summary
Introduced
02/26/2026
02/26/2026
In Committee
03/04/2026
03/04/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 156 to make findings and declarations about locally driven innovation and the intent of the General Assembly to permit flexibility for school districts to improve practices; amend KRS 156.161 to modify the waiver process and the waiver authority of the Kentucky Board of Education; require the Kentucky Department of Education to assist local boards of education in the development of waiver requests; specify the analysis the department shall provide to the state board in reviewing a local board's waiver request; establish a process for a local board to submit a request for a school or program to be identified as a school of innovation with a set of waivers that operate collectively; provide protections for school districts that rely on waiver assistance from the department; create a new section of KRS Chapter 156 to require the state board to establish a list of expedited waivers; establish the expedited waiver process and authority; require the state board to annually review all waivers granted to determine necessary changes to administrative regulations or statutes or identify new best practices; amend KRS 157.360 to conform; create a new section of KRS Chapter 160 to establish the school of innovation pilot project; establish the school of innovation pilot project fund; provide procedures for the operation of the pilot project; conclude the pilot project on June 30, 2028; require the department to annually report information and findings from the pilot project to the Legislative Research Commission.
AI Summary
This bill aims to foster innovation in Kentucky's public education system by providing school districts with greater flexibility to implement new practices. It establishes a framework for local school districts to request waivers from certain state regulations and statutes, allowing them to pilot innovative approaches, particularly in schools serving students with unmet academic needs. The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) will assist districts in developing these waiver requests and provide analysis to the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE), which will review and approve or deny them. The bill also introduces an "expedited waiver" process for certain situations, such as partnering with education service providers, which will be handled by the Commissioner of Education. Furthermore, it creates a "school of innovation pilot project" from August 2026 to June 2028, allowing a select group of three schools to explore innovative operational models with dedicated funding and requiring annual reporting on their progress and challenges to the Legislative Research Commission. The KBE will also annually review all granted waivers to identify potential changes to regulations or statutes and new best practices.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Senate Committee On Education (10:00:00 3/12/2026 Annex Room 154) (on 03/12/2026)
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/sb263.html |
| BillText | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/recorddocuments/bill/26RS/sb263/orig_bill.pdf |
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