Kentucky 2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 39 R · 3 D cosponsors

HB 4 — AN ACT relating to grooming a minor.

Last action — signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 65)

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed House
  4. ✓
    Passed Senate
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 13, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Andy Beshear (Democratic) on April 10, 2026.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 98% · high confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 42 sponsors

    42 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (39 R · 3 D) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 3 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Summary

­Create a new section of KRS Chapter 510 to establish the offense of grooming a minor; amend KRS 510.010 to define "course of conduct," "grooming behavior," and "sexual conduct"; amend various sections to conform; make technical corrections.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

707 added · 973 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent amendment to Bill HB 4 establishes specific penalties for the crime of grooming minors, differentiating between cases involving minors under fourteen and those under twelve. The key change is that grooming a minor under twelve years old now carries more severe penalties, increasing the classification from a Class D felony to a Class C felony for certain violations. This is important as it reflects a heightened recognition of the vulnerability of younger children and aims to provide stronger legal protections against predatory behavior. Overall, the amendment seeks to deter and address harmful actions directed at minors more effectively.

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UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN AN ACT relating to grooming a minor.
CHAPTER 65 1 CHAPTER 65 ( HB 4 ) AN ACT relating to grooming a minor.
Page 1 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN (a) Teaching curriculum on human sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases as provided in KRS 158.1415;
(a) Teaching curriculum on human sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases as provided in KRS 158.1415;
(4)[(2)] "Forcible compulsion" means physical force or threat of physical force, express or implied, which places a person in fear of immediate death, physical Page 2 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN injury to self or another person, fear of the immediate kidnap of self or another person, or fear of any offense under this chapter.
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (4)[(2)] "Forcible compulsion" means physical force or threat of physical force, express or implied, which places a person in fear of immediate death, physical injury to self or another person, fear of the immediate kidnap of self or another person, or fear of any offense under this chapter.
(8)[(3)] "Mental illness" means a diagnostic term that covers many clinical categories, typically including behavioral or psychological symptoms, or both, along with impairment of personal and social function, and specifically defined and clinically interpreted through reference to criteria contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Third Edition) and any subsequent revision thereto, of the American Psychiatric Association;[ (4) "Individual with an intellectual disability" means a person with significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period, as defined in KRS Chapter 202B;] (9)[(5)] "Mentally incapacitated" means that a person is rendered temporarily Page 3 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN incapable of appraising or controlling his or her conduct as a result of the influence of an intoxicating substance administered to him or her without his or her consent or as a result of any other act committed upon him or her without his or her consent;
(8)[(3)] "Mental illness" means a diagnostic term that covers many clinical categories, typically including behavioral or psychological symptoms, or both, along with impairment of personal and social function, and specifically defined and clinically interpreted through reference to criteria contained in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Third Edition) and any subsequent revision thereto, of the American Psychiatric Association;[ (4) "Individual with an intellectual disability" means a person with significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period, as defined in KRS Chapter 202B;] (9)[(5)] "Mentally incapacitated" means that a person is rendered temporarily incapable of appraising or controlling his or her conduct as a result of the influence of an intoxicating substance administered to him or her without his or her consent or as a result of any other act committed upon him or her without his or her consent;
(9) "Foreign object" means anything used in commission of a sexual act other than the Page 4 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN person of the actor;
(9) "Foreign object" means anything used in commission of a sexual act other than the person of the actor;
and (11) "Adult intermediary" means a person who is age eighteen (18) years or older, who communicates with another for the purpose of procuring or promoting the use of a minor in violation of KRS 510.155].
and CHAPTER 65 3 (11) "Adult intermediary" means a person who is age eighteen (18) years or older, who communicates with another for the purpose of procuring or promoting the use of a minor in violation of KRS 510.155].
Page 5 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN (c) Committing any act that constitutes fraudulent, corrupt, dishonest, or immoral conduct.
(c) Committing any act that constitutes fraudulent, corrupt, dishonest, or immoral conduct.
(2) The Education Professional Standards Board shall respond to complaints against a Page 6 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN certificate holder by the following process:
(2) The Education Professional Standards Board shall respond to complaints against a certificate holder by the following process:
