summary
Introduced
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amend KRS 157.320 to define "at risk" and "teaming partner"; amend KRS 157.3175 to require each local school district to provide preschool to 4 year olds who reside in a household with an income at or below 160% of the poverty level until the end of the 2030-2031 school year and beginning with the 2031-2032 school year, require each local school district to provide preschool to each 4 year old who is at risk; provide requirements for program guidelines; require the Kentucky Department of Education to establish and maintain a statewide unified data system; create a new section of KRS Chapter 157 to require local school districts to maintain certification from the Head Start director that Head Start is fully utilized; provide penalties; require local school districts to prepare and submit preschool expansion plans to the deparment; require the department to promulgate administrative regulations regarding preschool expansion; require the department to submit a report the the Legislative Research Commission annually regarding preschool expansion.
AI Summary
This bill expands access to preschool education programs in Kentucky by redefining "at risk" to include children in households with incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty level and establishing a phased approach to universal preschool for four-year-olds. Initially, until the end of the 2030-2031 school year, school districts must provide preschool to four-year-olds in households earning up to 160% of the federal poverty level. Beginning with the 2031-2032 school year, all four-year-olds identified as "at risk" will be eligible. The bill also introduces the term "teaming partner," referring to non-governmental entities that contract with school districts to provide preschool services, and mandates that local school districts ensure Head Start programs are fully utilized before expanding their own services, with penalties for non-compliance. Furthermore, it requires the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) to create a statewide data system for preschool programs, develop administrative regulations for preschool expansion plans, and submit annual reports to the Legislative Research Commission on the progress and challenges of expanding preschool access.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (17)
Tina Bojanowski (D)*,
Chad Aull (D),
George Brown (D),
Lindsey Burke (D),
Adrielle Camuel (D),
Beverly Chester-Burton (D),
Anne Donworth (D),
Al Gentry (D),
William Lawrence (R),
Mary Marzian (D),
Adam Moore (D),
Rachel Roarx (D),
Sarah Stalker (D),
Pamela Stevenson (D),
Ashley Tackett Laferty (D),
Joshua Watkins (D),
Lisa Willner (D),
Last Action
to Primary and Secondary Education (H) (on 02/12/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26RS/hb572.html |
| BillText | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/26RS/hb572/orig_bill.pdf |
Loading...