Kentucky 2026 Regular Session Status: Passed Senate 1 R cosponsors

SB 198 — AN ACT relating to operations in the Office of the Attorney General.

Last action — Conference Committee appointed in House and Senate

  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 February 13, 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 48% · moderate confidence

  • Passed Senate

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 1 sponsor

    1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (1 R).

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 2 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 15.800 to 15.876 to require staff in the Department of Law with access to or use of federal tax information to submit to a criminal background check to be provided to the Attorney General; create a new section of KRS Chapter 15 to define terms; establish that each state agency is for all purposes the custodian of its own records; create a new section of KRS Chapter 15 to establish a 10-year statute of limitations in actions brought by the Attorney General; amend KRS 13B.140 to prohibit a hearing officer from being named as a party in any court action seeking judicial review of a final order of an agency; amend KRS 216B.115 to establish that in any appeal to the Franklin Circuit Court, neither the Attorney General nor any hearing officer shall be named as a party; amend KRS 322A.030 to remove the Attorney General as legal adviser to the Board of Registration for Professional Geologists; amend KRS 403.213 to remove the secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services as a member of the commission charged with review of the child support tables to conform with the transfer of child support enforcement to the Attorney General; amend KRS 367.160 to conform; make technical corrections.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

20 added · 20 removed

20 line(s) added, 20 removed.

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UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1035 AN ACT relating to operations in the Office of the Attorney General.
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 198/GA AN ACT relating to operations in the Office of the Attorney General.
(a) "State agency" means any department, board, commission, institution, division, office, organized body, or other functional group that is authorized by the Constitution of Kentucky or the laws of this Commonwealth to exercise, perform, or discharge any executive, legislative, judicial, or administrative jurisdiction, powers, duties, rights, or obligations of state Page 1 of 10 BR103500.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1035 government;
(a) "State agency" means any department, board, commission, institution, division, office, organized body, or other functional group that is authorized by the Constitution of Kentucky or the laws of this Commonwealth to exercise, perform, or discharge any executive, legislative, judicial, or administrative jurisdiction, powers, duties, rights, or obligations of state Page 1 of 10 SB019810.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 198/GA government;
Page 2 of 10 BR103500.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1035 (2) For purposes of this section, a cause of action shall be deemed to accrue at the time the injury or violation on which the action is based is first discovered by the Attorney General or in the exercise of reasonable care should have been discovered by the Attorney General, whichever is later.
Page 2 of 10 SB019810.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 198/GA (2) For purposes of this section, a cause of action shall be deemed to accrue at the time the injury or violation on which the action is based is first discovered by the Attorney General or in the exercise of reasonable care should have been discovered by the Attorney General, whichever is later.
Page 3 of 10 BR103500.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1035 (3) Within twenty (20) days after the service of the petition, or within further time allowed by the court, the agency shall transmit to the reviewing court the original or a certified copy of the official record of the proceeding under review.
Page 3 of 10 SB019810.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 198/GA (3) Within twenty (20) days after the service of the petition, or within further time allowed by the court, the agency shall transmit to the reviewing court the original or a certified copy of the official record of the proceeding under review.
Page 4 of 10 BR103500.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1035 (d) Summons shall be issued upon the petition directing the adverse party or parties to file an answer within twenty (20) days after service of summons.
Page 4 of 10 SB019810.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 198/GA (d) Summons shall be issued upon the petition directing the adverse party or parties to file an answer within twenty (20) days after service of summons.
(5) The board may promulgate administrative regulations consistent with the provisions of this chapter appropriate and necessary to the conduct of its responsibilities and Page 5 of 10 BR103500.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1035 duties.
(5) The board may promulgate administrative regulations consistent with the provisions of this chapter appropriate and necessary to the conduct of its responsibilities and Page 5 of 10 SB019810.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 198/GA duties.
(11) The board shall establish and maintain necessary offices within this Commonwealth, employ personnel as necessary, and prescribe their duties and Page 6 of 10 BR103500.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1035 compensation.
(11) The board shall establish and maintain necessary offices within this Commonwealth, employ personnel as necessary, and prescribe their duties and Page 6 of 10 SB019810.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 198/GA compensation.
(1) The Kentucky child support guidelines may be used by the parent, custodian, or agency substantially contributing to the support of the child as the basis for periodic updates of child support obligations and for modification of child support orders for Page 7 of 10 BR103500.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1035 health care.[ The provisions of] Any decree respecting child support may be modified only as to installments accruing subsequent to the filing of the motion for modification and only upon a showing of a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing.
(1) The Kentucky child support guidelines may be used by the parent, custodian, or agency substantially contributing to the support of the child as the basis for periodic updates of child support obligations and for modification of child support orders for Page 7 of 10 SB019810.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 198/GA health care.[ The provisions of] Any decree respecting child support may be modified only as to installments accruing subsequent to the filing of the motion for modification and only upon a showing of a material change in circumstances that is substantial and continuing.
Page 8 of 10 BR103500.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1035 (4) The child support guidelines table shall be reviewed at least once every four (4) years by a commission consisting of the following persons:
Page 8 of 10 SB019810.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 198/GA (4) The child support guidelines table shall be reviewed at least once every four (4) years by a commission consisting of the following persons:
If the status of one (1) of these members changes, the member shall be replaced through appointment by the Governor from a list of three (3) names submitted by the Page 9 of 10 BR103500.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 1035 Attorney General[cabinet].
If the status of one (1) of these members changes, the member shall be replaced through appointment by the Governor from a list of three (3) names submitted by the Page 9 of 10 SB019810.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 198/GA Attorney General[cabinet].
Page 10 of 10 BR103500.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM Jacketed
Page 10 of 10 SB019810.100 - 1035 - XXXX 3/11/2026 3:18 PM GA
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Action History

