Kentucky 2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted 2 R cosponsors

SB 263 — AN ACT relating to education.

Last action — delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 180)

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

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 26, 2026. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Andy Beshear (Democratic) on April 14, 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

Advancing 58% · moderate confidence

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 2 sponsors

    2 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (2 R).

  • Mixed recorded votes

    5 passed, 1 failed in 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 156 to make findings and declarations about locally driven innovation and the intent of the General Assembly to permit flexibility for school districts to improve practices; amend KRS 156.161 to modify the waiver process and the waiver authority of the Kentucky Board of Education; require the Kentucky Department of Education to assist local boards of education in the development of waiver requests; specify the analysis the department shall provide to the state board in reviewing a local board's waiver request; establish a process for a local board to submit a request for a school or program to be identified as a school of innovation with a set of waivers that operate collectively; provide protections for school districts that rely on waiver assistance from the department; create a new section of KRS Chapter 156 to require the state board to establish a list of expedited waivers; establish the expedited waiver process and authority; require the state board to annually review all waivers granted to determine necessary changes to administrative regulations or statutes or identify new best practices; amend KRS 157.360 to conform; create a new section of KRS Chapter 160 to establish the school of innovation pilot project; establish the school of innovation pilot project fund; provide procedures for the operation of the pilot project; conclude the pilot project on June 30, 2028; require the department to annually report information and findings from the pilot project to the Legislative Research Commission.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

400 added · 547 removed

400 line(s) added, 547 removed.

