a fine for stop-arm camera violations recorded by a camera monitoring system. The revenue generated from the violations will be retained by the school district. There will also be a suspension of motor vehicle registration for a failure to pay the penalty. There is also an increase in the maximum fines charged for failing to stop for a bus.

KSVT is in support of this bill because it contribute to the overall safety of students.

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House bill 695 establishes the Adaptive Kindergarten Readiness Pilot Project, a program that would provide a select cohort of eligible preschool children with access to educational technology programs that use family engagement to improve kindergarten readiness. The bill also outlines which children would be eligible for this pilot program and the Kentucky Department of Education’s responsibility in it.

KSVT is in support of this bill as research has found quality early childhood education to be crucial to student success throughout life. If the pilot project is found successful, KSVT hopes more students will have access to this program.

This bill extends the validity of a professional teaching certificate to five years after having completed a preparation program and passing the required assessments. It also removes the requirement of completing an internship for teachers with less than two years of experience seeking certification. It clarifies that certification will not be dependent on an offer of future employment. This bill also creates a new teacher induction and mentor program that assigns mentor teachers to new teachers for their first year of employment. The Education Professional Standards Board will submit annual reports to the Legislative Research Commission and collect long-term data on the impact of these mentor programs on new teacher retention.

KSVT supports this bill as it works to support newer teachers and ensure that they will have the support system and ability to keep teaching for the long-term.

This bill's goal is that starting with the freshman class of the 2025-2026 school year, it will become a graduation requirement for students to have completed either a ½ course credit course in civic literacy or a civics test composed of questions from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization test. Local school boards can decide on which option to implement. The bill also increases the score required to pass the civics test from 60% to 70%, and students can take it as many times as needed. It also defines which areas will be taught in the civics course, including the Constitution, the roles of state and local governments, America’s founding history, and more.

KSVT is in support of this bill as an adequate education in civics is integral to producing students who are prepared to engage in state politics and become involved citizens after high school. While this bill is a good first step, it does not go far enough as schools can still opt for the civics test requirement.

HB 446 would carry out amendments to require local school boards to adopt a transportation services policy, require the Kentucky Department of Education to create a model transportation services policy, and detail required provision of local board transportation services policies. It would create a process for operators of transportation to report, be heard during proceedings, and receive a response about misconduct by students aboard transportation and by parents or guardians. It would permit revocation of transportation privileges based on failure to acknowledge the transportation services policy and require inclusion of the transportation services policy in district safety plans.

KSVT supports this bill due to its intent to establish appropriate public school transportation policies. Most notably, in Kentucky's largest school district, transportation issues that have occurred could be lessened if the bill's purpose proves beneficial and effective.

This act increases the educational goals of schools in Kentucky broadly toward more critical thinking and achievement. It also removes the reporting mechanism for school breakfast programs and changes the way that school budgets are published instead of filed, changing them from being filed with the county clerk to being published publicly without official filing.

This bill generally raises the bar for instruction in Kentucky via legislative expectations but could worryingly de-emphasize school breakfast programs by reducing reporting for them. KSVT is neutral on the bill as a whole and supports the expanding expectations for student education.

SB 191 changes the funding model for universities to prioritize student success criteria (bachelor's degree completion, specific STEM degrees, etc) over student credit hour accumulation. It would also align KCTCS success criterion to state needs and make it easier for non-traditional age college students to get degrees by including them in achievement gap calculations for funding. Some amendments would modify the student success criterion related to underrepresented students completing bachelor's degrees.

Since this bill changes the state funding model to reward measurable progression in degrees rather than simple credit accumulation, KSVT supports this change in funding. Additionally, this bill makes it easier for older, non-traditional college age students to get degrees and aligns some KCTCS standards to better fit the state. However, KSVT would not support a bill that removes the success criteria of bachelor's completion for underrepresented students.

Senate Bill 2 is an act relating to student safety. The bill introduces the role of armed "guardians" in school buildings. Guardians may be honorably discharged veterans, retired Kentucky state troopers, retired special and sworn law enforcement officers, and former federal law enforcement officers. Their role is not to replace student resource officers but to fill in gaps at schools or districts that may need them. Guardians must pass multiple screenings and tests. They must be trained in active shooter response, enhanced handgun performance, and patrol rifles. The bill notes that the local board of education shall not be liable for any actions of the guardian acting within the scope of the duties. Guardians shall possess all the immunities and defenses available under "state law to sheriffs, constables granted peace officer powers, and police officers in any suit brought against them in consequence of acts done in the course of their employment." Participation of local boards in employing guardians is voluntary, and any board wanting to participate must do it at their own expense.

