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KY Senate Republicans, 236 Capitol Annex, Frankfort, KY (2026)

06/01/2026

The Kentucky General Assembly's 2026 Interim Period officially began today.

Over the next six months, Kentucky senators and representatives will meet in committee, hear from stakeholders and subject-matter experts, examine issues facing the commonwealth and begin shaping policy proposals for consideration during the 2027 Regular Session. Interim committee meetings provide lawmakers with an opportunity to hear testimony from state agencies, industry leaders, advocacy organizations and members of the public while evaluating issues that may shape future legislation.

The 2027 Regular Session is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Jan. 5. As an odd-numbered-year session, lawmakers will have 30 legislative days to consider legislation.

The first Interim Joint Committee meetings are scheduled for tomorrow, June 2, with the Interim Joint Committee on Education meeting at 11 a.m., co-chaired by Sen. Steve West, followed by the Interim Joint Committee on Transportation at 1 p.m., co-chaired by Sen. Jimmy Higdon.

Additional committee meetings are scheduled throughout the week, covering a broad range of topics including education, transportation, economic development, state government, public safety, health care and other issues important to Kentucky families and communities.

Throughout the interim, Senate members will serve as co-chairs of the General Assembly's Interim Joint Committees.

Senate co-chairs include:

Sen. Jason Howell, Agriculture

Sen. Chris McDaniel, Appropriations and Revenue

Sen. Jared Carpenter, Banking and Insurance

Sen. Phillip Wheeler, Economic Development and Workforce Investment

Sen. Steve West, Education

Sen. Danny Carroll, Families and Children

Sen. Steve Meredith, Health Services

Sen. Brandon Storm, Judiciary

Sen. Julie Raque Adams, Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations

Sen. Mike Nemes, Local Government

Sen. Brandon Smith, Natural Resources and Energy

Sen. Mike Nemes, State Government

Sen. Phillip Wheeler, Tourism, Small Business and Information Technology

Sen. Jimmy Higdon, Transportation

Sen. Matt Deneen, Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection

To view materials such as information sheets, handouts and PowerPoint presentations compiled for lawmakers to review at committee meetings, click on the "Meeting Materials" tab on the right side of each committee's page on the legislative website, which is linked in the comments. Meeting agendas are also posted on each committee page.

In addition to Interim Joint Committees, several statutory committees and oversight bodies will continue meeting throughout the interim. Unlike Interim Joint Committees, these entities meet year-round and provide ongoing legislative oversight in key policy areas.

Statutory committee and board co-chairs include:

Sen. Steve West, Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee

Sen. Gary Boswell, Capital Planning Advisory Board

Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee

Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity

Sen. Matt Deneen, Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee

Sen. Donald Douglas, Government Contract Review Committee

Sen. Gex Williams, Information Technology Oversight Committee

Sen. Brandon Storm, Juvenile Justice Oversight Council

Sen. Greg Elkins, Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee

Sen. Julie Raque Adams, Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board

Sen. Jimmy Higdon, Public Pension Oversight Board

Sen. Jason Howell, To***co Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee

The interim period provides lawmakers an opportunity to take a deeper dive into policy issues, conduct oversight of state government, engage with Kentuckians and stakeholders and prepare legislation for future sessions.

Constituents, stakeholders and members of the media can follow committee activity throughout the interim by attending meetings in Frankfort or watching live online through KET and the General Assembly's YouTube channel. Archived video of committee meetings is also available on both platforms. Links to livestreams and archived meetings can be found in the comments.

To share feedback on an issue with lawmakers, call the General Assembly's Message Line at 1-800-372-7181. Kentuckians with hearing loss can use Kentucky Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

📅 A link to the full 2026 Interim Calendar can be found in the comments.

06/01/2026

Two hundred thirty-four years ago today, Kentucky became the 15th state in the Union, but its story began long before June 1, 1792.

Kentucky history can be traced through the pathways that crossed our mountains and hills, the settlers who came through the Cumberland Gap and the grit it took to build a life on the frontier. It lives in the legacy of Daniel Boone and countless others whose names may be forgotten, but whose work helped build the home we know and love today.

From the rich soil of family farms and the thunder of Thoroughbreds to the hands that craft signature bourbon enjoyed around the world, Kentuckians have helped define industries recognized far beyond the commonwealth's borders. From coal mines, factories, classrooms, hospitals and small businesses to the service of veterans, first responders, teachers and health care workers, the efforts of Kentuckians strengthen communities across Kentucky and the nation.

Kentucky has contributed a lot to America, from agriculture and manufacturing to music, literature, sports, energy and innovation. What has always set Kentucky apart, however, is its people.

From the plains in the west to the mountains in the east, from river towns to growing cities, our Old Kentucky Home was built by hardworking men and women who value family, community and service. It is home to those who have spent their entire lives here, those who left and still call it home and those who adopted Kentucky as their own.

For 234 years, Kentucky has helped shape the American story.

Today, we celebrate the people, places and generations that built this commonwealth and those who will carry it forward for generations to come.

05/29/2026

ICYMI: For generations, swinging bridges helped connect families, farms and communities across Eastern Kentucky’s creeks and rivers.