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UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO AN ACT relating to education.
CHAPTER 180 1 CHAPTER 180 ( SB 263 ) AN ACT relating to education.
However, a waiver granted for specific school district facility projects, such as the waiver of requirements for the construction or Page 1 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO renovation of school buildings or the acquisition or disposition of property, shall not expire unless the state board specifically provides for expiration when granting the waiver.
However, a waiver granted for specific school district facility projects, such as the waiver of requirements for the construction or renovation of school buildings or the acquisition or disposition of property, shall not expire unless the state board specifically provides for expiration when granting the waiver.
(i) Purchasing requirements and limitations under KRS Chapter 45A and KRS Page 2 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO 156.074 and 156.480;
(i) Purchasing requirements and limitations under KRS Chapter 45A and KRS 156.074 and 156.480;
(a) Identify the specific statutes and administrative regulations for which the local board is seeking a waiver;
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (a) Identify the specific statutes and administrative regulations for which the local board is seeking a waiver;
Page 3 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO (5) Upon the majority vote of a local board approving a waiver request, the superintendent of the district or the local board's designee shall submit the waiver request to the state board.
(5) Upon the majority vote of a local board approving a waiver request, the superintendent of the district or the local board's designee shall submit the waiver request to the state board.
The state board shall approve the request to be identified as a school of innovation [request ]if the request demonstrates that all the approved waivers under this section and Section 3 of this Act attempt to improve student outcomes in a manner that would be difficult or impossible without the approved waivers.
The state board shall approve the request to be identified as a school of innovation [request ]if the request demonstrates that all the approved waivers under this section and Section of this Act attempt to improve student outcomes in a manner that would be difficult or impossible without the approved waivers.
Notwithstanding any Page 4 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO previous expiration date, the waivers incorporated in the identification as a school of innovation shall expire on June 30 of the third full school year after the identification is made[is more likely than not to improve either that school's or program's operation or student academic achievement].
Notwithstanding any previous expiration date, the waivers incorporated in the identification as a school of innovation shall expire on June 30 of the third full school year after the identification is made[is more likely than not to improve either that school's or program's operation or student academic achievement].
The renewal request shall include evidence of the operational improvement of the school or program that is subject to the waiver, the academic achievement of the students enrolled in the schools or program, comparisons of those students with similar students across the state, and any other evidence of the waiver's benefit to student academic achievement.
The renewal request shall include evidence of the operational improvement of the school or program that is subject to the waiver, the academic achievement of the students enrolled in the schools or program, comparisons of those students with similar students across the state, and CHAPTER 180 3 any other evidence of the waiver's benefit to student academic achievement.
(10)[(8)] Any school that is subject to a waiver shall admit any and all children eligible Page 5 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO to attend the school subject to the local board's policies.
(10)[(8)] Any school that is subject to a waiver shall admit any and all children eligible to attend the school subject to the local board's policies.
(1) Notwithstanding any provision of Section 2 of this Act to the contrary, the Kentucky Board of Education shall establish and maintain a list of expedited waivers that a local board of education may submit to the commissioner of Page 6 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO education for approval.
(1) Notwithstanding any provision of Section 2 of this Act to the contrary, the Kentucky Board of Education shall establish and maintain a list of expedited waivers that a local board of education may submit to the commissioner of education for approval.
(5) A local board may appeal the denial of an expedited waiver by the commissioner to the state board.
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (5) A local board may appeal the denial of an expedited waiver by the commissioner to the state board.
To be considered by the state board, the appeal shall be filed Page 7 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO within thirty (30) days of the denial.
To be considered by the state board, the appeal shall be filed within thirty (30) days of the denial.
The number of at-risk students shall be multiplied by a factor to be Page 8 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO established by the General Assembly.
The number of at-risk students shall be multiplied by a factor to be established by the General Assembly.
Except as provided in Page 9 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO subsection (6) of this section, the maximum number of pupils enrolled in a class shall be as follows:
Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, the maximum number of pupils enrolled in a class shall be as follows:
4.
CHAPTER 180 5 4.
A superintendent or school council may request an exemption pursuant to paragraph (c) of this subsection.[ A local school council may request a waiver relating to maximum class size pursuant Page 10 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO to KRS 156.161 in the same manner as a local board of education.] An exemption or waiver shall not be granted if the increased class size will impede any exceptional child from achieving his or her individual education program in the least restrictive environment.
A superintendent or school council may request an exemption pursuant to paragraph (c) of this subsection.[ A local school council may request a waiver relating to maximum class size pursuant to KRS 156.161 in the same manner as a local board of education.] An exemption or waiver shall not be granted if the increased class size will impede any exceptional child from achieving his or her individual education program in the least restrictive environment.
(9) Program funding shall be increased when the average daily attendance in any Page 11 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO district for the first two (2) months of the current school year is greater than the average daily attendance of the district for the first two (2) months of the previous school year.
(9) Program funding shall be increased when the average daily attendance in any district for the first two (2) months of the current school year is greater than the average daily attendance of the district for the first two (2) months of the previous school year.
(11) If the percentage of attendance of any school district shall have been reduced more than two percent (2%) during the previous school year, the program funding allotted the district for the current school year shall be increased by the difference in the percentage of attendance for the two (2) years immediately prior to the current school year less two percent (2%).
(11) If the percentage of attendance of any school district shall have been reduced more than two percent (2%) during the previous school year, the program funding allotted the district for the current school year shall be Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY increased by the difference in the percentage of attendance for the two (2) years immediately prior to the current school year less two percent (2%).
or any program of vocational Page 12 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO agriculture established by the Department of Education.
or any program of vocational agriculture established by the Department of Education.
A reimbursement formula shall be established by administrative Page 13 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO regulations to include such factors as a reasonable per hour, per child allotment for teacher instructional time, with a maximum number of funded hours per week, a reasonable allotment for teaching supplies and equipment, and a reasonable allotment for travel expenses to and from instructional assignments, but the formula shall not include an allotment for capital outlay.
A reimbursement formula shall be established by administrative regulations to include such factors as a reasonable per hour, per child allotment for teacher instructional time, with a maximum number of funded hours per week, a reasonable allotment for teaching supplies and equipment, and a reasonable allotment for travel expenses to and from instructional assignments, but the formula shall not include an allotment for capital outlay.
(14) Except for those schools which have implemented school-based decision making and the school council has voted to waive this subsection and for virtual programs, kindergarten aides shall be provided for each twenty-four (24) full-time equivalent kindergarten students enrolled.
(14) Except for those schools which have implemented school-based decision making and the school council has voted to waive this subsection and for virtual programs, kindergarten aides shall be provided for each twenty- four (24) full-time equivalent kindergarten students enrolled.
Page 14 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO The value of the real estate used in this calculation shall be the lesser of the current year assessment or the prior year assessment increased by four percent (4%) plus the value of current year new property.
The value of the real estate used in this calculation shall be the lesser of the current year assessment or the prior year assessment increased by four percent (4%) plus the value of current year new property.
(18) Notwithstanding any other statute or budget of the Commonwealth language to the contrary, time missed due to shortening days for emergencies may be made up by lengthening school days in the school calendar without any loss of funds under the program to support education excellence in Kentucky.
CHAPTER 180 7 (18) Notwithstanding any other statute or budget of the Commonwealth language to the contrary, time missed due to shortening days for emergencies may be made up by lengthening school days in the school calendar without any loss of funds under the program to support education excellence in Kentucky.
and Page 15 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO (b) To the extent funds are available and beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, a cohort of two (2) schools of innovation chosen from applications submitted by local boards of education that meet the following criteria:
and (b) To the extent funds are available and beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, a cohort of two (2) schools of innovation chosen from applications submitted by local boards of education that meet the following criteria:
The funds shall be distributed on a regular schedule to the approved applicant so long as the applicant operates the school of innovation as Page 16 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO outlined in the approved application.
The funds shall be distributed on a regular schedule to the approved applicant so long as the applicant operates the school of innovation as outlined in the approved application.
(a) A description of the district's school of innovation activities during the school year and how the school is innovating, including innovations through the waiving of statute or administrative regulation;
Legislative Research Commission PDF Version ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (a) A description of the district's school of innovation activities during the school year and how the school is innovating, including innovations through the waiving of statute or administrative regulation;
(6) Matching funds for the pilot project may include contributions from one (1) or more private or philanthropic entities, including nonprofit organizations that partner with school districts to support the design or implementation of schools of Page 17 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO innovation.
(6) Matching funds for the pilot project may include contributions from one (1) or more private or philanthropic entities, including nonprofit organizations that partner with school districts to support the design or implementation of schools of innovation.
and the Page 18 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS SB 263/VO Covington Independent School District for the support and operation of schools of innovation;
and the Covington Independent School District for the support and operation of schools of innovation;
Page 19 of 19 SB026390.100 - 1032 - XXXX 4/14/2026 7:05 PM Vetoed and Overridden
Veto Overridden April 14, 2026.
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Action History

