Kentucky 2026 Regular Session Status: Passed Senate 4 R cosponsors

SB 28 — AN ACT relating to operating a motor vehicle.

Last action — to Transportation (H)

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

This bill has passed the Senate. Introduced January 06, 2026. It now moves to the second chamber.

Next likely step: consideration and a floor vote in the House.

Odds of enactment

Moderate chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a moderate 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

Advancing 54% · moderate confidence

  • Passed Senate

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 4 sponsors

    4 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (4 R).

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 1 recorded vote 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

Repeal and reenact KRS 189.292 to define "mobile electronic device"; prohibit the use of a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle; establish exceptions; amend KRS 189.294 to define "mobile electronic device"; amend KRS 189.990 to establish penalties for violation of KRS 189.292 and 189.294; require that money from fines be deposited into the traumatic brain injury trust fund, the Kentucky trauma care system fund, and the veterans' program trust fund; provide that a courtesy warning and not a uniform citation shall be issued by a peace officer until October 31, 2026; provide that the Act may be cited as the Phone-Down Kentucky Act.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

24 added · 24 removed

Plain-language change summary

The latest version of Bill SB 28 shows that 24 lines were added, replacing 24 lines that were previously in the bill. While the specific content of the changes isn't detailed here, such revisions usually indicate updates or clarifications that respond to feedback from stakeholders or aim to improve the bill's effectiveness. These adjustments are important because they can enhance the bill's clarity and implementation, ultimately impacting how policies are enforced and experienced by the public.

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Previous
Latest
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 238 AN ACT relating to operating a motor vehicle.
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 28/GA AN ACT relating to operating a motor vehicle.
Page 1 of 12 BR023800.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:54 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 238 (c) Reporting an accident, emergency, or safety hazard to a public safety official;
Page 1 of 12 SB002810.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:58 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 28/GA (c) Reporting an accident, emergency, or safety hazard to a public safety official;
(b) Seize, search, view, or require the forfeiture of a mobile electronic device Page 2 of 12 BR023800.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:54 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 238 because of a violation of this section;
(b) Seize, search, view, or require the forfeiture of a mobile electronic device Page 2 of 12 SB002810.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:58 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 28/GA because of a violation of this section;
(5) The secretary of the Transportation Cabinet may promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with[pursuant to] KRS Chapter 13A to implement the provisions of this section, including but not limited to updates or advances in the Page 3 of 12 BR023800.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:54 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 238 automotive and information technology industries.
(5) The secretary of the Transportation Cabinet may promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with[pursuant to] KRS Chapter 13A to implement the provisions of this section, including but not limited to updates or advances in the Page 3 of 12 SB002810.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:58 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 28/GA automotive and information technology industries.
When the excess exceeds five thousand (5,000) pounds the fine shall be two cents ($0.02) per pound for each pound of excess load, but the fine levied shall not be less than one Page 4 of 12 BR023800.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:54 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 238 hundred dollars ($100) and shall not be more than five hundred dollars ($500).
When the excess exceeds five thousand (5,000) pounds the fine shall be two cents ($0.02) per pound for each pound of excess load, but the fine levied shall not be less than one Page 4 of 12 SB002810.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:58 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 28/GA hundred dollars ($100) and shall not be more than five hundred dollars ($500).
Any person who violates the provisions of KRS 177.985 while operating on a route designated in KRS 177.986 shall be fined one hundred dollars Page 5 of 12 BR023800.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:54 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 238 ($100).
Any person who violates the provisions of KRS 177.985 while operating on a route designated in KRS 177.986 shall be fined one hundred dollars Page 5 of 12 SB002810.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:58 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 28/GA ($100).
For each subsequent offense occurring within three (3) years, the person shall be fined not less than three hundred dollars ($300) nor more than five hundred dollars Page 6 of 12 BR023800.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:54 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 238 ($500) or imprisoned not less than sixty (60) days nor more than six (6) months, or both.
For each subsequent offense occurring within three (3) years, the person shall be fined not less than three hundred dollars ($300) nor more than five hundred dollars Page 6 of 12 SB002810.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:58 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 28/GA ($500) or imprisoned not less than sixty (60) days nor more than six (6) months, or both.
(14) Any person who violates any provision of KRS 189.575 shall be fined not less than Page 7 of 12 BR023800.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:54 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 238 twenty dollars ($20) nor more than twenty-five dollars ($25).
(14) Any person who violates any provision of KRS 189.575 shall be fined not less than Page 7 of 12 SB002810.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:58 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 28/GA twenty dollars ($20) nor more than twenty-five dollars ($25).
(21) A person who operates a bicycle in violation of the administrative regulations promulgated pursuant to KRS 189.287 shall be fined not less than ten dollars ($10) Page 8 of 12 BR023800.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:54 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 238 nor more than one hundred dollars ($100).
(21) A person who operates a bicycle in violation of the administrative regulations promulgated pursuant to KRS 189.287 shall be fined not less than ten dollars ($10) Page 8 of 12 SB002810.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:58 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 28/GA nor more than one hundred dollars ($100).
Nonpayment of fines shall Page 9 of 12 BR023800.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:54 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 238 be governed by KRS 534.020 and 534.060.
Nonpayment of fines shall Page 9 of 12 SB002810.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:58 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 28/GA be governed by KRS 534.020 and 534.060.
Page 10 of 12 BR023800.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:54 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 238 1.
Page 10 of 12 SB002810.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:58 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 28/GA 1.
Page 11 of 12 BR023800.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:54 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 238 1.
Page 11 of 12 SB002810.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:58 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 28/GA 1.
Page 12 of 12 BR023800.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:54 PM Jacketed
Page 12 of 12 SB002810.100 - 238 - XXXX 1/20/2026 5:58 PM GA
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Action History

