Week five of the 2026 Regular Session
The fifth week of the 2026 Regular Session marked continued, steady progress in the Senate as we passed the one-third point of this 60-day session. Committee meetings, floor debate, and detailed policy work continued in Frankfort, with lawmakers focused on advancing practical solutions that reflect the needs of Kentucky families and communities.
Education priorities moving forward
Education remains a central focus of the Senate’s work this session. In fact, a significant share of the Senate’s priority legislation this year relates directly to strengthening public education through improved governance, transparency, and leadership development.
This week, the Senate Education Committee advanced two priority education measures that reflect those goals. Senate Bill (SB) 4 moved forward with a focus on strengthening school leadership by creating a structured, statewide development program for new principals during their first five years in the role. The measure is designed to provide consistent support for school leaders while avoiding additional financial burdens on local districts.
The committee also advanced SB 2, another priority bill focused on fairness and balance in educator compensation. Together, these measures reflect the Senate’s broader commitment to supporting educators, improving school leadership, and ensuring responsible decision-making in our education system.
In addition to committee action, the Senate passed several education-related bills on the floor this week. SB 1 and SB 3, both designated Senate priorities, passed the chamber and are now headed to the House of Representatives for consideration. These measures address governance in Kentucky’s largest school districts and strengthen transparency in local school budgeting, reinforcing accountability while preserving local control.
The Senate also passed SB 5, which makes it easier for Kentucky schools to purchase fresh, locally grown food. By reducing procurement barriers that have slowed farm-to-school partnerships, the bill allows districts to work more directly with in-state farmers, supporting student health while strengthening Kentucky agriculture.
Beyond education, the Senate continued work on other important policy areas. SB 9, a priority bill focused on housing growth, was filed this week. The measure would provide new tools for local governments and developers to partner on infrastructure and redevelopment, helping lower housing costs and accelerate construction in communities across the Commonwealth.
Legislation passed by the Senate
This week, the Senate passed SB 48, legislation I filed to close gaps in Kentucky’s mandatory reentry supervision law. Mandatory reentry supervision exists to ensure individuals are not released from prison into our communities without monitoring or support, but recent events made clear that the law needed to be strengthened. SB 48 tightens eligibility, reinforces accountability when supervision is violated, and adds greater transparency through annual reporting. I believe these steps are necessary to protect public safety while ensuring reentry supervision is applied responsibly.
The following bills also passed in the Senate this week and are moving to the Kentucky House of Representatives for consideration:
SB 12 updates Kentucky’s trauma care laws to help rural hospitals maintain 24/7 emergency services by allowing advanced practice providers to staff emergency rooms under physician supervision. The bill addresses workforce shortages and aims to improve patient outcomes by keeping more facilities open.
SB 73 expands Kentucky’s home-based processor law to allow small producers to make and sell tallow-based cosmetic products, such as soaps and balms. The bill supports local entrepreneurship while maintaining existing health and safety standards.
SB 102 helps Kentucky State Police retain experienced officers by allowing certain retired troopers who previously returned to service on contract to reapply within a defined time frame. The change reduces training costs and strengthens public safety.
SB 18 modernizes Kentucky’s podiatry laws by updating licensing and supervision standards and clarifying regulatory authority. The bill creates a more consistent and up-to-date framework for podiatric practice across the Commonwealth.
SB 132 gives local governments clearer authority to regulate massage therapy businesses and increases penalties for operating without a license. The measure is aimed at improving public safety and enforcement at the local level.
Budget update
The House of Representatives has not yet finalized or delivered its budget proposal to the Senate. While a placeholder bill has been filed, it must still complete the House process before the Senate can formally begin its review. In the meantime, the Senate has begun examining background materials and preparing for the detailed comparisons and discussions that lie ahead. I will continue to keep you informed as budget work moves forward in the coming weeks.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you. I look forward to keeping you updated as the work of the 2026 Regular Session continues. Please contact my office at 502-564-8100 or Brandon.Storm@kylegislature.gov if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas. Learn more about bills, committees, and the Kentucky General Assembly at www.legislature.ky.gov.
Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London, represents the 21st Senate District, including Casey, Lincoln, Laurel, and Rockcastle Counties. He serves as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and as Senate co-chair of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Council. Storm is also a member of the Senate Committees on Transportation and on Banking and Insurance. He serves as a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice. A 2023 esteemed Henry Toll Fellowship graduate, Storm was the only Kentuckian to participate in the program.