KSVT recognizes the effort to increase student and school safety proposed by this bill. However, we believe that increasing weaponry in schools via guardians is problematic. The team also has concerns regarding guardian immunities and the bill's liability clause.

House Bill 605 encourages the Kentucky Department of Education to partner with a trade organization to create and promote a training program for school counselors on building and construction trades. The training course aims to promote trade and training opportunities for students by exposing the field and options via counselors. This agreement also includes professional development credits for teachers and counselors, and if possible, the department must add the training program on the electric consumer bulletin board.

KSVT supports this bill as it offers opportunities for students grades 7-12 in the building and construction trade industry. The bill also aids teachers and counselors willing to participate with professional development credits.

House Bill 611 concerns the legal action schools can take regarding truant students. It would require schools to report students who have missed 15 or more days without an excuse to the county attorney. It also sets parameters around the procedure for after the complaint has been filed including a diversion period.

Since returning to in-person school after the height of the pandemic, Kentucky, and the US as a whole, has seen an uptick in “chronic absenteeism.” Measures like HB 611 aim to help combat the trend. However, opponents of the bill argue that HB 611 does not adequately address the root cause of why students are not getting to school. Instead it further punishes them and their families.

HB 9 aims to prevent the promotion of “discriminatory” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) concepts on college campuses. It prohibits institutions from providing differential treatment to applicants, creating any scholarship criteria, or changing the composition of the student body based on religion, race, sex, or national origin. This bill would also defund all DEI offices, training, initiatives, and promotional materials. Additionally, institutions can’t require students to take courses dedicated to promoting DEI initiatives as a graduation or degree requirement. Credits earned after January 1, 2024, dedicated to the promotion of DEI won’t count toward the total number of credits required for a degree, certificate, or diploma. All of these restrictions relating to the promotion of DEI initiatives will also apply to the Council for Postsecondary Education. The Council will publish an annual assessment to evaluate the extent to which students, faculty, and staff are exposed to a variety of political and ideological perspectives and have the freedom to express their viewpoints.

KSVT does not support this bill as the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion on college campuses is not discriminatory, but instead can help students broaden their perspectives and develop critical thinking skills. Defunding DEI offices on campuses would remove important tools in supporting marginalized student populations and promoting inclusivity, multicultural awareness, and celebration of diversity.

Senate Bill 20 would modify the trial procedure for minors who commit a felony with a firearm to try them as an adult. This bill would reduce the individual choice of judges in these cases and would give the discretion to the Commonwealth or county attorney to move the offender back to the District Court where they would have been tried before this bill.

In general, KSVT is neutral regarding this bill because it is not wholly relevant to education. However, trying minors as adults has been proven to harm them more than effectively improve the justice system.

Senate Bill 80 would ban the use of student/employee ID’s and credit/debit cards as valid forms of voter identification.

KSVT does not support this bill. Voter turnout is already incredibly low in our state, especially among college aged voters, the primary age group this bill would affect. Banning the use of student IDs at the polls only creates more hoops voters have to jump through in order to exercise their constitutional right.

Senate Bill 6 concerns Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education. The bill states that students can not be penalized or discriminated against due to their refusal to support a “divisive concept” which the bill defines as “the idea that one race or sex is superior to another, or that a person should feel guilt or discomfort due to their race or sex.” The bill also allows employees and students to sue public colleges and universities if they believe the institution violates this law. Also noted in the bill are that students or employees can not be forced to endorse any “ideological viewpoint” and an institution cannot inquire about any person's “social or political viewpoint” for tenure, hire or admittance.

KSVT opposes Senate Bill 6. Under the guise of protecting students against discrimination, the bill really aims to take away funding for programs that help minority students succeed in college life. DEI programs ensure equitable access to education for all students, not discrimination.

House Bill 798 deals with weapons on school property, amending KRS 527.010 to include knives longer than three inches as prohibited weapons.

KSVT is in support of this bill as it supports student and faculty safety in schools.

House Bill 799 allows for students admitted in an inpatient facility to receive home and hospital services effective the day they are admitted into such facility,

KSVT is in support of this bill as it supports access to education and resources needed for students to succeed outside of the school setting.

Senate Bill 11 amends KRS 610.345 to give schools notice of possible charges against students, prior to filing of a public offense petition against the student. Schools should know of charges as case opens, and if petition is dismissed, all records of the incident in the school/district shall be destroyed and not be included in the students records.

KSVT supports this bill as it does not cause harm to students of faculty, but allows for overall transparency between student records and schools.

