https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/Pages/Legislator-Profile.aspx?DistrictNumber=63

State Representative Kim Banta, 702 Capital Avenue, Frankfort, KY (2026)

05/08/2026

Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 19, providing all of us with a reminder that the strength of our Commonwealth depends on people showing up and taking part. In fact, in-person, excused absentee voting will take place May 6-8 and 11-13, and anyone can vote early May 14-16..

If you need to check your registration, find your polling place, or see what’s on your ballot, the Secretary of State’s GoVoteKY website has everything in one place: https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/govoteky/.

Voting is how we choose who makes decisions on our behalf, but it is also how we hold government accountable and keep it working the way it should. Of course, elections do not just happen on their own. They depend on clear rules, fair processes, and people paying attention. In the Kentucky House, the Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee focuses on the nuts and bolts that make our system run. That includes things like how constitutional amendments get proposed, how elections are conducted, how voters register, and how ballots are counted. It also covers everything from local school board races to presidential elections, as well as issues like campaign finance, election integrity, and making sure absentee voting works properly.

In plain terms, this committee’s work affects how easy it is for you to vote, how confident you can be that your vote counts, and how decisions are made at every level of government—from your local community to the national stage. It also deals with how Kentucky works with other states and the federal government, which can shape everything from funding to shared policies.

Here are summaries of legislation that cleared this committee and the legislative process to become law:

HB 136 allows candidates for state office to use campaign funds for security measures.

HB 139 strengthens election integrity and clarifies key procedures. The measure would allow the State Board of Elections to share data with other government agencies investigating election offenses; require voting systems to at least meet Election Assistance standards; and clarify candidate filing requirements for commonwealth’s attorney races and special elections.

SB 10 places a proposed constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot that would amend Section 77 of the Kentucky Constitution to limit a governor’s ability to grant pardons and commute sentences.

In addition to the bills that became law, we also adopted House Resolution 7 by voice vote. As a simple resolution, it acts as a communication and emphasizes that elections should be conducted in a way that is secure, transparent, accessible, accurate, and trustworthy. It stresses the importance of maintaining public confidence in election outcomes and supporting the integrity of the voting process. The resolution also highlights several broad election principles, including:
• Protecting the constitutional right to vote;
• Ensuring only eligible voters participate;
• Maintaining accurate voter rolls;
• Preventing fraud and improper influence;
• Supporting transparency and accountability in election administration; and
• Promoting timely and accurate reporting of election results.

Also, the committee held several good discussions this session, including one on a proposal that would urge Congress to pursue a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. In an unusual move that underscored the significance of the issue, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis – an outspoken advocate of the amendment – joined committee members lawmakers for a discussion on the issue.

With the national debt now nearing $39 trillion and no balanced federal budget since the 1990s, supporters argue the issue has become too urgent to ignore. The Kentucky Constitution requires the state budget to be balanced, and most lawmakers agree that the federal government would benefit from the same requirement. The vast majority of the conversation centered around the best way to make that happen.

It may not always make headlines, but this is the kind of work that keeps the system fair, consistent, and trustworthy. And just like voting itself, it matters because it touches everyday life - how your community is represented, how laws are made, and how your voice is heard.

04/10/2026

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time set aside not only to recognize the prevalence of sexual violence, but to remind us of our shared responsibility to prevent it and support survivors.

This is not a topic any of us like to discuss, and that may actually contribute to the problem. Sexual assault is more common than many realize. It affects people of every age, gender, and background, often leaving deep emotional, physical, and psychological impacts.

Yet despite how widespread it is, sexual violence remains underreported and far too often misunderstood. Silence, shame, and fear can prevent survivors from coming forward, which is why awareness matters. When we talk honestly and respectfully about these issues, we create space for survivors to be heard and predators to be brought to justice.

According to data provided by the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs (KASAP), rates of sexual violence victimization among Kentuckians - both women and men - are significantly higher than the national average, with nearly 1 in 2 women in the Commonwealth experiencing contact sexual violence in their lifetimes and more than a fifth of Kentucky women experiencing r**e or attempted r**e. The data further underscores the urgency of prevention and support efforts, showing that many Kentucky women experience first victimization at a young age, including nearly half before the age of 18.

At its core, Sexual Assault Awareness Month is about education. It is about challenging harmful myths and attitudes that shift blame onto victims or excuse inappropriate behavior. And it is about teaching young people, and reminding ourselves, that respect for others must always be non-negotiable.

Equally important is how we support survivors. For someone who has experienced sexual assault, the path to healing is difficult. Communities, institutions, and leaders also carry responsibility. Policies that prioritize survivor safety, access to counseling and legal services, and strong accountability measures are essential. Creating environments - whether in schools, workplaces, or public spaces - where everyone is safe and supported should be a shared priority.

By working together, we can help ensure that fewer people experience sexual violence, and that those who do are never alone in their journey toward healing. Awareness is where it begins, but it is what we do next that truly defines our impact. During this year’s legislative session, lawmakers passed several bills aimed at preventing and building awareness of sexual assault, as well as supporting survivors. These measures include several that have been sent to the Governor for his consideration: HB 4, HB 134, HB 366, and HB 521.

HB 4 would define and criminalize behavior commonly referred to as “grooming.” Under provisions of HB 4, grooming refers to the manipulative and deceptive process by which a predator builds a relationship with a vulnerable person, such as a child, to gain their trust and access for abuse or exploitation.

HB 134 would create a position within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services committed to ensuring victims of sexual assault have access to specialized care. Under the provisions of the bill, a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) coordinator would focus on aligning the efforts of different state agencies and hospitals in order to increase access and promote standards in training and practice, provide technical assistance to build and maintain SANE programs, and collaborate with community partners and appropriate state agencies.

