AN ACT relating to postsecondary education.
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HB 379 — AN ACT relating to postsecondary education.
Last action — delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 171)
No card. One bill, free forever — alerts when it moves.
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✓Introduced
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✓In Committee
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✓Passed House
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✓Passed Senate
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✓To Executive
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6Enacted
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 14, 2026. Enacted.
Signed by Governor Andy Beshear (Democratic) on April 14, 2026.
Prognosis
Where this bill stands today.
Odds of enactment
HighHow often bills like it became law.
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Enacted
Current position in the legislative process.
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2 sponsors
2 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.
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Single-party support
Sponsorship is currently within one party (2 R).
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Cleared a recorded vote
Passed 4 recorded votes so far.
Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.
Summary
Amend KRS 164.001 to remove the definition of "committee," "P-16 council," and "remedial education"; amend KRS 164.013 to conform; amend KRS 164.0211 to attach the Board of Student Body Presidents to the Council on Postsecondary Education for administration and organization purposes; create a new section of KRS Chapter 164 to codify the existing Commonwealth Education Continuum; establish governance and membership of the continuum; establish the duties of the continuum; provide that the administrative and support staff of the continuum shall be provided by the council; direct the continuum to submit an annual report and establish the contents of the report; amend KRS 164.330 to remove requirement for board of regents meetings to be held within 30 days of an appointment; amend various KRS sections to conform; repeal KRS 164.003, 164.004, 164.0285, 164.0286, 164.0287, 164.0268, and 164.033.
Bill Text
What changed in the latest version
1284 added · 1759 removed1284 line(s) added, 1759 removed.
UNOFFICIALCHAPTER COPY171 261 RSCHAPTER 171 ( HB 379/VO379 ) AN ACT relating to postsecondary education.
(3) "Benchmarks" means objective measures developed where applicable or practical by the Council on Postsecondary Education to judge the performance of the postsecondary education system and progress toward the goals of postsecondary education in the Commonwealth[as stated in KRS 164.003(2]);164.003(2)];
(8)[(9)] "Customized training" means training in specific academic areas, work Page 1 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO processes, or technical skills that are designed to serve a specific industry or industries to upgrade worker skills;
(10)[(12)] "Institution" means a university, college, community college, health technology center, vocational-technicalvocational- technical school, technical institute, technical college, technology center, or the Kentucky Community and Technical College System;
(14)[(16)] "Nonteaching personnel" means any employee who is a full-time staff member, excluding a president, chancellor, vice president, academic dean, Page 2 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO academic department chair, or administrator;
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (15)[(17)] "Postsecondary education system" means the following public institutions:
(20)[(24)] "Technical institution" means an educational institution that offers certificates, diplomas, or technical degrees in technical or occupational-related Page 3 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO programs, including a facility called a vocational-technical school, technical institute, health technology center, technology center, technical college, or similar designation;
(3)[(4)] The president shall be the primary advocate for postsecondary education and advisor to the Governor and the General Assembly on matters of postsecondary Page 4 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO education in Kentucky.
CHAPTER 171 3 (6)[(7)] The president shall be accorded a contract to serve for a term not to exceed five (5) years, which is renewable at the pleasure of the council.
(8)[(9)] The president shall be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the council and shall report and submit annual reports on the strategic implementation plan of the strategic agenda, carry out policy and program directives of the council, prepare Page 5 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO and submit to the council for its approval the proposed budget of the council, and perform all other duties and responsibilities assigned by state law.
Page 6 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO (5) Establish and ensure that all postsecondary institutions in Kentucky cooperatively provide for an integrated system of postsecondary education.
In determining the tuition for non-Kentucky residents, the council shall consider the fees required of Kentucky students by institutions in adjoining states, the resident fees charged by other Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY states, the total actual per student cost of training in the institutions for which the fees are being determined, and the ratios of Kentucky students to non-Kentucky students comprising the enrollments of the respective institutions, and other factors the council may in its sole discretion deem pertinent, except that the Kentucky Community and Technical College System may assess a mandatory student fee not to exceed eight dollars ($8) per credit hour to be used exclusively for debt service on amounts not to exceed seventy-five percent Page 7 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO (75%) of the total projects cost of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System agency bond projects included in 2014 Ky.
Approval of capital projects and real property acquisitions shall Page 8 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO be on a basis consistent with the strategic agenda and the mission of the respective universities and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
Page 9 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO (b) The council shall expedite wherever possible the approval of requests from the Kentucky Community and Technical College System board of regents relating to new certificate, diploma, technical, or associate degree programs of a vocational-technical and occupational nature.