HB 377 establishes the Teacher Recruitment Student Loan Forgiveness Pilot Program to help Kentuckians become teachers. The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority will administer the program and can give teacher recruitment awards of up to $5,000 per semester to students with financial need enrolled in study programs to receive teacher certification. If a student doesn't complete their teaching service or fails to finish their teaching studies, they will have to repay the promissory note along with any interest. If someone does not meet repayment obligations, it can cause their teaching certificate to be revoked. This bill also creates the Student Teacher Stipend Program to reduce financial barriers for students in educator preparation programs or entering the education workforce. This would award eligible student teachers up to $5,000 during the academic term in which they are student teachers.

KSVT supports this bill as it is bipartisan and would support students aiming to become teachers. It would be important step towards encouraging more Kentuckians to become educators, who are integral to the future of students and are deserving of more support.

This bill would amend KRS 164.020 to prohibit the Council on Post-Sec Edu from raising tuition for a college/uni/post-sec more than 5% a year for resident students and 7% a year for nonresident students, provide a 4 year tuition freeze for an enrolled resident student require an institution to notify a student before expiration of a tuition freeze; require any increase in tuition or fees to be approved before March 1;  amend KRS 164.131 to add two additional full-time student members to the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees, including one graduate student; remove language regarding initial appointments; amend KRS 164.821 to add two additional full-time student members to the University of Louisville Board of Trustees, including one graduate student; remove language regarding initial appointments; amend KRS 164.321 to add two additional full-time student members to the boards of regents, including one full-time graduate student; remove language regarding initial appointments; amend KRS 164.7874 to require a private postsecondary institution to have a voting student member on its governing board in order to be a participating institution for purposes of KEES eligibility; provide that the Act may be cited as the Kentucky Student Tuition Protection and Accountability Act; EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2028

This bill does not make post-secondary education more affordable in Kentucky but would keep it from becoming more expensive. That is positive and commendable that the legislature is moving in this direction. Additionally, the inclusion of student members to the Board of Trustees at both UK and UofL is something that KSVT can stand behind.

Among its multiple implications, HB 376 will remove provisions related to parental rights and human sexuality in curriculums. It offers a process for parents to opt out of their child being taught about human sexuality. Removes parental consent required prior to students receiving health and mental health services. Removes language restricting policies regarding student confidentiality and student pronouns. Requires school districts to use pronouns requested by students. Amends KRS 158.189 to remove requirements of local boards of education adopting a policy on privacy and use of student facilities. Requires schools to accommodate students whose gender is different from their biological sex.

KSVT supports this bill due to its expanding of student access to health services at schools. Additionally, the bill advocates for the protection of trans students who should be allowed to express themselves freely and be supported by Kentucky schools.

House Bill 257 aims to dissolve the Council for Postsecondary Education and reassign its authority and roles to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority. The bill also amends KRS. 164.756 to add three student members to the KHEAA board.

KSVT supports this bill as it favors student representation while not dismissing the value and roles of the Council for Postsecondary Education, only transferring power to a previously established education authority.

Senate Bill 232 reenacts KRS 162.060, specifying that local school boards must submit all property plans to the chief state school officer, disallowing KDE from requiring prior approval. The bill also notes changes in leasing, purchasing, and disposing of buildings. Most significantly, SB 232 removes the requirement for a certified school media librarian.

KSVT does not support this bill as the organization recognizes the importance of librarians in schools. School librarians are the center of high-quality literacy and digital citizenship programs. Without librarians, students and teachers lose fundamental resources.

HB 450 aims to protect minors on social media by requiring parental consent for any account holding minors. The bill would also require companies to offer forms of parental supervision including the ability to view all posts and messages, control settings, and monitor the time their kids spend on the platform.

KSVT believes all students should be taught to use technology effectively and supports any initiative to reduce cyber bullying and harassment. However, for minors who can safely manage their own account, or who may not have parental figures in their lives who could grant them permission to have an account, this bill might be more of a hassle than a help.

Currently in Kentucky, 30% of the value of a teacher’s unused sick leave days are added on to their retirement pension. Senate Bill 4 however, would limit the payment for unused sick days to just 10 per school year.

There are many contrasting opinions on this bill. The bill was proposed with the intention of ensuring that the pension system could continue to pay teachers in their retirement. Reducing the number of unused sick days teachers could accumulate money for would save funds. On the other hand, those who oppose the bill argue that it could incentivize teachers to use up their sick days during the school year even if they don’t need them, worsening Kentucky’s substitute teacher shortage. KSVT believes the action that best supports our teachers is the most responsible action to take.