  1. delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 180)

  2. enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House

  3. enrolled, signed by President of the Senate

  4. received in Senate

  5. passed 75-15

  6. veto overridden

  7. posted for consideration of Governor's veto

  8. taken from Rules (H)

  9. to Rules (H)

  10. received in House

  11. passed 32-6

  12. veto overridden

  13. posted for passage for consideration of Governor's veto

  14. to Rules (S)

  15. received in Senate

  16. Vetoed

  17. delivered to Governor

  18. enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House

  19. enrolled, signed by President of the Senate

  20. passed 32-6

  21. Senate concurred in Committee Substitute (1)

  22. posted for passage for concurrence in House Committee Substitute (1)

  23. to Rules (S)

  24. received in Senate

  25. 3rd reading, passed 75-18 with Committee Substitute (1)

  26. floor amendment (1) filed to Committee Substitute

  27. placed in the Orders of the Day

  28. taken from Rules

  29. reported favorably, to Rules with Committee Substitute (1)

  30. to Appropriations & Revenue (H)

  31. returned to Committee on Committees (H)

  32. 2nd reading

  33. taken from Committee on Committees (H)

  34. returned to Committee on Committees (H)

  35. 1st reading

  36. taken from Committee on Committees (H)

  37. to Committee on Committees (H)

  38. received in House

  39. 3rd reading, passed 30-6 with Committee Substitute (1)

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

  41. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Monday, March 16 2026

  42. 2nd reading, to Rules

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

  44. to Education (S)

  45. to Committee on Committees (S)

  46. introduced in Senate

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

Export CSV (upgrade) →

2 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 136 not signed on · 49 voted No

Sponsors (2)

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.

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

OVERRIDE VETO FINAL PASSAGE SB 263

Passed 32 Yea · 6 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 32100
Democrat 0500
Total 32600
% 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

Official roll call →

Veto Override

Passed 75 Yea · 15 Nay · 10 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 74005
Unaffiliated 1000
Democrat 01505
Total 7515010
% of votes cast 75%15%0%10%
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 Not Voting
Ashley Tackett Laferty Democrat Not Voting
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 Not Voting
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 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 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 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 Not Voting
Samara Heavrin Republican Yea
Savannah Maddox Republican Yea
Scott Lewis Republican Not Voting
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