Without the consent of the General Assembly, the council shall not abolish or limit the total enrollment of the general program offered at any community college to meet the goal of reasonable access throughout the Commonwealth CHAPTER 171 5 to a two (2) year course of general studies designed for transfer to a baccalaureate program.
(17) Ensure the governing board and faculty of all postsecondary education institutions are committed to providing instruction free of discrimination against students who Page 10 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO hold political views and opinions contrary to those of the governing board and faculty;
(23) Monitor and transmit a report on compliance with KRS 164.351 to the director of the Legislative Research Commission for distribution to the Interim Joint Page 11 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO Committee on Families and Children;
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 3.
(b) Offer, in cooperation with the public universities and the Kentucky Page 12 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO Community and Technical College System, continuing education opportunities for all council and governing board members;
(32) Develop a statewide policy to promote employee and faculty development in state Page 13 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO and locally operated secondary area technology centers through the waiver of tuition for college credit coursework in the public postsecondary education system.
(36) Pursuant to KRS 63.080, review written notices from the Governor or from a board of trustees or board of regents concerning removal of a board member or the entire appointed membership of a board, investigate the member or board and the conduct alleged to support removal, and make written recommendations to the Governor Page 14 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO and the Legislative Research Commission as to whether the member or board should be removed;
and CHAPTER 171 7 (37) Exercise any other powers, duties, and responsibilities necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
Page 15 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO 2.
(3) The gubernatorial appointments may include one (1) graduate of the respective Page 16 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO institution who resides outside the Commonwealth.
Membership on the board shall reflect no less than proportional representation of the minority racial Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY composition of the Commonwealth based on the total minority racial population using the most recent census or estimate data from the United States Census Bureau.
(5) Each member of the board shall serve for the term for which the member is Page 17 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO appointed and until a successor is appointed and qualified, unless a member is removed by the Governor pursuant to KRS 63.080(2), (3), or (4).
He or she shall represent all Page 18 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO nonteaching university employees including, but not limited to, building facilities and clerical personnel.
(8) (a) The student member on a comprehensive university board shall serve a one Page 19 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO (1) year term beginning on July 1 after being elected and sworn in as student body president and ending on the following June 30.
If the student member does not maintain the position as student body president or the status as a full- CHAPTER 171 9 time student at any time during that academic year, a special election shall be held to select a full-time student member.
The two (2) members shall collectively have one (1) vote which may be cast one-one-half half (1/2) vote by each member.
(9(9) (a))(a) All appointed and elected persons shall be required to attend and complete an orientation and education program prescribed by the council under KRS 164.020(24), as a condition of their service and eligibility for appointment or election to a second term.
Page 20 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO (a) For cause, pursuant to KRS 63.080(2);
(2) All superintendents of public school districts and the presidents of each of the state Page 21 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO public postsecondary education institutions identified in KRS 161.220(4)(b) or Section 1 of this Act[164.001 (13) or (17)] shall be responsible for designating and submitting the names and addresses of the attorneys to whom this information shall be disseminated to the Office of the Attorney General.
If the General Assembly is not in session at the time of the appointment, persons appointed shall serve prior to confirmation, but the Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY Governor shall seek the consent of the Senate at the next regular session or at an intervening extraordinary session if the matter is included in the call of the General Assembly.
ensure no less than proportional representation of the two (2) leading political parties of the Commonwealth based on the state's voter registration and the political affiliation of each appointee as of Page 22 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO December 31 of the year preceding the date of his or her appointment;
Page 23 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO (4) One (1) member shall be enrolled as a full-time student at a state institution of postsecondary education and shall be selected annually in the following manner:
CHAPTER 171 11 (8) The members of the council shall elect the chair and the vice chair of the council from among the council's membership, and the chair and vice chair shall serve at Page 24 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO the pleasure of the council.
(2) The presidents of state public postsecondary education institutions, as identified in Page 25 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO subsection (1) of this section, shall require signatory proof that each board of regents or governing board member has received the written information as required under subsection (1) of this section, shall maintain documentation of receipt on file, and shall certify to the Office of the Attorney General that the written information has been distributed as required.
or Page 26 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO 2.
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (2) The student member shall serve a one (1) year term beginning on July 1 after being elected and sworn in as student body president and ending on the following June 30.
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(a) The proportional representation of the two (2) leading political parties in the Page 27 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO Commonwealth based on the state's voter registration and the political affiliation of each appointee as of December 31 of the year preceding the date of his or her appointment.