House Bill 346, amends KRS 158.1415 to require school districts who adopt a curriculum for growth, development, and sexual education to meet new criteria. Criteria include adding instruction for human growth and development, like ultrasound videos of organ development and animations of cell growth and fertilization. The bill also specifies that if parents were to opt their child out of classes about human sexuality or human growth and development, the student shall not be penalized, and an alternative course shall be provided for the student. Lastly, the bill concludes by authorizing the attorney general to bring a civil action to compel school districts to comply with subsections of this bill, and if school districts fail to comply with the sections of this bill, a parent or student over the age of eighteen may file a civil action against the school district.

KSVT is in support of this bill as it offers more oppurtunuties for students learning about human growth and development, and does not penalize students unable to take those classes.

House Bill 383 would require school districts to include a ban on personal device usage by students during instructional time unless there is an emergency or they are instructed to use their personal device by a teacher with the exception of devices allowed for disabilities. Districts must include violations of this policy in their disciplinary plan for unauthorized personal device usage.

While KSVT acknowledges the disruptions that personal device usage can have in the classroom, a complete ban is likely to reduce the educational opportunities that cell phone usage can create and would be difficult to implement and enforce.

This bill proposes an amendment to the Kentucky Constitution that would enable the General Assembly to give funding to K-12 students outside of public schools. Voters in the Commonwealth could then vote to ratify or reject the amendment. The Secretary of State will also ensure that the entirety of the amendment is published in a newspaper prior to the amendment's appearance on the ballot.

KSVT is not in support of this bill because Kentucky should be focused on improving the already inadequate funding for public schools and disparities across school districts, rather than diverting money to private schools. This could lead to decreased quality in public education, therefore hurting low-income students who don’t have the means to attend private schools.

House Bill 275 relates to misconduct in schools and school-sponsored activities. The bill creates a new section of KRS Chapter 160, prohibiting public schools from entering into a nondisclosure agreement "relating to misconduct involving a minor or student." The bill also amends KRS 160.380 to define Abusive Conduct. Other amendments include requiring school district applicants to disclose being the subject of any allegations or investigations in the previous 12 months and consent to a reference check conducted by the school district. The bill requires nonpublic and public school districts to disclose any allegations or investigations related to the abusive conduct of applicants, outlines requirements for obtaining related records, and creates new application requirements. House Bill 275 requires that school districts internally report and thoroughly investigate all allegations of abusive conduct, keeping records of the investigation in an employee's personnel file unless proven false. In relation to private schools, the bill amends KRS 156.160 to encourage the board of education to include employment standards in the voluntary certification standards for private schools, and defines "certified nonpublic school." Employees of nonpublic schools must meet certain requirements including, having background checks and reference checks, while prohibiting the hiring of a violent or felony sex crime offender. These schools are also prohibited from entering a non-disclosure agreement mentioned previously.  Lastly, the bill requires that the Kentucky Department of Education develop training related to sexual misconduct for employees to undergo every five years.

KSVT supports this bill as it reinforces administrative transparency and a includes measures meant to produce safe school settings.

HB 96 would require schools to set aside one to two minutes at the start of each school day for "a moment of silence or reflection." The bill states that each student may choose how to spend this minute, whether it be meditating, praying or some other silent activity.

KSVT recognizes that allowing students to choose whether or not they'd like to participate in a religious activity during this time is good. However, of all issues today's students are facing, we do not feel the lack of a silent minute is the most pertinent.

This bill would require a school council to adopt a policy for students to be assigned a lunch period of at least 30 minutes in length.

KSVT supports this bill due to requiring an appropriate lunch time for Kentucky students, some of whom may be at school for extended hours.

This bill would authorize an at home private school student's  participation in a public school interscholastic activity. Guidelines for participation would be established, and the parent, guardian, or teacher of the at home private school student involved in extracurricular would be required to verify the student's academic progress. If a public school student does not meet the public school's academic standards, withdraws, and enters an at-home private school program, they would be inelegible for participation.

KSVT supports this bill due to extracurriculars being an integral part of many students' lifestyle that should be available for public and private students alike.

HB 224 would amend KRS 164.348, which protects freedom of speech and expression for students and faculty in public post-secondary education institutions. This new bill would extend these protections to the public and protect off-campus speech as well. Additionally, institutions cannot retaliate against campus community members complaining about a violation of these rights, and faculty and administrators who restrict speech may be disciplined. Students and their organizations will not be discriminated against for their religious or political viewpoints in their classes, access to facilities, or organization of internal affairs. This bill also clarifies that institutions do not have to grant groups unaffiliated with the institution the same free speech privileges as student organizations. Students may not disrupt the expression of others in a previously reserved space. There also must be a viewpoint-neutral distribution of funds to student organizations and published funding reports. The Council on Postsecondary Education will develop instructional materials and model trainings for institutions and faculty.