Official roll call →

Suspend the Rules

Failed 18 Yea · 25 Nay · 57 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 18002
Republican 024055
Unaffiliated 0103
Total 1825060
% of votes cast 17%24%0%58%
How each member voted (103)
Member Party Vote
Lewis C — Nay
Commonwealth of Kentucky — Not Voting
House of Representatives — Not Voting
2026 Regular Session — Not Voting
Adam Moore Democrat Yea
Adrielle Camuel Democrat Yea
Al Gentry Democrat Yea
Anne Gay Donworth Democrat Yea
Ashley Tackett Laferty Democrat Not Voting
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 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 Nay
Adam Bowling Republican Not Voting
Amy Neighbors Republican Not Voting
Bill Wesley Republican Not Voting
Bobby McCool Republican Not Voting
Candy Massaroni Republican Not Voting
Chris Freeland Republican Not Voting
Chris Fugate Republican Not Voting
DJ Johnson Republican Not Voting
Daniel Elliott Republican Not Voting
Daniel Fister Republican Nay
David Hale Republican Nay
David Meade Republican Nay
David W. Osborne Republican Nay
Deanna Gordon Republican Not Voting
Derek Lewis Republican Nay
Emily Callaway Republican Not Voting
Felicia Rabourn Republican Not Voting
J.T. Payne Republican Not Voting
James Tipton Republican Nay
Jared Bauman Republican Not Voting
Jason Nemes Republican Nay
Jason Petrie Republican Not Voting
Jennifer Decker Republican Not Voting
Jim Gooch Jr. Republican Not Voting
John Blanton Republican Not Voting
John Hodgson Republican Not Voting
Josh Branscum Republican Not Voting
Josh Bray Republican Nay
Josh Calloway Republican Not Voting
Ken Fleming Republican Nay
Ken Upchurch Republican Not Voting
Kevin Jackson Republican Not Voting
Kim Banta Republican Not Voting
Kim Holloway Republican Not Voting
Kim King Republican Nay
Kimberly Poore Moser Republican Nay
Marianne Proctor Republican Not Voting
Mark Hart Republican Not Voting
Mary Beth Imes Republican Not Voting
Matt Lockett Republican Not Voting
Matthew Koch Republican Not Voting
Michael Meredith Republican Not Voting
Michael Sarge Pollock Republican Not Voting
Mike Clines Republican Not Voting
Mitch Whitaker Republican Not Voting
Myron Dossett Republican Not Voting
Nancy Tate Republican Nay
Nick Wilson Republican Not Voting
Patrick Flannery Republican Nay
Peyton Griffee Republican Not Voting
Randy Bridges Republican Not Voting
Rebecca Raymer Republican Not Voting
Richard White Republican Not Voting
Robert Duvall Republican Not Voting
Ryan Bivens Republican Not Voting
Ryan Dotson Republican Nay
Samara Heavrin Republican Nay
Savannah Maddox Republican Not Voting
Scott Lewis Republican Not Voting
Scott Sharp Republican Nay
Shane Baker Republican Nay
Shawn McPherson Republican Nay
Stephanie Dietz Republican Nay
Steve Bratcher Republican Nay
Steve Riley Republican Not Voting
Steven Doan Republican Not Voting
Steven Rudy Republican Nay
Susan Witten Republican Not Voting
Suzanne Miles Republican Not Voting
T.J. Roberts Republican Not Voting
Thomas Huff Republican Not Voting
Timmy Truett Republican Not Voting
Tom Smith Republican Not Voting
Tony Hampton Republican Nay
Vanessa Grossl Republican Not Voting
Wade Williams Republican Nay
Walker Thomas Republican Not Voting
William Lawrence Republican Not Voting

Official roll call →

Pass

Passed 75 Yea · 18 Nay · 7 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 74006
Unaffiliated 1000
Democrat 01802
Total 751808
% of votes cast 74%18%0%8%
How each member voted (101)
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 Not Voting
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 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 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 Not Voting
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 Not Voting
Kim Banta Republican Not Voting
Kim Holloway Republican Yea
Kim King Republican Yea
Kimberly Poore Moser Republican Yea
Marianne Proctor Republican Yea
Mark Hart Republican Not Voting
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 Not Voting

Official roll call →

FINAL PASSAGE OF SB 263 w/ HCS 1

Passed 32 Yea · 6 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 32100
Democrat 0500
Total 32600
% 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

Official roll call →

PASS SB 263 w/ SCS 1

Passed 30 Yea · 6 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 30102
Democrat 0500
Total 30602
% of votes cast 79%16%0%5%
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 Not Voting
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 Not Voting
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

Official roll call →

Subjects

education
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Frequently asked questions

What does SB 263 do?
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 156 to make findings and declarations about locally driven innovation and the intent of the General Assembly to permit flexibility for school districts to improve practices; amend KRS 156.161 to modify the waiver process and the waiver authority of the Kentucky Board of Education; require the Kentucky Department of Education to assist local boards of education in the development of waiver requests; specify the analysis the department shall provide to the state board in reviewing a local board's waiver request; establish a process for a local board to submit a request for a school or program to be identified as a school of innovation with a set of waivers that operate collectively; provide protections for school districts that rely on waiver assistance from the department; create a new section of KRS Chapter 156 to require the state board to establish a list of expedited waivers; establish the expedited waiver process and authority; require the state board to annually review all waivers granted to determine necessary changes to administrative regulations or statutes or identify new best practices; amend KRS 157.360 to conform; create a new section of KRS Chapter 160 to establish the school of innovation pilot project; establish the school of innovation pilot project fund; provide procedures for the operation of the pilot project; conclude the pilot project on June 30, 2028; require the department to annually report information and findings from the pilot project to the Legislative Research Commission.
Who sponsors SB 263?
SB 263 is sponsored by Lindsey Tichenor (Republican) and Stephen West (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 263?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced February 26, 2026. Enacted.
Where can I track SB 263?
Track SB 263 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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