  1. Conference Committee appointed in House and Senate

  2. House refused to recede from Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)

  3. posted for passage for receding from House Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)

  4. to Rules (H)

  5. received in House

  6. Senate refused to concur in House Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)

  7. posted for passage for concurrence in House Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)

  8. to Rules (S)

  9. received in Senate

  10. 3rd reading, passed 67-19 with Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)

  11. placed in the Orders of the Day

  12. taken from Rules

  13. reported favorably, to Rules with Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)

  14. recommitted to Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (H)

  15. taken from the Orders of the Day

  16. floor amendments (1) and (2-title) filed

  17. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Wednesday, March 25 2026

  18. 2nd reading, to Rules

  19. reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar

  20. to Judiciary (H)

  21. to Committee on Committees (H)

  22. received in House

  23. 3rd reading, passed 32-0

  24. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Wednesday, March 11 2026

  25. 2nd reading, to Rules

  26. reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar

  27. to Judiciary (S)

  28. to Committee on Committees (S)

  29. introduced in Senate

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 137 not signed on · 19 voted No

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (137)

137 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 137 →

"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

Passed 67 Yea · 19 Nay · 14 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 661012
Unaffiliated 1000
Democrat 01802
Total 6719014
% of votes cast 67%19%0%14%
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 Not Voting
Beverly Chester-Burton Democrat Nay
Chad Aull Democrat Nay
Daniel Grossberg Democrat Nay
Erika Hancock Democrat Nay
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 Nay
Nima Kulkarni Democrat Not Voting
Pamela Stevenson Democrat Nay
Rachel Roarx Democrat Nay
Sarah Stalker Democrat Nay
Tina Bojanowski Democrat Nay
Aaron Thompson Republican Yea
Adam Bowling Republican Not Voting
Amy Neighbors Republican Yea
Bill Wesley Republican Yea
Bobby McCool Republican Yea
Candy Massaroni Republican Not Voting
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 Not Voting
J.T. Payne Republican Yea
James Tipton Republican Yea
Jared Bauman Republican Not Voting
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 Not Voting
Ken Fleming Republican Yea
Ken Upchurch Republican Yea
Kevin Jackson Republican Yea
Kim Banta Republican Yea
Kim Holloway Republican Nay
Kim King Republican Yea
Kimberly Poore Moser Republican Yea
Marianne Proctor Republican Not Voting
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 Not Voting
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 Not Voting
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 Not Voting
Steven Rudy Republican Yea
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 SB 198

Passed 32 Yea · 0 Nay · 6 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 5000
Republican 27006
Total 32006
% of votes cast 84%0%0%16%
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 Not Voting
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 Not Voting
Matt Nunn Republican Yea
Matthew Deneen Republican Yea
Max Wise Republican Yea
Michael Meredith Republican Yea
Nick Wilson Republican Yea
Phillip Wheeler Republican Not Voting
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 Not Voting
Stephen West Republican Yea
Steve Rawlings Republican Not Voting
Tom Smith Republican Yea
Wade Williams Republican Not Voting
Walker Thomas Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

public-safety civil-rights
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 198 do?
Create a new section of KRS 15.800 to 15.876 to require staff in the Department of Law with access to or use of federal tax information to submit to a criminal background check to be provided to the Attorney General; create a new section of KRS Chapter 15 to define terms; establish that each state agency is for all purposes the custodian of its own records; create a new section of KRS Chapter 15 to establish a 10-year statute of limitations in actions brought by the Attorney General; amend KRS 13B.140 to prohibit a hearing officer from being named as a party in any court action seeking judicial review of a final order of an agency; amend KRS 216B.115 to establish that in any appeal to the Franklin Circuit Court, neither the Attorney General nor any hearing officer shall be named as a party; amend KRS 322A.030 to remove the Attorney General as legal adviser to the Board of Registration for Professional Geologists; amend KRS 403.213 to remove the secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services as a member of the commission charged with review of the child support tables to conform with the transfer of child support enforcement to the Attorney General; amend KRS 367.160 to conform; make technical corrections.
Who sponsors SB 198?
SB 198 is sponsored by Stephen Meredith (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 198?
This bill has passed the Senate. Introduced February 13, 2026. It now moves to the second chamber.
Where can I track SB 198?
Track SB 198 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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