(8) The inability of the board to hold regular meetings, to elect a chairperson annually, to establish a quorum, to adopt an annual budget, to set tuition rates, to conduct an annual evaluation of the president of the university, to carry out its primary function Page 28 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO to periodically evaluate the institution's progress in implementing its mission, goals, and objectives to conform to the strategic agenda, or to otherwise perform its duties under KRS 164.830 shall be cause for the Governor to remove all appointed members of the board and replace the entire appointed membership pursuant to KRS 63.080(4).
No member of any board shall draw any salary for his or her CHAPTER 171 13 services, but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenditures made in going to and from each meeting of the board and for other legitimate expenses, except a member who resides outside the Commonwealth shall not be reimbursed for out-of-state travel.
Serve as the public agenda for postsecondary education and adult education for the citizens of the Commonwealth, providing statewide Page 29 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO priorities and a vision for long-term economic growth;
(b) Comparison of regions and areas within the Commonwealth and comparisons Page 30 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO of the Commonwealth to other states and the nation;
(7)[(8)] The strategic agenda shall include a long-term strategy, developed in partnership with the Office of Adult Education, for raising the knowledge and skills of Kentucky's adult population, and ensuring lifelong Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY learning opportunities for all Kentucky adults, drawing on the resources of all state government cabinets and agencies, business and civic leadership, and voluntary organizations.
Page 31 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO (d) A physical facilities trust fund;
Page 32 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO (2) The Council on Postsecondary Education shall develop the criteria and process for submission of an application under this section.
(b) Funds appropriated to the comprehensive university excellence trust fund or any subsidiary fund created by the Council on Postsecondary Education shall be apportioned to each of the comprehensive CHAPTER 171 15 universities proportional to their respective share of total general fund appropriations in each fiscal year, excluding debt service appropriations and specialized, noninstructional appropriations.
(c) The purpose of the comprehensive university excellence trust fund is to provide financial assistance to encourage comprehensive universities to Page 33 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO develop at least one (1) nationally recognized program of distinction or at least one (1) nationally recognized applied research program[ consistent with the goals established in KRS 164.003(2)].
Page 34 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO (3) (a) All certified debts of agencies received by the department after the sixty (60) day collection period allowed in KRS 45.237(4), and all certified debts of a local government received by the department after the ninety (90) day collection period allowed by KRS 45.237(5), shall be subject to:
(4) The commissioner of the department may refer to the Attorney General any Page 35 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO unsatisfied claim, demand, account, or judgment in favor of the Commonwealth for further civil or criminal action under KRS 15.060.
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (5) (a) The department shall report annually by October 1 to the Legislative Research Commission on all referred certified debts, including at least a summary of the debts by agency, fund type, and age, the latter compiled in the following four (4) categories:
For local governments, a sum certain which has been certified by a local government as due and owing, including but not limited to any delinquent taxes or fees other than delinquent real and personal property Page 36 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO taxes;
(g) "Improper payment" means a payment made to a vendor, provider, or recipient due to error, fraud, or abuse;[ and] (h) "Local government" means any city, county, urban-county government, consolidated local government, charter county, or unified local government of Page 37 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO the Commonwealth;
(2) Each agency and the Court of Justice shall develop, maintain, and update in a timely manner an ongoing inventory of each debt owed to it, including debts due to improper payments, and shall make every reasonable CHAPTER 171 17 effort to collect each debt.
Page 38 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO (b) A local government, after making reasonable efforts to collect its debts, may by ordinance, resolution, or otherwise pursuant to law, submit a list of its liquidated debts that have been due and owing for more than ninety (90) days to the department for review to determine whether it would be cost-effective for the department to pursue collection of the liquidated debts.
(7) (a) If the agency recovers the debt funds prior to referral to the department, the Page 39 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO agency shall retain the collected funds in accordance with its statutory authority.
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 3.
Page 40 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO 5.
The department is authorized to collect enrollment-related debts, liquidated debts, and other debts designated in a memorandum of Page 41 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO agreement with a public postsecondary education institution on behalf of a referring institution.
The department shall not decline to collect a specific enrollment-enrollment-related related debt or liquidated debt that is referred to the department by a public postsecondary education institution unless the department:
CHAPTER 171 19 (10) (a) The department shall report annually by October 1 to the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue on the collection of debts, including debts due to improper payments, referred by agencies and the Court of Justice.
and the total amount of each referring agency's liquidated debt, by fund type, that the department determined to be cost-ineffective to collect, Page 42 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO including the reasons for the determinations.