  1. to Transportation (H)

  2. to Committee on Committees (H)

  3. received in House

  4. 3rd reading, passed 31-7

  5. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Tuesday, January 20, 2026

  6. 2nd reading, to Rules

  7. reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar

  8. to Transportation (S)

  9. to Committee on Committees (S)

  10. introduced in Senate

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

4 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 134 not signed on · 7 voted No

Sponsors (4)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (134)

134 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 134 →

"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

PASS SB 28

Passed 31 Yea · 7 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 5000
Republican 26700
Total 31700
% of votes cast 82%18%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 Nay
Amanda Mays Bledsoe Republican Yea
Brandon J. Storm Republican Yea
Christian McDaniel Republican Yea
Craig Richardson Republican Yea
Danny Carroll Republican Nay
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 Nay
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 Nay
Stephen West Republican Nay
Steve Rawlings Republican Nay
Tom Smith Republican Yea
Wade Williams Republican Nay
Walker Thomas Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

public-safety veterans transportation
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

What does SB 28 do?
Repeal and reenact KRS 189.292 to define "mobile electronic device"; prohibit the use of a mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle; establish exceptions; amend KRS 189.294 to define "mobile electronic device"; amend KRS 189.990 to establish penalties for violation of KRS 189.292 and 189.294; require that money from fines be deposited into the traumatic brain injury trust fund, the Kentucky trauma care system fund, and the veterans' program trust fund; provide that a courtesy warning and not a uniform citation shall be issued by a peace officer until October 31, 2026; provide that the Act may be cited as the Phone-Down Kentucky Act.
Who sponsors SB 28?
SB 28 is sponsored by Rick Girdler (Republican), Donald Douglas (Republican), Gary Boswell (Republican), and Jimmy Higdon (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 28?
This bill has passed the Senate. Introduced January 06, 2026. It now moves to the second chamber.
Where can I track SB 28?
Track SB 28 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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Last checked for changes about 2 months ago · updated continuously

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