If the complaint alleges unauthorized electronic communication as defined in KRS 160.145, sexual contact, or other sexual misconduct, the identity of a complainant that is not the superintendent and any identifying information of the minor involved in the complaint shall remain confidential.
If the complaint alleges unauthorized electronic communication as defined in KRS 160.145, sexual contact, or Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY other sexual misconduct, the identity of a complainant that is not the superintendent and any identifying information of the minor involved in the complaint shall remain confidential.
Insufficient, then the board staff shall recommend dismissal and shall Page 7 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN notify the certificate holder and the complainant of the recommendation within seven (7) business days of the determination;
Insufficient, then the board staff shall recommend dismissal and shall notify the certificate holder and the complainant of the recommendation within seven (7) business days of the determination;
Page 8 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN i.
i.
3.
CHAPTER 65 5 3.
(b) The district superintendent shall inform the Education Professional Standards Board in writing of the full facts and circumstances leading to the contract Page 9 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN termination or nonrenewal, resignation, or other absence, conviction, or otherwise reported actions or conduct of the certified employee, that may warrant action against the certificate under subsection (1) of this section, and shall forward copies of all relevant documents and records in his or her possession.
(b) The district superintendent shall inform the Education Professional Standards Board in writing of the full facts and circumstances leading to the contract termination or nonrenewal, resignation, or other absence, conviction, or otherwise reported actions or conduct of the certified employee, that may warrant action against the certificate under subsection (1) of this section, and shall forward copies of all relevant documents and records in his or her possession.
Alternatively, the certificate holder Page 10 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN may file a request for a hearing with the board within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the admonishment.
Alternatively, the certificate holder may file a request for a hearing with the board within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of the admonishment.
(d) The hearing shall be conducted before a hearing officer secured by the board pursuant to KRS 13B.030 and the board may:
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (d) The hearing shall be conducted before a hearing officer secured by the board pursuant to KRS 13B.030 and the board may:
Page 11 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN 1.
1.
Page 12 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN (12) (a) Revocation of a certificate is a permanent forfeiture.
(12) (a) Revocation of a certificate is a permanent forfeiture.
(b) Being convicted of a felony in any court if the act or acts for which the licensee or applicant for license was convicted are determined by the board to Page 13 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN have a direct bearing on whether the person is trustworthy to serve the public as a licensed massage therapist, if in accordance with KRS Chapter 335B.
(b) Being convicted of a felony in any court if the act or acts for which the licensee or applicant for license was convicted are determined by the board to have a direct bearing on whether the person is trustworthy to serve the public as a licensed massage therapist, if in accordance with KRS Chapter 335B.
(d) Violating any provision of this chapter or administrative regulations promulgated under this chapter[thereunder];
CHAPTER 65 7 (d) Violating any provision of this chapter or administrative regulations promulgated under this chapter[thereunder];
(3) The surrender of a license shall not deprive the board of jurisdiction to proceed with Page 14 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN disciplinary actions under KRS 309.350 to 309.364.
(3) The surrender of a license shall not deprive the board of jurisdiction to proceed with disciplinary actions under KRS 309.350 to 309.364.
(8) Been unable or is unable to practice medicine according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care by reason of mental or physical illness or other condition including but not limited to physical deterioration that adversely affects Page 15 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN cognitive, motor, or perceptive skills, or by reason of an extended absence from the active practice of medicine;
(8) Been unable or is unable to practice medicine according to acceptable and prevailing standards of care by reason of mental or physical illness or other condition including but not limited to physical deterioration that adversely affects cognitive, motor, or perceptive skills, or by reason of an extended absence from the active practice of medicine;
(12) Violated or attempted to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisted in or abetted the violation of, or conspired to violate any provision or term of any medical practice act, including but not limited to the code of conduct promulgated by the board under KRS 311.601 or any other valid regulation of the board;
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (12) Violated or attempted to violate, directly or indirectly, or assisted in or abetted the violation of, or conspired to violate any provision or term of any medical practice act, including but not limited to the code of conduct promulgated by the board under KRS 311.601 or any other valid regulation of the board;
Page 16 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN (18) Failed or refused, without legal justification, to practice medicine in a rural area of the Commonwealth[this state] in violation of a valid medical scholarship loan contract with the trustees of the rural Kentucky medical scholarship fund;