Page 43 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO (11) At the time of submission of a liquidated debt to the department for review, the referring agency, the Court of Justice, or, where feasible, the local government shall provide information about the debt to the State Treasurer for the Treasurer's action under KRS 44.030(1).
Page 44 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO (4) The department shall advise on all questions respecting the construction of state revenue laws and its application to various classes of taxpayers and property.
If a Finance and Administration Cabinet attorney undertakes any of the actions prescribed in this Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY subsection, that attorney shall be authorized to exercise all powers and perform all duties in respect to the criminal actions or proceedings which the prosecuting attorney would otherwise perform or exercise, including the authority to sign, file, and present any complaints, affidavits, information, presentments, accusations, indictments, subpoenas, and processes of any kind, and to appear before all grand juries, courts, or tribunals.
(8) (a) Notwithstanding KRS Chapter 13A, the department may research the fields of Page 45 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO taxation, finance, and local government administration, publish its findings, respond to the public's and taxpayers' questions, and publish its responses.
(11) (a) The department may enter into annual memoranda of agreement with any state agency, officer, board, commission, corporation, institution, cabinet, department, or other state organization to assume the collection duties for any debts due the state entity, except for consumer debt owed for health care Page 46 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO goods and services, and may renew that agreement for up to five (5) years.
and 2.[(b)]2.[(b)]Any Any applicable statutory provisions governing the state agency, officer, board, commission, corporation, institution, cabinet, department, or other state organization for the collection, refund, and administration of any liquidated debts due the state entity.
CHAPTER 171 21 Any agreement under this paragraph shall require that recovered funds and interest be returned to the referring institution in accordance with Section 15 of this Act.
(13) The department may refuse to accept a personal check in payment of taxes due or Page 47 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO collected from any person who has ever tendered a check to the state which, when presented for payment, was not honored.
(e) Advise the Kentucky Department of Education and Kentucky Board of Page 48 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO Education regarding:
Page 49 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO Section 19.
(1) (a) Each board of regents for the universities shall appoint a president, appoint all faculty members and employees, and fix their compensation and tenure of service, subject to the provisions of subsections (2) Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY to (5) of this section.
Charges against a president shall be preferred by the chairperson of the board upon Page 50 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO written information furnished to him or her, and charges against a faculty member shall be preferred in writing by the president unless the offense is committed in his or her presence.
A president, professor, or teacher shall not be removed until after thirty (30) days' notice in writing, stating the nature of the charges preferred, and after an opportunity has been given him or her to make defense before the board by counsel or otherwise and to introduce testimony which Page 51 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO shall be heard and determined by the board.
CHAPTER 171 23 (d) Failure to meet performance and productivity requirements may result in removal of a president, teacher, or professor regardless of status.
Page 52 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO Faculty member and personnel appointment decisions may be delegated to the president in accordance with policy adopted by the board of trustees;
Page 53 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO (d) Election of a chairperson, a vice chairperson to act in the absence or temporary disability of the chairperson, and any other officers as it deems wise, including the annual election of a six (6) member executive committee which shall have the powers that the board delegates to it and shall operate under the rules the board shall establish under its authority to make bylaws, rules, and regulations consistent with this chapter.
and Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (i) The board shall adopt bylaws, rules, and regulations for the governance of its members, officers, agents, and employees, which shall reference the member removal and replacement provisions of KRS 63.080, and the board shall enforce obedience to those bylaws, rules, and regulations.
(2) Board members shall receive no compensation for serving on the board, but shall be Page 54 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO reimbursed for travel expenses for attending meetings and performing other official functions, consistent with the reimbursement policy for state employees.
Board members who reside outside the Commonwealth shall not be reimbursed for out-of-out-of-state state travel expenses.
Page 55 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO (e) The board shall consist of sixteen (16) members appointed by the Governor, two (2) members of the faculty of the University of Kentucky, one (1) member of the University of Kentucky nonteaching personnel, and one (1) member of the student body of the University of Kentucky.
and Page 56 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO 3.
CHAPTER 171 25 (c) The Governor shall make the appointments so as to reflect proportional representation of the two (2) leading political parties of the Commonwealth based on the state's voter registration and the political affiliation of each appointee as of December 31 of the year preceding the date of his or her appointment, and to reflect no less than proportional representation of the minority racial composition of the Commonwealth based on the total minority racial population using the most recent census or estimate data from the United States Census Bureau.
Faculty members shall be eligible for reelection, but they shall be ineligible to continue to serve as members of the board of trustees if they Page 57 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO cease to be members of the faculty of the university.