This bill is admirable in its attempts to protect the right to freedom of speech, however it is unclear why these protections should be extended to the public if they are unaffiliated with the institution. This bill could also be interpreted to prevent speech by any counter-protesters on campus.

HB 208 would amend section 183 of the Kentucky Constitution so that the General Assembly would oversee and provide for a portion of a students' educational costs outside of the public school system. As long as funds don't come from the school fund then sections 184 to 189 of the Kentucky Constitution should not prevent from providing educational costs for students outside of the public school system. In addition, a general vote on the amount of educational costs provided will be neither prevented nor rejected.

KSVT is in support of this bill as the purpose of it is to provide equal opportunity to students of parents with limited financial means. Since a major obstacle for students when pursuing educational opportunities outside of school can be a lack of financial means, this bill aids in leveling the playing field for students across the state.

This bill will create a new section of KRS Chapter 164 that establishes the KentuckyCYBER Program within the Council on Postsecondary Education. This program will work to create a secure cyberinfrastructure by educating and developing training programs to create a workforce ready to meet cybersecurity challenges. Public and private post-secondary institutions or institutions licensed by the council may choose to participate, but will not be required to carry out the following provisions. Participating institutions will provide cybersecurity resources and advice to assist the state and local government, policymakers, major economic sectors, and infrastructure systems operators. They should facilitate cyber-innovation, which is meant to strengthen Kentucky’s cybersecurity defenses. These institutions will also create cybersecurity research centers to support research on projects funded by the federal government and private industry participants. Participating institutions can apply for funds, which are subject to approval by the KentuckyCYBER Governing Board that is to be created. The KentuckyCYBER fund will consist of money appropriated by the General Assembly and any other contributions or grants. Money given to a specific university or community college will not be included in the fund. Allocations made to participating institutions will be excluded from the funding model established by KRS 164.092.

KSVT supports this bill as it works to create stronger cybersecurity in Kentucky and provides the framework for participating post-secondary institutions to receive funding for implementation.

House Bill 381 will require all local school boards to include a student representative. The student member will attend and participate in school board meetings to provide a student perspective and learn about school governance. A student delegate shall be a junior or senior public school student who has passed the  KRS 158.141 civics test and serves a one-year term. Each school board must adopt a policy to implement the student member, highlighting the selection process, eligibility requirements, and terms of service. Provisions must include a selection process that implements the vote of high school students. An attendance policy that excuses the student from missing a maximum of two meetings, allowance of teleconferencing. The member shall be non-voting and not participate in executive or closed board meetings sessions, however, shall be granted full participation in meetings the same as their fellow members.

KSVT is in strong support of this bill as it amplifies student voices state wide.

SB 98 amends KRS 156.029. The bill would allow the Kentucky Board Of Education's Student Member to have a vote. The bill also requires that the board adds an at-large member and that two existing members must have children enrolled in public school. SB 98 also amends KRS 156.040 by removing any age and college degree requirements for the student board member.

KSVT supports SB 98, as it amplifies student voices in the state by allowing the board's student members to have a vote.

SB 8 would amend KRS 156.029 so all 14 members of the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) are elected. A  new section of KRS Chapter 156 would detail the process for members to be elected, including a partisan and nonpartisan regular election. An additional section would set forth the process for the removal of a member of KBE. KRS 156.040 would be amended to require that members of the (KBE) not have served on a local school board for a minimum of 4 years before the year of their election. It would establish a schedule for transitioning from appointed to elected members. Appointees would continue to serve by their appointments until December 31, 2026; EFFECTIVE January 1, 2026.

KSVT does not support this bill due its partisan intent.

This bill aims to prohibit local school districts and public charter schools from indirectly or directly requiring, promoting, or using any programs that aim to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. This bill has the intention of preventing the creation or continuance of exclusion on the basis of discrimination within school environments. This bill also proposes the removal of diversity and race bias teachings from school resource officers required curriculum.

KSVT is not in support of this bill. We believe that keeping diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging teachings in schools is vital to keeping Kenutcky’s K-12 education inclusive to all students. This bill will pose a great danger to Kentucky’s minority students and will further the divisive culture within our school systems.

HB 148 asks that all public schools or public charter schools with grades 6-12 have an age-appropriate menstrual discharge collection device in each school building and at least 50% of all female, handicapped, unisex, or family bathrooms. The bill also states that each local board of education or public charter school board of directors must establish procedures to distribute menstrual products for student use while prohibiting resale, redistribution, and misuse of products.