(18) Failed or refused, without legal justification, to practice medicine in a rural area of the Commonwealth[this state] in violation of a valid medical scholarship loan contract with the trustees of the rural Kentucky medical scholarship fund;
(21) Been disciplined by a licensed hospital or medical staff of the hospital, including Page 17 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN removal, suspension, limitation of hospital privileges, failing to renew privileges for cause, resignation of privileges under pressure or investigation, or other disciplinary action if the action was based upon what the hospital or medical staff found to be unprofessional conduct, professional incompetence, malpractice, or a violation of any provisions of KRS Chapter 311.
(21) Been disciplined by a licensed hospital or medical staff of the hospital, including removal, suspension, limitation of hospital privileges, failing to renew privileges for cause, resignation of privileges under pressure or investigation, or other disciplinary action if the action was based upon what the hospital or medical staff found to be unprofessional conduct, professional incompetence, malpractice, or a violation of any provisions of KRS Chapter 311.
(a) Call or hold himself or herself out as or use the title of emergency medical technician, advanced emergency medical technician, emergency medical responder, paramedic, advanced practice paramedic, emergency medical services educator, paramedic course coordinator, emergency medical services medical director, mobile integrated healthcare program medical director, or any other member of emergency medical services personnel unless licensed or certified under the provisions of this chapter.
(a) Call or hold himself or herself out as or use the title of emergency medical technician, advanced emergency medical technician, emergency medical responder, paramedic, advanced practice paramedic, CHAPTER 65 9 emergency medical services educator, paramedic course coordinator, emergency medical services medical director, mobile integrated healthcare program medical director, or any other member of emergency medical services personnel unless licensed or certified under the provisions of this chapter.
The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply if the board does not license or certify a person as an instructor Page 18 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN in a particular discipline regulated by the board;
The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply if the board does not license or certify a person as an instructor in a particular discipline regulated by the board;
(g) Be convicted of a misdemeanor which involved acts that bear directly on the qualifications or ability of the applicant, licensee, or certified person to Page 19 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN practice the discipline for which the person is an applicant, licensee, or certified person, if in accordance with KRS Chapter 335B;
(g) Be convicted of a misdemeanor which involved acts that bear directly on the qualifications or ability of the applicant, licensee, or certified person to practice the discipline for which the person is an applicant, licensee, or certified person, if in accordance with KRS Chapter 335B;
(3) It shall be unlawful for an employer of a person licensed or certified by the board Page 20 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN having knowledge of the facts to refrain from reporting to the board on an official complaint form approved by the board through administrative regulation any person licensed or certified by the board who:
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (3) It shall be unlawful for an employer of a person licensed or certified by the board having knowledge of the facts to refrain from reporting to the board on an official complaint form approved by the board through administrative regulation any person licensed or certified by the board who:
Page 21 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN (i) Is reasonably suspected of abusing, misusing, or misappropriating any drugs placed in the custody of the licensee or certified person for administration or for use of others;
(i) Is reasonably suspected of abusing, misusing, or misappropriating any drugs placed in the custody of the licensee or certified person for administration or for use of others;
(1) The board shall have power to reprimand, deny, limit, revoke, probate, or suspend any license or credential to practice nursing issued by the board or applied for in accordance with this chapter or the privilege to practice as a nurse recognized by Page 22 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN the board in accordance with this chapter, or to otherwise discipline a licensee, credential holder, privilege holder, or applicant, or to deny admission to the licensure examination, or to require evidence of evaluation and therapy upon proof that the person:
(1) The board shall have power to reprimand, deny, limit, revoke, probate, or suspend any license or credential to practice nursing issued by the board or applied for in accordance with this chapter or the privilege to practice as a nurse recognized by the board in accordance with this chapter, or to otherwise discipline a licensee, credential holder, privilege holder, or applicant, or to deny admission to the licensure examination, or to require evidence of evaluation and therapy upon proof that the person:
(b) Has been convicted of any felony, or a misdemeanor involving drugs, alcohol, fraud, deceit, falsification of records, a breach of trust, physical harm or endangerment to others, or dishonesty, under the laws of any state or of the United States, if in accordance with KRS Chapter 335B.
(b) Has been convicted of any felony, or a misdemeanor involving drugs, alcohol, fraud, deceit, falsification of records, a breach of trust, physical harm or endangerment to others, or dishonesty, under CHAPTER 65 11 the laws of any state or of the United States, if in accordance with KRS Chapter 335B.
Page 23 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN (h) Has falsified or in a negligent manner made incorrect entries or failed to make essential entries on essential records;