(4) The nonteaching personnel member shall be any full-time staff member, excluding the president, vice-presidents,vice- presidents, academic deans, and academic department chairpersons.
Page 58 of 59 HB037990.100 - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 379/VO (9) The inability of the board to hold regular meetings, to elect a chairperson annually, to establish a quorum, to adopt an annual budget, to set tuition rates, to conduct an annual evaluation of the president of the university, or to carry out its primary function to periodically evaluate the institution's progress in implementing its mission, goals, and objectives to conform to the strategic agenda shall be cause for the Governor to remove all appointed members of the board and replace the entire appointed membership pursuant to KRS 63.080(4).
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 164.0286 STEM Initiative Task Force -- Purpose -- Membership -- Steering committee oversight and coordination -- Administrative attachment -- Contracting -- Funding.
PageVeto 59Overridden ofApril 5914, HB037990.1002026. - 1637 - XXXX 4/14/2026 3:19 PM Vetoed and Overridden
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Compared against the Kentucky Revised Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.
The bill repeals references to the Strategic Committee on Postsecondary Education in various definitions and adjusts certain language regarding the strategic agenda.
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KRS 164.001
Committee means the Strategic Committee on Postsecondary Education created in KRS 164.004;The definition of 'Committee' is removed, eliminating the reference to the Strategic Committee on Postsecondary Education.
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KRS 164.001
Goals means the six (6) goals specified in KRS 164.003(2);The definition of 'Goals' is removed, which clears a specific reference to the goals previously outlined in KRS 164.003.
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KRS 164.001
[... with the advice and counsel of the Strategic Committee on Postsecondary Education]This language is removed from the 'Develop and implement the strategic agenda' directive, which changes how the strategic agenda is developed.
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KRS 164.020
with the advice and counsel of the Strategic Committee on Postsecondary EducationThis phrase is removed, indicating the Council will no longer seek advice from the Strategic Committee during agenda revisions.
Action History
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delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 171)
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enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
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enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
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received in House
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passed 32-6
-
veto overridden
-
posted for consideration of Governor's veto
-
to Rules (S)
-
received in Senate
-
passed 80-17
-
veto overridden
-
posted for consideration of Governor's veto
-
taken from Rules
-
to Rules (H)
-
received in House
-
Vetoed
-
delivered to Governor
-
enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
-
enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
-
received in House
-
3rd reading, passed 38-0
-
posted for passage in the Consent Orders of the Day for Wednesday, March 25 2026
-
2nd reading, to Rules as a consent bill
-
reported favorably, 1st reading, to Consent Calendar
-
to Education (S)
-
to Committee on Committees (S)
-
received in Senate
-
3rd reading, passed 92-0 with Committee Substitute (1)
-
posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, February 13 2026
-
2nd reading, to Rules
-
reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)
-
to Postsecondary Education (H)
-
to Committee on Committees (H)
-
introduced in House
Sponsors
- James Tipton · Primary
- Shane Baker · Primary
Sponsorship breakdown
Export CSV (upgrade) →2 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 136 not signed on · 23 voted No
Sponsors (2)
- James Tipton Republican
- Shane Baker Republican
Co-sponsors (0)
None.
Not signed on (136)
136 members have not signed on to this bill.
Show all 136 →"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.