KSVT is in support of this bill as it aims to provide needed menstural products and supports to student. However, SB 38, a similar bill, seeks to provide menstrual products for students grade 4-12, a wider variety.

HB 162 would amend sections of KRS Chapter 158 to include math instruction in addition to reading and writing instruction as areas essential for schools to provide comprehensive instruction. The bill mandates schools provide robust support for students to engage with math at a proficient level at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and adds "mathematical skills" to the list of skills the Department of Education must work with schools to ensure students receive robust education in. The bill also mandates that students receive additional or accelerated help in math if needed through a "multi-tiered system of support" at the school, district, and state levels.

KSVT is in support of this bill as it advocates for a better student learning experience and individualized instruction. This bill would be a step in the right direction for ensuring each Kentucky student receives the quality education they are entitled to.

This bill will establish the Center for Student Resiliency and Well-Being within the Kentucky Department of Education. The Center will collect data and trend changes, coordinate school staff training, and monitor the numbers and types of mental health professionals in schools. It will  amend KRS 158.4416 to include the definition of "student resiliency and well-being approach." Amend KRS 158.191 to require a school district to allow a parent to decline their student's participation in well-being questionnaires rather than requiring parental consent for the student to participate. Amend KRS 156.095 to require schools to provide an opportunity for any student who missed the suicide prevention awareness lesson to receive the lesson at a later time.

KSVT supports this bill due to its efforts of promoting student well-being through establishing a facility within the Kentucky Department of Education. Mental health impacts many students and the bill can help address and highlight its importance.

This bill will upgrade technology by using Artificial Intelligence as part of curriculum and instruction in Kentucky classrooms. By July 1, 2024, the Kentucky Department of Education, with input from The Council of Technology, will make guidelines on incorporating AI in school administration, instruction, classroom management, and curriculum. Guidelines will also specify how school and local boards should create policies around the use of AI. These will be updated and revised as needed every six months. There will be four different 1-hour trainings, the 4th training for local board and school council members. This meeting will specifically speak on the usage of AI and also the dangers of it. Each certified school employee must complete one of the three annual trainings starting for the 2024-25 school year. Training will receive funds through local/state budgets for public schools. Each year on June 30th, districts will be required to give a report on how much effort was put into AI utilization, any purchases for AI, and efforts relating to AI in teaching. This report will come from public and nonpublic schools.

KSVT is in support of adopting AI and providing the best curriculum for students. However, SB 52 is experimental in nature, and districts must decide what is best for them.

This bill will make a new section of KRS Chapter 128. It will require each public school with grades 4+ to provide free female hygiene products. These products include, but are not limited to tampons, sanitary napkins, and menstrual sponges/cups for students. Local boards of Education will be in charge of making policies and distributing free feminine hygiene products.

KSVT stands with this bill as it will help out a tremendous amount of students by providing basic essential products.

HB 158 is an act amending KRS 158.307 and KRS 164.304. Amendments made to KRS 158.307 include requiring rather than allowing local boards of education to develop policy on dyslexia and the approach to include the definition and traits of dyslexia. The bill requires the implementation of processes that identify students presenting characteristics of dyslexia, for utilizing tools to identify such students, and methods evaluating such tools. The approach must also include an outreach plan to aid parents and an identification process to locate evidence-based intervention methods with progress monitoring involved. Amendments to KRS 164.304 include requiring postsecondary institutions that offer teacher preparation programs to include dyslexia instruction by the 2025-26 school year without exception to funding availability.

KSVT is in support of HB 158 as it provides support for students who demonstrate characteristics of dyslexia.

Senate Bill 5 would require local school boards to adopt a complaint resolution policy to address parent complaints and concerns about classroom materials they suspect to be "harmful to minors." This is classified as material that is deemed obscene or offensive to existing standards of what is suitable materials for students. It also requires the school to make sure that a student whose parent has filed a complaint does not have access to the material in question. This resolution policy is outlined in the bill as includes various requirements including that the school principal will determine whether student access to the material in question should be restricted and this decision will be subject to review by the local board of education.

KSVT opposes this legislation. While the premise of the legislation appears to be reasonable and benign, legislation that restricts our access to information and appears to be harmless on paper has historically and consistently been enforced in a discriminatory manner. PEN America states that over 40% of titles that have been banned across the country have protagonists or prominent characters who are LGBTQIA+ and 40% of banned titles feature prominent characters of color.  According to KSVT's Race to Learn report, 46% of students of color report that their racial or ethnic group is rarely or never represented in materials in the classroom. Furthermore, most Kentucky school boards already have policies in place to address parent concerns and restrict student access to obscene material. Legislation like Senate Bill 5 will only create more opportunities for the erasure of the stories of marginalized groups from classrooms, leaving students isolated and ill-equipped to interact with the diverse world they live in.

