SB 161 — AN ACT relating to employment.

Summary

Amend KRS 336.130 to delete references restricting rights of public employees to organize, associate collectively, or strike; amend KRS 336.180 to redefine "labor organization" and delete definitions of "candidate," "committee," "contributing organization," "contribution," "election," "electioneering communications," "employer," "fundraiser," "independent expenditure," "political activities," "public employee," "slate of candidates," and "testimonial affair"; amend KRS 336.990 to conform; amend KRS 67A.6904 to allow urban-county governments to make an agreement with a labor organization to require membership in the organization as a condition of employment; amend KRS 67C.406 to allow consolidated local governments to make an agreement with a labor organization to require membership in the organization as a condition of employment; amend KRS 70.262, 78.470, and 78.480 to remove exceptions; amend KRS 345.050 to allow public employers to make an agreement with a labor organization to require membership in the organization as a condition of employment; amend KRS 336.1341 and 336.135 to conform; repeal KRS 65.016, 336.132, and 336.134.

Bill Text

• Introduced View text Current pdf

Compared against the Kentucky Revised Statutes as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

The bill amends existing laws regarding employees' rights to organize, specifically by striking provisions that restrict public employees' ability to strike.

• KRS 336.130

  except that no public employee, collectively or individually, may engage in a strike or a work stoppage. Nothing in this statute and KRS 65.015, 67A.6904, 67C.406, 70.262, 78.470, 78.480, 336.132, 336.134, 336.180, 336.990, and 345.050 shall be construed as altering, amending, granting, or removing the rights of public employees to associate collectively for self-organization and designate collectively representatives of their own choosing to negotiate the terms and conditions of their employment to effectively promote their own rights and general welfare.

  The change removes the prohibition against public employees engaging in strikes or work stoppages.

• KRS 336.130

  [(a) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section or any provision of the Kentucky Revised Statutes to the contrary, no employee shall be required, as a condition of employment or continuation of employment, to: 1. Become or remain a member of a labor organization; 2. Pay any dues, fees, assessments, or other similar charges of any kind or amount to a labor organization; or 3. Pay to any charity or other third party, in lieu of these payments, any amount equivalent to or pro rata portion of dues, fees, assessments, or other charges required of a labor organization. (b) As used in this subsection, the term "employee" means any person employed by or suffered or permitted to work for a public or private employer.]

  The section concerning the conditions under which employees must engage with labor organizations has been removed.

• KRS 336.130

  [(4) The secretary of the Education and Labor Cabinet or his or her representative shall investigate complaints of violations or threatened violations of subsection (3) of this section and may initiate enforcement of a criminal penalty by causing a complaint to be filed with the appropriate local prosecutor and ensure effective enforcement.]

  The provision requiring the investigation of complaints regarding labor organization requirements has been removed.

• KRS 336.130

  [(6)] → [(4)]

  The numbering of the remaining sections has been adjusted to account for the removals.

Action History

1. February 03, 2026

   to Committee on Committees (S)

2. February 03, 2026

   introduced in Senate

Sponsors

• Robin L. Webb · Primary
• Reginald L. Thomas · Primary
• Gerald A. Neal · Primary
• Keturah J. Herron · Primary
• Karen Berg · Primary
• Cassie Chambers Armstrong · Primary
• Gary Clemons · Primary

Subjects