Votes
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | 32 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Democrat | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 32 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| % of votes cast | 84% | 16% | 0% | 0% |
How each member voted (38)
| Member | Party | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Cassie Chambers Armstrong | Democrat | Nay |
| Gary Clemons | Democrat | Nay |
| Gerald A. Neal | Democrat | Nay |
| Karen Berg | Democrat | Nay |
| Keturah J. Herron | Democrat | Nay |
| Aaron Reed | Republican | Yea |
| Amanda Mays Bledsoe | Republican | Yea |
| Brandon J. Storm | Republican | Yea |
| Christian McDaniel | Republican | Yea |
| Craig Richardson | Republican | Yea |
| Danny Carroll | Republican | Yea |
| David P. Givens | Republican | Yea |
| Donald Douglas | Republican | Yea |
| Gary Boswell | Republican | Yea |
| Greg Elkins | Republican | Yea |
| Jared Carpenter | Republican | Yea |
| Jason Howell | Republican | Yea |
| Jason Nemes | Republican | Yea |
| Jimmy Higdon | Republican | Yea |
| Julie Raque Adams | Republican | Yea |
| Lindsey Tichenor | Republican | Yea |
| Matt Nunn | Republican | Yea |
| Matthew Deneen | Republican | Yea |
| Max Wise | Republican | Yea |
| Michael Meredith | Republican | Yea |
| Nick Wilson | Republican | Yea |
| Phillip Wheeler | Republican | Yea |
| Rick Girdler | Republican | Yea |
| Robby Mills | Republican | Yea |
| Robert Stivers | Republican | Yea |
| Robin L. Webb | Republican | Yea |
| Scott Madon | Republican | Yea |
| Shelley Funke Frommeyer | Republican | Yea |
| Stephen West | Republican | Yea |
| Steve Rawlings | Republican | Yea |
| Tom Smith | Republican | Yea |
| Wade Williams | Republican | Yea |
| Walker Thomas | Republican | Nay |
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | 78 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Democrat | 1 | 17 | 0 | 2 |
| Unaffiliated | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 80 | 17 | 0 | 3 |
| % of votes cast | 80% | 17% | 0% | 3% |
How each member voted (100)
| Member | Party | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Lewis C | — | Yea |
| Adam Moore | Democrat | Nay |
| Adrielle Camuel | Democrat | Nay |
| Al Gentry | Democrat | Nay |
| Anne Gay Donworth | Democrat | Nay |
| Ashley Tackett Laferty | Democrat | Yea |
| Beverly Chester-Burton | Democrat | Nay |
| Chad Aull | Democrat | Nay |
| Daniel Grossberg | Democrat | Nay |
| Erika Hancock | Democrat | Not Voting |
| George Brown Jr. | Democrat | Nay |
| Joshua Watkins | Democrat | Nay |
| Lindsey Burke | Democrat | Nay |
| Lisa Willner | Democrat | Nay |
| Mary Lou Marzian | Democrat | Nay |
| Matthew Lehman | Democrat | Not Voting |
| Nima Kulkarni | Democrat | Nay |
| Pamela Stevenson | Democrat | Nay |
| Rachel Roarx | Democrat | Nay |
| Sarah Stalker | Democrat | Nay |
| Tina Bojanowski | Democrat | Nay |
| Aaron Thompson | Republican | Yea |
| Adam Bowling | Republican | Yea |
| Amy Neighbors | Republican | Yea |
| Bill Wesley | Republican | Yea |
| Bobby McCool | Republican | Yea |
| Candy Massaroni | Republican | Yea |
| Chris Freeland | Republican | Yea |
| Chris Fugate | Republican | Yea |
| DJ Johnson | Republican | Yea |
| Daniel Elliott | Republican | Yea |
| Daniel Fister | Republican | Yea |
| David Hale | Republican | Yea |
| David Meade | Republican | Yea |
| David W. Osborne | Republican | Yea |
| Deanna Gordon | Republican | Yea |
| Derek Lewis | Republican | Yea |
| Emily Callaway | Republican | Yea |
| Felicia Rabourn | Republican | Yea |
| J.T. Payne | Republican | Yea |
| James Tipton | Republican | Yea |
| Jared Bauman | Republican | Yea |
| Jason Nemes | Republican | Yea |
| Jason Petrie | Republican | Yea |
| Jennifer Decker | Republican | Yea |
| Jim Gooch Jr. | Republican | Yea |
| John Blanton | Republican | Yea |
| John Hodgson | Republican | Not Voting |
| Josh Branscum | Republican | Yea |
| Josh Bray | Republican | Yea |
| Josh Calloway | Republican | Yea |
| Ken Fleming | Republican | Yea |
| Ken Upchurch | Republican | Yea |
| Kevin Jackson | Republican | Yea |
| Kim Banta | Republican | Yea |
| Kim Holloway | Republican | Yea |
| Kim King | Republican | Yea |
| Kimberly Poore Moser | Republican | Yea |
| Marianne Proctor | Republican | Yea |
| Mark Hart | Republican | Yea |
| Mary Beth Imes | Republican | Yea |