House Bill 82 requires local school boards to require a policy on dyslexia and to include items listed in KRS 158.307. The bill also requires that schools with teacher preparation programs include instruction on dyslexia by the 2024-25 school year.

KSVT is in support of House Bill 82. The team recognizes that the legislation will provide needed support for students with dyslexia. The legislation improves teacher preparation and handling and can overall aid literacy rates in Kentucky.

House Bill 504 changes school funding from being based upon average daily membership instead of the current system, average daily attendance (ADA). In short, funding is based on enrollment instead of attendance.

KSVT supports this legislation because average daily attendance (ADA) is outdated. ADA disproportionately impacts schools in lower income areas and fails to account for the mental health of students. By basing funding on membership, students can take the time needed for their health without impacting the funding of their school for doing so.

House Bill 470 bans gender affirming healthcare to children 18 years or younger and says such treatment is "unethical and unprofessional conduct." Such treatment is subject to investigation under this legislation, and if a healthcare provider is found to have provided these services, their license is to be revoked and they are liable for any costs and damages sustained, and the same is true for any insurance company who insures a patient. HB470 classifies failure to report these services as a crime. This bill also bans public funding to be used to support gender affirming care. School counselors would not be allowed to assist students in receiving gender affirming care and would require that a school notifies a parent if a child expresses a change sex or gender identity.

KSVT strongly opposes the so-called "Do No Harm Act," because this legislation, if passed, would severely harm the health of youth across Kentucky. All students deserve to feel like they belong in their school and Kentucky, and House Bill 470 would treat those who assist a student's sense of belonging by helping them seek gender affirming care as criminals. Furthermore, it robs trans students of the safe and inclusive environment their school should provide, causing schools to be another place when trans youth are victimized and attacked for the simple act of expressing themselves.

SB 132, the New Voices Act will protect student journalists, publications and advisors by recognizing that student journalists have the right to free of speech and press. It would also mandate that unless libelous, obscene, or a violation of federal law, student journalists and their advisors are not allowed to face prior restraint or be disciplined for publishing works through a school sponsored media publication. And finally, the bill requires each local school board to adopt a policy enforcing the bill.

KSVT supports this legislation as student journalism is crucial in giving students the power and platform to help to tell their stories and create positive change in schools. Read more here.

HB 390 will direct the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) to create the Student Teacher Stipend Program, paying $8,000 to student teachers. In addition, HB 390 will create the Teacher Recruitment Student Loan Forgiveness Program. The Program will award a one-time payment of 20% of an individual's student debt (up to $10,000) provided they teach for two years.

KSVT supports this legislation. Teachers are a necessity for a safe and productive classroom environment. Economic barriers to becoming a teacher have led to a teacher shortage, threatening the education of Kentucky's students. These measures take honorable steps to ease the transition into teaching.

HB 327 would require that any world history or world civilization course offered by a public middle or high school that is not an AP course must include instruction on African history and Native American culture and history. These courses will be designed by the Kentucky Board of Education in partnership with the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage  and the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission.

KSVT is in support of House Bill 387. Students deserve to have a holistic and comprehensive understanding of the diverse world they live in. Ensuring that we have the resources and education needed to have a complete understanding of our country's history, in every aspect, is a necessity to navigate today's world.

HB173 will establish a complaint system for when a parent believes those rights have been violated. The bill will require parents to be notified of significant changes in “a child’s gender expression” and the name/pronouns the child uses at school. The parent will also have rights to review curriculum and provide consent to a number of school actions. The bill will ban any policies that would punish an employee for “for refusal or failure to use a name or other identifier in reference to a child that is inconsistent with the child’s information listed on the school enrollment documentation.” HB173 will ban affinity groups around any protected class. The bill will restrict bathroom access for transgender Kentucky students. HB173 will ban teacher-promoted social advocacy for “controversial” subjects. It will also prohibit the discussion of sexual orientation and gender expression that is “inconsistent with biological sex” through eighth grade and restricts such discussion beyond eighth grade to approved curriculum. School employees, under the bill, will not be allowed to discuss their own sexual orientation, sexual preference, or gender expression if it is “inconsistent with their biological sex.” HB173 will ban symbols of sexual orientation or gender expression that are “inconsistent with biological sex,” which includes Pride flags. The bill will also prohibit drag shows within schools.

KSVT believes that HB173 is an egregious bill designed to target LGBTQ+ Kentuckians, intentionally creating hostile spaces for these students, that is being delivered under the guise of “parent rights.” 