Many are still standing today, not only as reminders of our history, but as symbols of the ingenuity, resilience and character that helped shape Appalachia.

Senate President Robert Stivers welcomed members of the press and community leaders to experience several of these historic bridges firsthand and highlight Senate Bill 261 from the 2026 Legislative Session. His bill gives local communities additional tools to preserve and maintain these bridges for future generations.

Have you ever crossed one of Eastern Kentucky’s swinging bridges? Let us know where in the comments.

If you haven’t visited or experienced the many things eastern Kentucky has to offer, make plans to do this summer!

🎥 Video courtesy of Spectrum News 1 Kentucky. Full story linked in the comments.

05/29/2026

Big things don’t happen by accident!

Today’s unveiling of FUTURE LEX offers a glimpse of where Lexington is headed over the next several decades, and Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe was glad to be part of that conversation as she delivered remarks at today’s celebration.

Anyone who has flown through Blue Grass Airport lately has seen the growth firsthand. You see more flights and travelers, and more businesses are looking at Central Kentucky as a place to invest, expand and create jobs.

That’s one reason Sen. Bledsoe worked alongside fellow Fayette County delegates to support nearly $25 million in state funding for Blue Grass Airport improvements, including terminal expansion and critical infrastructure upgrades.

At an airport, many more things are happening beyond just travelers boarding flights. It’s often the first impression visitors have of our region and all of Kentucky. It’s how businesses move people, attract talent and stay connected to customers around the country and around the world.

The decisions we make today help shape what Lexington and other cities and regions across the Bluegrass look like for our children and grandchildren. Local and state leaders are thinking ahead and working together to keep Central Kentucky headed toward the right destination.

Photos courtesy of Blue Grass Airport.

05/28/2026

STIVERS’S SENATE BILL 261 HELPS VISITORS DISCOVER KENTUCKY’S ICONIC SWINGING BRIDGES
Maintenance agreements with cities, counties and landowners
will preserve regional landmarks

FRANKFORT, Ky (May 28, 2026) — Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, joined local leaders and members of the media in Clay County yesterday for an up-close tour of eastern Kentucky’s historic pedestrian swinging bridges, highlighting their importance to daily life, regional identity and tourism opportunities across Appalachia.

The four-hour tour through the “Land of Swinging Bridges” follows the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 261, legislation sponsored by Stivers during the 2026 Legislative Session to provide communities with additional tools to preserve and maintain these distinctive structures.

Participants toured several historically significant bridges, including Goose Creek Bridge, Rocky Branch Bridge, Antepast Bridge and Old Homeplace Bridge. All are landmarks that continue to serve as important connections for eastern Kentucky communities and are becoming recreational destinations.

“These bridges are more than structures crossing water, they are part of who we are,” Stivers said. “For generations, they have connected families, communities and landscapes in a way that is distinct to eastern Kentucky. I wanted people to experience them firsthand because once you stand on these bridges and hear the stories behind them, you understand they are part of the heartbeat of this region.”

SB 261 allows county fiscal courts to maintain pedestrian swinging bridges, authorizes cities to expend public funds for preservation efforts and extends liability protections to landowners who lease property to local governments for bridge maintenance and public access.

Mike White, executive director of 1 Clay County and the Clay County Historical Society, said preserving the bridges is about honoring local history while creating opportunities for future growth.

“These bridges tell the story of eastern Kentucky resilience and ingenuity,” White said. “For many communities, they were once essential for getting to school, church, and work. Today, they remain a source of local pride and are becoming an attraction for visitors looking to discover something authentic. Senate Bill 261 gives communities like ours a better opportunity to preserve these landmarks and share them with the rest of Kentucky.”

Pedestrian swinging bridges remain a defining feature across portions of eastern Kentucky, drawing visitors interested in the region’s natural beauty, history and outdoor exploration. Many bridges have faced increasing challenges in their aging infrastructure and repeated flooding events.

Rebecca Fleischaker, Louisville Downtown Partnership executive director, took the day to experience the bridges firsthand. She said they provide visitors a distinctive feel in Kentucky they can’t find anywhere else.

“People visiting Louisville find a lot of gems in an urban setting but are increasingly also looking for adventures that take them deeper into Kentucky’s culture, landscapes and recreational opportunities,” Fleischaker said. “Eastern Kentucky’s swinging bridges provide that opportunity, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind experience while creating new reasons to explore this commonwealth’s unique small towns, local businesses and character.”

Stivers said the legislation is about preserving more than infrastructure.

“This is about showing these bridges with pride and helping more people discover what eastern Kentucky has to offer,” Stivers said. “These are destinations in their own right. We want visitors to leave with a deeper appreciation for this region and come back again for a distinctive connection to everything these communities have to offer.”

The legislation also provides legal clarity intended to encourage partnerships between local governments and private landowners to preserve bridges for future generations.

“SB 261 gives local communities more flexibility to protect and invest in these historic assets,” Stivers said. “Preserving these bridges strengthens access for residents while creating new tourism opportunities that support local economies and showcase the true character in eastern Kentucky.”