| Matt Lockett | Republican | Yea |
| Matthew Koch | Republican | Yea |
| Michael Meredith | Republican | Yea |
| Michael Sarge Pollock | Republican | Yea |
| Mike Clines | Republican | Yea |
| Mitch Whitaker | Republican | Yea |
| Myron Dossett | Republican | Yea |
| Nancy Tate | Republican | Yea |
| Nick Wilson | Republican | Yea |
| Patrick Flannery | Republican | Yea |
| Peyton Griffee | Republican | Yea |
| Randy Bridges | Republican | Yea |
| Rebecca Raymer | Republican | Yea |
| Richard White | Republican | Yea |
| Robert Duvall | Republican | Yea |
| Ryan Bivens | Republican | Yea |
| Ryan Dotson | Republican | Yea |
| Samara Heavrin | Republican | Yea |
| Savannah Maddox | Republican | Yea |
| Scott Lewis | Republican | Yea |
| Scott Sharp | Republican | Yea |
| Shane Baker | Republican | Yea |
| Shawn McPherson | Republican | Yea |
| Stephanie Dietz | Republican | Yea |
| Steve Bratcher | Republican | Yea |
| Steve Riley | Republican | Yea |
| Steven Doan | Republican | Yea |
| Steven Rudy | Republican | Yea |
| Susan Witten | Republican | Yea |
| Suzanne Miles | Republican | Yea |
| T.J. Roberts | Republican | Yea |
| Thomas Huff | Republican | Yea |
| Timmy Truett | Republican | Yea |
| Tom Smith | Republican | Yea |
| Tony Hampton | Republican | Yea |
| Vanessa Grossl | Republican | Yea |
| Wade Williams | Republican | Yea |
| Walker Thomas | Republican | Yea |
| William Lawrence | Republican | Yea |
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democrat | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Republican | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 38 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| % of votes cast | 100% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
How each member voted (38)
| Member | Party | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Cassie Chambers Armstrong | Democrat | Yea |
| Gary Clemons | Democrat | Yea |
| Gerald A. Neal | Democrat | Yea |
| Karen Berg | Democrat | Yea |
| Keturah J. Herron | Democrat | Yea |
| Aaron Reed | Republican | Yea |
| Amanda Mays Bledsoe | Republican | Yea |
| Brandon J. Storm | Republican | Yea |
| Christian McDaniel | Republican | Yea |
| Craig Richardson | Republican | Yea |
| Danny Carroll | Republican | Yea |
| David P. Givens | Republican | Yea |
| Donald Douglas | Republican | Yea |
| Gary Boswell | Republican | Yea |
| Greg Elkins | Republican | Yea |
| Jared Carpenter | Republican | Yea |
| Jason Howell | Republican | Yea |
| Jason Nemes | Republican | Yea |
| Jimmy Higdon | Republican | Yea |
| Julie Raque Adams | Republican | Yea |
| Lindsey Tichenor | Republican | Yea |
| Matt Nunn | Republican | Yea |
| Matthew Deneen | Republican | Yea |
| Max Wise | Republican | Yea |
| Michael Meredith | Republican | Yea |
| Nick Wilson | Republican | Yea |
| Phillip Wheeler | Republican | Yea |
| Rick Girdler | Republican | Yea |
| Robby Mills | Republican | Yea |
| Robert Stivers | Republican | Yea |
| Robin L. Webb | Republican | Yea |
| Scott Madon | Republican | Yea |
| Shelley Funke Frommeyer | Republican | Yea |
| Stephen West | Republican | Yea |
| Steve Rawlings | Republican | Yea |
| Tom Smith | Republican | Yea |
| Wade Williams | Republican | Yea |
| Walker Thomas | Republican | Yea |
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democrat | 18 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Republican | 73 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| Unaffiliated | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 92 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| % of votes cast | 92% | 0% | 0% | 8% |
How each member voted (100)
| Member | Party | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Lewis C | — | Yea |
| Adam Moore | Democrat | Yea |
| Adrielle Camuel | Democrat | Yea |
| Al Gentry | Democrat | Yea |
| Anne Gay Donworth | Democrat | Yea |
| Ashley Tackett Laferty | Democrat | Yea |
| Beverly Chester-Burton | Democrat | Yea |
| Chad Aull | Democrat | Yea |
| Daniel Grossberg | Democrat | Yea |
| Erika Hancock | Democrat | Yea |
| George Brown Jr. | Democrat | Yea |
| Joshua Watkins | Democrat | Yea |
| Lindsey Burke | Democrat | Yea |
| Lisa Willner | Democrat | Not Voting |
| Mary Lou Marzian | Democrat | Yea |
| Matthew Lehman | Democrat | Yea |
| Nima Kulkarni | Democrat | Yea |
| Pamela Stevenson | Democrat | Yea |
| Rachel Roarx | Democrat | Not Voting |