(h) Has falsified or in a negligent manner made incorrect entries or failed to make essential entries on essential records;
(r) Has engaged in conduct that is subject to the penalties under KRS 304.99- 060(4) or (5);
(r) Has engaged in conduct that is subject to the penalties under KRS 304.99-060(4) or (5);
A suspended or revoked license, privilege, or credential may be reinstated at the discretion of the Page 24 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN board, and in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board.
A suspended or revoked license, privilege, or credential may be reinstated at the discretion of the board, and in accordance with regulations promulgated by the board.
(7) If the board substantiates that sexual contact occurred between a nurse and a patient while the patient was under the care of or in a professional relationship with the nurse, the nurse's license, privilege, or credential may be revoked or suspended with mandatory treatment of the nurse as prescribed by the board.
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (7) If the board substantiates that sexual contact occurred between a nurse and a patient while the patient was under the care of or in a professional relationship with the nurse, the nurse's license, privilege, or credential may be revoked or suspended with mandatory treatment of the nurse as prescribed by the board.
Page 25 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN (1) Knowingly made or presented, or caused to be made or presented, any false, fraudulent, or forged statement, writing, certificate, diploma, or other thing, in connection with an application for a license or permit;
(1) Knowingly made or presented, or caused to be made or presented, any false, fraudulent, or forged statement, writing, certificate, diploma, or other thing, in connection with an application for a license or permit;
(1) The board, after due notice and an opportunity for an administrative hearing conducted in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B, may take any one (1) or a combination of the following actions against any applied behavior analyst or Page 26 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN applied assistant behavior analyst licensee or applicant:
(1) The board, after due notice and an opportunity for an administrative hearing conducted in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B, may take any one (1) or a combination of the following actions against any applied behavior analyst or applied assistant behavior analyst licensee or applicant:
(c) Having engaged in or attempted to engage in a course of lewd or immoral conduct with any person while that person is a patient or client of the behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst;
CHAPTER 65 13 (c) Having engaged in or attempted to engage in a course of lewd or immoral conduct with any person while that person is a patient or client of the behavior analyst or assistant behavior analyst;
(f) Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor in the courts of the Commonwealth[this state] or any other state, territory, or country which affects his or her ability to continue to practice competently and safely on the Page 27 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN public.
(f) Conviction of a felony or misdemeanor in the courts of the Commonwealth[this state] or any other state, territory, or country which affects his or her ability to continue to practice competently and safely on the public.
(1) The board, after due notice and an opportunity for an administrative hearing conducted in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B may take any one (1) or a Page 28 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN combination of the following actions against any licensee, certificate holder, or applicant:
(1) The board, after due notice and an opportunity for an administrative hearing conducted in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B may take any one (1) or a combination of the following actions against any licensee, certificate holder, or applicant:
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or 2.
or Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2.
(d) Having sexual contact, as defined in[by] KRS 510.010[(7)], without the Page 29 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN consent of both parties, with an employee or coworker of the licensee or certificate holder;
(d) Having sexual contact, as defined in[by] KRS 510.010[(7)], without the consent of both parties, with an employee or coworker of the licensee or certificate holder;
Page 30 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN (n) Violation of KRS 304.39-215;
(n) Violation of KRS 304.39-215;
(g) Violated the code of ethical conduct as set forth by the board by promulgation Page 31 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN of an administrative regulation;
(g) Violated the code of ethical conduct as set forth by the board by promulgation of an administrative regulation;
or (j) Aided or abetted an unlicensed person in the practice of social work.
or CHAPTER 65 15 (j) Aided or abetted an unlicensed person in the practice of social work.
(6) Upon proof substantiating that sexual contact occurred between a social worker licensed by the board and a client while the client was under the care of or in a Page 32 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 4/EN professional relationship with the social worker, the social worker's license may be revoked or suspended with mandatory treatment of the social worker as prescribed by the board.
(6) Upon proof substantiating that sexual contact occurred between a social worker licensed by the board and a client while the client was under the care of or in a professional relationship with the social worker, the social worker's license may be revoked or suspended with mandatory treatment of the social worker as prescribed by the board.
Page 33 of 33 HB000420.100 - 60 - XXXX 3/31/2026 12:19 PM Engrossed
Signed by Governor April 10, 2026.
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Action History

