summary
Introduced
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
In Committee
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amend KRS 336.130 to delete references restricting rights of public employees to organize, associate collectively, or strike; amend KRS 336.180 to redefine "labor organization" and delete definitions of "candidate," "committee," "contributing organization," "contribution," "election," "electioneering communications," "employer," "fundraiser," "independent expenditure," "political activities," "public employee," "slate of candidates," and "testimonial affair"; amend KRS 336.990 to conform; amend KRS 67A.6904 to allow urban-county governments to make an agreement with a labor organization to require membership in the organization as a condition of employment; amend KRS 67C.406 to allow consolidated local governments to make an agreement with a labor organization to require membership in the organization as a condition of employment; amend KRS 70.262, 78.470, and 78.480 to remove exceptions; amend KRS 345.050 to allow public employers to make an agreement with a labor organization to require membership in the organization as a condition of employment; amend KRS 336.1341 and 336.135 to conform; repeal KRS 65.016, 336.132, and 336.134.
AI Summary
This bill aims to significantly alter Kentucky's labor laws by removing restrictions on public employees' rights to organize, associate, and strike, and by redefining what constitutes a "labor organization" to include employee participation and focus on grievances, disputes, wages, hours, and working conditions. It also allows urban-county governments, consolidated local governments, and other public employers to enter into agreements requiring employees to join a labor organization as a condition of employment, effectively enabling union security agreements. Additionally, the bill repeals several existing statutes related to labor agreements and deductions for labor organizations or political activities, and it removes specific exceptions that previously limited these rights for public employees in various governmental roles.
Sponsors (7)
Gary Clemons (D)*,
Karen Berg (D),
Cassie Chambers Armstrong (D),
Keturah Herron (D),
Gerald Neal (D),
Reggie Thomas (D),
Robin Webb (R),
Last Action
to Committee on Committees (S) (on 02/03/2026)
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/sb161.html |
| BillText | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/26RS/sb161/orig_bill.pdf |
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