This bill is framed as a “parental rights” bill. The bill will require parent consent for a number of actions including medical procedures, recording, and education around STDs and sexuality. The bill will ban STD and sexuality education through the 5th grade. Additionally, it will require parental consent for changes to preferred names and pronouns, although it will provide that school personnel will not have to respect parent consent to such changes. It will also allow parents to opt-out of curriculum that does not align with their values.

KSVT opposes this bill as it creates an unsafe environment for transgender Kentuckian students.

House Bill 136 would add additional voting student members to higher education boards of trustees in Kentucky.

HB 136 is a fantastic way to include students in the conversation. Since students are the primary stakeholders of their education, legislation like HB 136 is a pivotal step to expand student voice.

SB150 primarily centers around 2 concepts: what information parents have access to about their students and how curriculum surrounding sexuality is taught. Under this legislation, schools would be required to notify parents if their student receives any health or mental health services from the school. Additionally, the Kentucky Board of Education and local school boards cannot adopt or recommend any policies with the intent of keeping any student information confidential from parents. Building on this, the Kentucky Board of Education, Kentucky Department of Education, and local school districts cannot require that schools use a student’s preferred pronouns if they do not align with their assigned sex at birth. Regarding the curriculum aspect of the bill, any school offering curriculum regarding sexuality must allow parents to decline their child’s participation in the course and be provided with an alternate course, review the curriculum and any tests, assignments, surveys, materials, plans, or resources accompanying it.

KSVT strongly opposes this legislation, as It outrightly targets transgender students by creating an unsafe environment for them both in school and potentially at home. Every student deserves to have a safe, inclusive environment to learn and grow in. SB150 would strip this from students across the state, posing a substantial threat to their well being.

HB 203 covers a multitude of curriculum changes and clarifications, the most pertinent of which would require public middle and high schools to include instruction on the history of racism including (but not limited to): the transatlantic slave trade, the Civil War, Jim Crow laws, black codes, desegregation, the civil rights movement, redlining, and residential segregation. 

KSVT supports this bill, recognizing that students deserve honest and accurate descriptions of history. Learning the truth will prepare us to engage with the diverse and complex world we live in and help ensure that history is not repeated. 

SB63 would require every local board of education to include prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race in their code of behavior. It would also ban discrimination in schools and workplaces on the basis of hairstyles.

KSVT is in full support of this bill as it works to combat racial exclusion and allows schools to continue building an inclusive environment for every student.

HB 161 is a bipartisan effort that would add non-voting student members to every district school board in the state.

KSVT is in full support of this legislation. Students can bring a unique perspective to school board meetings. As the primary stakeholders in Kentucky schools, we deserve to have a seat at the table. The fact that the effort is bipartisan is evidence that both political parties understand the value that student voices can bring to conversations surrounding educational policy. Learn more about our thoughts on this bill here. Read more about what others are saying about this legislation here.

The Council of Postsecondary, the Education Professional Standards Board, the Kentucky Board of Education, and Secretary of State’s office will convene to reevaluate curriculum for teaching the constitution.

As of now, the resolution is fine. What would make it even better is to have a more significant capacity for students to provide input in the process, but there will already be some student input because of the student board member on the Board of Education.

This bill would require schools to designate all multiple-person-capacity restrooms/locker rooms/bathroom facilities as either male or female-only, and would require students to only use the facilities associated with their assigned sex at birth. For students not comfortable doing so, the bill requires parental permission to request other “accommodations,” which cannot include the use of any space used by students of the “opposite biological sex.”

KSVT strongly opposes this bill which targets already-vulnerable transgender and queer students and lays out policies that would make bathroom use complex, confusing, and dangerous for students who don’t identify with their assigned sex at birth. Read more here. 

House Bill 60 would amend KRS 158.175 to require a 1-2 minute moment of silence in all public schools in Kentucky.

KSVT strongly opposes this bill as it has an inherently religious purpose that will isolate some Kentuckians, going against the growing need to increase inclusion in schools. Read more here.

All public and charter schools with grades 4-12 must make free feminine hygiene products (i.e period products) available to students.

KSVT supports this bill, as providing feminine hygiene products for students helps to combat period poverty (the inability to purchase or have access to period supplies) in Kentucky as well as helping to create a culture of normality and compassion around periods in schools.

SB 22 would alter the current Kentucky Board of Education guidelines and allow the student board member to vote on issues during KBE meetings. 

Student representation is critical, especially in decision-making spaces like the Kentucky Board of Education. Providing voting rights to the student representative would be a major step in the right direction in bringing students into the conversation.