| Sarah Stalker | Democrat | Yea |
| Tina Bojanowski | Democrat | Yea |
| Aaron Thompson | Republican | Yea |
| Adam Bowling | Republican | Yea |
| Amy Neighbors | Republican | Yea |
| Bill Wesley | Republican | Yea |
| Bobby McCool | Republican | Not Voting |
| Candy Massaroni | Republican | Yea |
| Chris Freeland | Republican | Yea |
| Chris Fugate | Republican | Yea |
| DJ Johnson | Republican | Yea |
| Daniel Elliott | Republican | Yea |
| Daniel Fister | Republican | Yea |
| David Hale | Republican | Yea |
| David Meade | Republican | Yea |
| David W. Osborne | Republican | Yea |
| Deanna Gordon | Republican | Yea |
| Derek Lewis | Republican | Yea |
| Emily Callaway | Republican | Yea |
| Felicia Rabourn | Republican | Not Voting |
| J.T. Payne | Republican | Yea |
| James Tipton | Republican | Yea |
| Jared Bauman | Republican | Yea |
| Jason Nemes | Republican | Yea |
| Jason Petrie | Republican | Yea |
| Jennifer Decker | Republican | Yea |
| Jim Gooch Jr. | Republican | Yea |
| John Blanton | Republican | Yea |
| John Hodgson | Republican | Yea |
| Josh Branscum | Republican | Yea |
| Josh Bray | Republican | Yea |
| Josh Calloway | Republican | Yea |
| Ken Fleming | Republican | Yea |
| Ken Upchurch | Republican | Yea |
| Kevin Jackson | Republican | Yea |
| Kim Banta | Republican | Yea |
| Kim Holloway | Republican | Not Voting |
| Kim King | Republican | Yea |
| Kimberly Poore Moser | Republican | Yea |
| Marianne Proctor | Republican | Yea |
| Mark Hart | Republican | Yea |
| Mary Beth Imes | Republican | Yea |
| Matt Lockett | Republican | Yea |
| Matthew Koch | Republican | Yea |
| Michael Meredith | Republican | Yea |
| Michael Sarge Pollock | Republican | Yea |
| Mike Clines | Republican | Yea |
| Mitch Whitaker | Republican | Yea |
| Myron Dossett | Republican | Yea |
| Nancy Tate | Republican | Yea |
| Nick Wilson | Republican | Yea |
| Patrick Flannery | Republican | Yea |
| Peyton Griffee | Republican | Yea |
| Randy Bridges | Republican | Yea |
| Rebecca Raymer | Republican | Yea |
| Richard White | Republican | Yea |
| Robert Duvall | Republican | Yea |
| Ryan Bivens | Republican | Yea |
| Ryan Dotson | Republican | Not Voting |
| Samara Heavrin | Republican | Yea |
| Savannah Maddox | Republican | Yea |
| Scott Lewis | Republican | Yea |
| Scott Sharp | Republican | Yea |
| Shane Baker | Republican | Yea |
| Shawn McPherson | Republican | Yea |
| Stephanie Dietz | Republican | Yea |
| Steve Bratcher | Republican | Yea |
| Steve Riley | Republican | Not Voting |
| Steven Doan | Republican | Yea |
| Steven Rudy | Republican | Yea |
| Susan Witten | Republican | Yea |
| Suzanne Miles | Republican | Yea |
| T.J. Roberts | Republican | Yea |
| Thomas Huff | Republican | Yea |
| Timmy Truett | Republican | Yea |
| Tom Smith | Republican | Yea |
| Tony Hampton | Republican | Yea |
| Vanessa Grossl | Republican | Yea |
| Wade Williams | Republican | Yea |
| Walker Thomas | Republican | Yea |
| William Lawrence | Republican | Not Voting |
Subjects
Frequently asked questions
- What does HB 379 do?
- Amend KRS 164.001 to remove the definition of "committee," "P-16 council," and "remedial education"; amend KRS 164.013 to conform; amend KRS 164.0211 to attach the Board of Student Body Presidents to the Council on Postsecondary Education for administration and organization purposes; create a new section of KRS Chapter 164 to codify the existing Commonwealth Education Continuum; establish governance and membership of the continuum; establish the duties of the continuum; provide that the administrative and support staff of the continuum shall be provided by the council; direct the continuum to submit an annual report and establish the contents of the report; amend KRS 164.330 to remove requirement for board of regents meetings to be held within 30 days of an appointment; amend various KRS sections to conform; repeal KRS 164.003, 164.004, 164.0285, 164.0286, 164.0287, 164.0268, and 164.033.
- Who sponsors HB 379?
- HB 379 is sponsored by James Tipton (Republican) and Shane Baker (Republican).
- What is the current status of HB 379?
- This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 14, 2026. Enacted.
- Where can I track HB 379?
- Track HB 379 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.
Make your voice heard on HB 379
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