summary
Introduced
01/15/2026
01/15/2026
In Committee
01/16/2026
01/16/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amend KRS 161.120 to modify disclosure requirements for certain complaints; remove requirement for a conference between the staff of the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) and a certificate holder after a determination of sufficient evidence; restructure provisions concerning written admonishments by EPSB and referrals to hearings; provide a timeline for EPSB hearings; modify the right of a certificate holder to request an expedited hearing; require the hearing to be conducted before a hearing officer who is a licensed attorney secured from the Office of the Attorney General; change the timeline for a superintendent's duty to report; amend KRS 160.380 to allow a superintendent to contact a prior employers and the EPSB concerning an applicant for a certified position; establish information that shall be provided to a requesting superintendent; provide record retention requirements; grant liability protections for qualifying disclosures.
AI Summary
This bill modifies the process by which the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB), the state agency responsible for educator certification, handles complaints and disciplinary actions against educators. Key changes include making certain complaint details, particularly those involving sexual misconduct or unauthorized electronic communication with minors, confidential under the Open Records Act, and removing the requirement for an in-person conference between EPSB staff and an educator after a determination of sufficient evidence for a violation. The bill also streamlines the timeline for EPSB hearings, allows educators to request expedited hearings, and mandates that these hearings be conducted by a licensed attorney from the Office of the Attorney General. Additionally, it adjusts the timeframe for school superintendents to report educators whose employment is terminated or who resign under threat of termination, and it grants superintendents the authority to contact previous employers and the EPSB about job applicants, with protections against liability for those making disclosures.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
to Primary and Secondary Education (H) (on 01/16/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb415.html |
| BillText | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/26RS/hb415/orig_bill.pdf |
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