LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentuckians facing discrimination could soon have stronger legal options if a new bill passes.
House Bill 468, sponsored by Rep. D. Elliott, passed the House Judiciary Committee this week. Supporters say it makes the legal process more fair while keeping protections against discrimination.
The bill would update Kentucky’s Civil Rights Act to match federal standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008.
It clarifies that people have the right to a trial by jury and shifts certain cases from the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights to the state Court of Justice.
Under the bill, people could file civil actions for discrimination without first going through the Human Rights Commission, giving them more direct access to the courts. All matters of fact in such cases would be triable by a jury, and timelines for commission reviews would be clarified to ensure faster resolutions.
Supporters say the changes modernize the state’s civil rights framework while keeping protections strong.
The full House is expected to debate the bill in the coming weeks as part of the 2026 legislative session.