  1. signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 65)

  2. delivered to Governor

  3. enrolled, signed by President of the Senate

  4. enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House

  5. passed 92-0

  6. House concurred in Committee Substitute (1)

  7. posted for passage for concurrence in Senate

  8. to Rules (H)

  9. received in House

  10. 3rd reading, passed 38-0 with Committee Substitute (1)

  11. passed over and retained in the Orders of the Day

  12. passed over and retained in the Orders of the Day

  13. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Tuesday, March 24 2026

  14. 2nd reading, to Rules

  15. reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)

  16. to Judiciary (S)

  17. to Committee on Committees (S)

  18. received in Senate

  19. 3rd reading, passed 98-0 with Floor Amendment (2)

  20. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Wednesday, February 04 2026

  21. floor amendment (2) and (3) filed

  22. floor amendment (1) filed

  23. 2nd reading, to Rules

  24. reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar

  25. to Judiciary (H)

  26. to Committee on Committees (H)

  27. introduced in House

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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42 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 96 not signed on

Sponsors (42)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (96)

96 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 96 →

"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.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Final Passage

Passed 92 Yea · 0 Nay · 8 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 16004
Republican 75004
Unaffiliated 1000
Total 92008
% 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 Not Voting
Chad Aull Democrat Yea
Daniel Grossberg Democrat Yea
Erika Hancock Democrat Yea
George Brown Jr. Democrat Yea
Joshua Watkins Democrat Not Voting
Lindsey Burke Democrat Yea
Lisa Willner Democrat Yea
Mary Lou Marzian Democrat Not Voting
Matthew Lehman Democrat Yea
Nima Kulkarni Democrat Yea
Pamela Stevenson Democrat Not Voting
Rachel Roarx Democrat Yea
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 Yea
Candy Massaroni Republican Yea
Chris Freeland Republican Yea
Chris Fugate Republican Yea
DJ Johnson Republican Yea
Daniel Elliott Republican Not Voting
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 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 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 Not Voting
Susan Witten Republican Yea
Suzanne Miles Republican Yea
T.J. Roberts Republican Yea
Thomas Huff Republican Yea
Timmy Truett Republican Not Voting
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

Official roll call →

PASS HB 4 w/ SCS 1

Passed 38 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 5000
Republican 33000
Total 38000
% 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

Official roll call →

Pass

Passed 98 Yea · 0 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 20000
Republican 77002
Unaffiliated 1000
Total 98002
% of votes cast 98%0%0%2%
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 Yea
Mary Lou Marzian Democrat Yea
Matthew Lehman Democrat Yea
Nima Kulkarni Democrat Yea
Pamela Stevenson Democrat Yea
Rachel Roarx Democrat Yea
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 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 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 Yea
Kim King Republican Not Voting
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 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 Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

public-safety civil-rights
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Frequently asked questions

What does HB 4 do?
­Create a new section of KRS Chapter 510 to establish the offense of grooming a minor; amend KRS 510.010 to define "course of conduct," "grooming behavior," and "sexual conduct"; amend various sections to conform; make technical corrections.
Who sponsors HB 4?
HB 4 is sponsored by Richard White (Republican), Bill Wesley (Republican), James Tipton (Republican), Walker Thomas (Republican), Nancy Tate (Republican), Scott Sharp (Republican), T.J. Roberts (Republican), Felicia Rabourn (Republican), David W. Osborne (Republican), Jason Nemes (Republican), Kimberly Poore Moser (Republican), Candy Massaroni (Republican), Savannah Maddox (Republican), Matt Lockett (Republican), Chris Lewis (Republican), DJ Johnson (Republican), Mary Beth Imes (Republican), Thomas Huff (Republican), Kim Holloway (Republican), John Hodgson (Republican), Mark Hart (Republican), Tony Hampton (Republican), David Hale (Republican), Vanessa Grossl (Republican), Daniel Grossberg (Democrat), Peyton Griffee (Republican), Deanna Gordon (Republican), Jim Gooch Jr. (Republican), Chris Fugate (Republican), Patrick Flannery (Republican), Daniel Elliott (Republican), Ryan Dotson (Republican), Steven Doan (Republican), Jennifer Decker (Republican), Beverly Chester-Burton (Democrat), Josh Calloway (Republican), George Brown Jr. (Democrat), Steve Bratcher (Republican), Ryan Bivens (Republican), Shane Baker (Republican), Kim Banta (Republican), and Marianne Proctor (Republican).
What is the current status of HB 4?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 13, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track HB 4?
Track HB 4 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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