summary
Introduced
01/15/2026
01/15/2026
In Committee
01/23/2026
01/23/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amend KRS 65.013 to create a cause of action for violations of the use of tax dollars to advocate for or against public questions on the ballot or to lobby or participate in executive agency lobbying; establish time limitation to commence suit and appropriate venue; provide damages recoverable per violation; allow for a class action; prohibit persons held civilly liable from holding a position of public trust or profit for 10 years; create a new section of KRS Chapter 65 to establish a criminal penalty and a prohibition against holding a position of public trust or profit for 10 years for individuals found guilty of a violation.
AI Summary
This bill amends existing Kentucky law to prohibit the use of local, state, and federal tax dollars for advocating for or against ballot measures, or for lobbying activities, which includes influencing executive agencies. It establishes a legal pathway for citizens to sue entities that violate these provisions, allowing for lawsuits to be filed within one year of the violation in specific courts, and permits class-action lawsuits if multiple citizens are affected. If successful, claimants can recover $250,000 per violation, plus punitive damages, legal fees, and other relief. Furthermore, individuals found civilly liable for such violations will be barred from holding public office or profit-generating positions for ten years. The bill also introduces criminal penalties, classifying violations as a Class D felony, and imposing the same ten-year prohibition from public service upon conviction.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (12)
Felicia Rabourn (R)*,
Shane Baker (R),
Josh Calloway (R),
Steven Doan (R),
Vanessa Grossl (R),
Mark Hart (R),
Kimberly Holloway (R),
Thomas Huff (R),
Savannah Maddox (R),
Candy Massaroni (R),
Marianne Proctor (R),
T.J. Roberts (R),
Last Action
to Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H) (on 01/23/2026)
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/hb394.html |
| BillText | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/26RS/hb394/orig_bill.pdf |
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