What’s new in Kentucky classrooms? 6 laws to know before your kids head back to school

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — When students return to classrooms across Kentucky, they’ll find several new state laws are reshaping the school day, from stricter rules on cellphones to a renewed focus on reading and writing.

The Kentucky General Assembly passed several education-related bills during the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions that take effect this school year, impacting students, teachers, and school staff across the state.

Moment of silence, Senate Bill 19

Under Senate Bill 19, every public school day must begin with a one-to-two-minute moment of silence. During that time, students are required to remain seated and silent, and are permitted to reflect, meditate or pray.

Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed the bill earlier this year, arguing that a seated moment of silence does not accommodate faith traditions that involve standing prayer. Lawmakers overrode the veto, and the law is now in effect.

Cellphones banned in classrooms, House Bill 208

House Bill 208 bans the use of cellphones in classrooms across Kentucky. School districts are allowed to create their own enforcement policies.

In Jefferson County Public Schools, phones are banned during the entire school day, except in emergencies.

Limits on teacher-student communication, Senate Bill 181

Senate Bill 181 changes how teachers and school volunteers can communicate with students. They are no longer allowed to call or text students directly. Instead, all communication must go through traceable, school-approved platforms.

New tools to report child abuse, Senate Bill 120

Senate Bill 120 provides more tools and clearer guidance for teachers, coaches, and other school personnel to recognize and report child abuse.

Cursive writing required again, Senate Bill 167

Senate Bill 167 brings cursive writing back to Kentucky classrooms. Elementary schools are now required to teach cursive as part of their curriculum in an effort to make students proficient by the end of 5th grade.

Early reading benchmarks, House Bill 240

House Bill 240 creates new reading benchmarks for Kentucky’s youngest students. Under the law, kindergartners and first graders who do not meet literacy standards by the end of the year may be held back. A universal screener will be given at the end of the school year, if a student does not pass or the school determines the student is not prepared for the next grade, they will be held back.

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