Kentucky lawmakers open 2026 session, file dozens of bills amid transparency debate

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky lawmakers opened the 2026 legislative session Tuesday inside a temporary Capitol building, as major renovations continue at the historic Capitol. While the first day was brief, it was not without controversy.

The new temporary House and Senate chambers do not include a public viewing gallery, raising concerns from some lawmakers about transparency.

“I’m afraid that the rules take us even further away from transparency,” said Minority Caucus Chair Rep. Lindsey Burke Tuesday.

Republican lawmakers pushed back, arguing the public still has full access through livestreams and recorded video.

“We could have spent another $5 million on making a larger area there, but it’s all videotaped. It’s all live-streamed, and no one’s slipping in anything secretly,” said Sen. Aaron Reed.

Lawmakers are facing high-stakes decisions this session, including crafting the state’s 2026–2028 budget at a time when Kentucky is dealing with declining revenues.

“Well, rising costs and, you know, lack of funding is always something that’s going to be an issue. Balancing that fiscal responsibility is going to be tough,” Reed said.

More than 50 bills were filed on the first day of the session.

Among them is House Bill 11, which would create a process for forming new independent school districts out of underperforming ones. Republican lawmakers have previously been outspoken about wanting to break up Jefferson County Public Schools.

Other proposals include House Bill 13, which would lower income tax rates for people earning up to $300,000 while setting a flat 6 percent tax rate for income above that threshold.

Senate Bill 16 would raise Kentucky’s minimum wage to $15 an hour. Senate Bill 26 would prohibit school districts from spending resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Several additional bills aim to increase teacher pay.

More legislation is expected in the coming days.

Reed says he plans to file a bill to move driver’s license services back to local counties, allowing renewals at circuit clerk offices, county clerk offices, sheriff’s offices, or judge-executive offices. The proposal would apply to renewals only and include a $25 fee.

“The regional model has really put a stress, and everyone has felt it by now,” Reed said.

Lawmakers are scheduled to remain in session until April 15.