SB 261 reflects ongoing efforts to preserve rural infrastructure, support local communities and invest in the cultural and recreational assets that make Kentucky’s Appalachian region distinctive.

05/25/2026

Today we remember the men and women who never made it home.

Not as headlines or history, but as sons, daughters, husbands, wives, parents, friends and people who were deeply loved.

They gave their lives for something bigger than themselves and because of that sacrifice, generations of Americans have had the freedom to live, dream, gather, laugh and grow old in this country we call home.

No words will ever repay that kind of sacrifice, but we will remember them.

Wherever you are today, take a moment. Speak their names.Hold your loved ones a little closer. Never forget the brave souls who gave everything for this country.

Kentucky remembers its heroes today, especially Tech. Sgt. Ashley Pruitt and Staff Sgt. Benjamin Pennington. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

We remember our heroes today and always. 🇺🇸

05/23/2026

Wishing a happy birthday to Sen. Rick Girdler!

Have a great day, Senator!

05/22/2026

Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe joined the University of Kentucky, and agriculture and community leaders for the opening of the new Martin-Gatton Agricultural Sciences Building at UK on Thursday.

The facility is a transformational investment in the future of Kentucky agriculture, research and workforce development. It will provide students with cutting-edge learning spaces and strengthen UK’s ability to support innovation in one of Kentucky’s most important industries.

As a strong advocate for education, economic growth and agricultural advancement, Sen. Bledsoe was proud to celebrate this major milestone for the commonwealth.

Photos are courtesy of the University of Kentucky.

05/22/2026

ICYMI: Sen. Julie Raque Adams joined Mayor Craig Greenberg and Louisville leaders at Louisville Slugger Field to highlight more than $1 billion in investments secured for Jefferson County during the 2026 legislative session.

The discussion focused on major investments in transportation and infrastructure, public safety, health care, workforce development, downtown revitalization, and organizations serving children and families across Louisville.

05/21/2026

KENTUCKY’S READING AND MATH GAINS
SHOW EDUCATION REFORMS ARE PRODUCING RESULTS
National report ranks Kentucky among the nation’s top-performing states for academic growth as literacy, numeracy and school
leadership reforms continue statewide

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 21, 2026) — Senate Education Chair Steve West, R-Paris, says Kentucky’s national recognition for reading and mathematics growth reflects years of focused work by educators, school leaders and lawmakers to strengthen classroom instruction and improve student outcomes statewide.

A new Education Scorecard report produced by researchers at Harvard University, Stanford University and Dartmouth College ranked Kentucky fifth nationally in reading growth and eighth nationally in mathematics growth between 2022 and 2025.

The report also recognized several Kentucky school districts for exceptional academic progress, while Marion County Schools was highlighted nationally as a case study for evidence-based instruction, literacy training, instructional coaching and efforts to strengthen direct student-to-teacher engagement in the classroom.

“This recognition belongs to Kentucky teachers, principals, students and families who stayed committed to the hard work of improving classroom outcomes,” West said. “Kentucky made a decision several years ago to refocus on foundational learning, support educators and invest in proven instructional practices. We are now seeing measurable results from that work.”

The report specifically linked reading improvement in states, including Kentucky, to comprehensive science-of-reading reforms and evidence-based literacy instruction initiatives. Researchers also identified growing concerns nationally surrounding classroom distractions, social media use and declining student engagement. During the 2025 Legislative Session, Kentucky lawmakers approved legislation restricting student cellphone use during instructional time to help schools maintain more focused classroom learning environments.

During the 2022 Legislative Session, West championed the Read to Succeed Act to strengthen early literacy instruction across Kentucky schools through teacher training, literacy intervention and evidence-based reading practices. During the 2024 Legislative Session, lawmakers adopted a similar approach to mathematics instruction through House Bill 162, championed by Rep. James Tipton, R-Taylorsville, which established early intervention systems and additional student supports focused on foundational math skills.

In recent years, the General Assembly has paired those reforms with significant education investments, including $22 million for the Read to Succeed program, more than $10 million for the Mathematics Achievement Fund and additional funding to support school leadership development and classroom instruction statewide. The legislature also increased SEEK funding for the seventh consecutive biennium.

West said Kentucky’s recent education reforms have focused not only on improving student achievement, but also on strengthening instructional leadership and giving schools greater flexibility to support innovative classroom strategies.

During the 2026 Legislative Session, lawmakers approved Senate Bill 4 to establish a statewide leadership development framework for school principals and Senate Bill 263 to expand flexibility for schools pursuing innovative instructional models while maintaining accountability standards.

“Strong schools depend on strong classroom instruction and strong leadership,” West said. “The goal has never been a quick fix or a political talking point. The goal has been to help more Kentucky students learn to read proficiently, build strong math skills and graduate prepared for future success. This recognition shows Kentucky is making meaningful progress.”

The Education Scorecard findings are based on assessment data from roughly 35 million students nationwide and are part of a broader national research effort examining long-term academic trends and student performance.

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KY Senate Republicans

06/01/2026

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05/29/2026

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