HB 366 would clarify that knowingly possessing or intentionally viewing visual depictions, including computer-generated images, of sexual performances of minors constitutes a criminal offense while maintaining clear protections for accidental viewing and legitimate legal and law enforcement investigations. The measure would also require those convicted to serve at least 85% of the sentence before being eligible for probation or parole.

HB 521 would strengthen protections for survivors by capturing real-world stalking patterns that frequently intersect with sexual violence.

Another measure, HB 249, passed the House unanimously but remains in the Senate. HB 249 would close a loophole in state law that allows individuals accused of unlawful sexual conduct to be released from custody if they are mentally incompetent to stand trial.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

04/07/2026

Before adjourning in the early hours of April 2, the legislature wrapped up months of work and sent dozens of bills to the next step in the legislative process – gubernatorial review. As part of our system of checks-and-balances, governors have ten days (not including Sundays or holidays) to consider legislation approved by the legislature.

They can sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without their signature. If a governor chooses to veto legislation, the measure returns to the legislature where the veto can be overridden. Essentially, a veto provides notice that the state’s executive officer disagrees with a policy or action, but the legislature remains the state’s lawmaking body.

Among the bills we sent to the governor’s desk this week are the following:

HB 500 would provide $32 billion in funding for executive branch agencies and programs for fiscal years 2027 and 2028.

HB 501 would provide $7 billion to fund Kentucky Transportation Cabinet activities, not including the six-year road plan.

HB 502 would provide a $4.6 billion two-year roadmap for the construction and maintenance of Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure.

Rep. Jason Petrie, HJR 76 would provide $70 million in funding for the Local Assistance Road Plan (LARP) with local projects that earned top ratings of 8, 9, and 10, including $68.2 million dedicated to county and city road resurfacing projects - bringing critical improvements to communities across the Commonwealth.

HB 503 would provide $182 million in funding for legislative branch operations for fiscal years 2027 and 2028.

HB 504 would provide nearly $1 billion in funding for the operation of the state’s judicial branch for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, including the Supreme Court of Kentucky, Court of Appeals, and circuit and district courts.

HB 900 would allocate $1.7 billion in one-time funds from the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for infrastructure, economic development, and quality of life improvements across the state.

HB 2 would align Kentucky’s Medicaid Program with federal changes to improve health outcomes and ensure eligibility, as well as improve program management.

HB 4 would define and criminalize behavior commonly referred to as “grooming.” Under provisions of HB 4, grooming refers to the manipulative and deceptive process by which a predator builds a relationship with a vulnerable person, such as a child, to gain their trust and access for abuse or exploitation.

HB 5 would expand prison-based education and job-training programs proven to reduce crime by developing a model vocational campus at a state prison offering intensive education and workforce training while completing their sentences.

HB 6 expands safe, affordable child care for working parents, removes barriers for children with disabilities, and promotes community-based innovation. It strengthens the Child Care Assistance Program, enhances quality ratings, improves transparency, and permanently establishes the CCAP income exclusion - creating a more accessible, high-quality system that supports families and children statewide.

HB 10 would strengthen accountability, transparency, and continuity of government during gubernatorial transitions in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

HB 253 would phase out the use of the “three-cueing” reading method in Kentucky schools and teacher preparation programs, as well as prohibit school districts from entering into nondisclosure agreements when misconduct involving a minor or student has occurred.

HB 305 would strengthen procedures around grand jury proceedings by extending the statute of limitations applicable for knowingly recording the proceeding or disclosing any information gathered while present during a proceeding. The provisions do not apply to commonwealth’s attorneys, their staff, or peace officers engaged in their official duties.

SB 2 would cap pay increases for superintendents and school administrators to no more than those awarded to classroom teachers, and tie a district’s SEEK eligibility to this limit.

SB 104, the HALO Act, would establish a 25-foot safety zone around first responders while they are lawfully performing their duties, preventing interference in high-risk situations while protecting lawful public activity.

SB 137 would create a provisional license for doctors trained in other countries, allowing them to work in Kentucky while sponsored by a medical practice or health care organization.

SB 170 would create a 10-school district pilot program to address truancy as it links to educational performance.

We will return to the capital city on April 14 to review and consider any vetoes before we adjourn the 2026 Session entirely on April 15.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

03/02/2026

House approves $31 billion budget prioritizing education, healthcare, public safety, and community stability
The Kentucky House of Representatives took a major step with the passage of the House version of the state’s two-year spending plan, House Bill 500 HCS, on Thursday, February 26. The bill reflects a focus on making state government more efficient in order to focus on priority areas like education, healthcare, public safety, and community stability.

As its sponsor advised all along, the budget that passed was substantially different from the version filed in late January. In the weeks since it was filed, budget review subcommittees and staff gathered input from stakeholders and crafted a version that intentionally allocates taxpayer resources in ways that preserve and strengthen essential public services without overextending government. While the budget process is far from finished, this committee substitute represents a strong next step.

The two-year, $31.56 billion plan protects the state’s core priorities. It provides an increase for per-pupil SEEK funding, and holds funding Family Resource and Youth Service Centers, Medicaid, juvenile justice, corrections, and programs serving veterans at current rates. Educational programs with measurable results, such as Read to Achieve, extended school programs, and Jobs for America’s Graduates, also remain protected.

It sets the stage to trim outdated programs, eliminate duplicate grants and incentives, reduce unnecessary administrative costs and consulting contracts, and end programs that lack measurable results. At the same time, it recognizes opportunities for services to be delivered more effectively by families, businesses, and community organizations. The measure calls for budget reductions across several cabinets and programs, including a 3% reduction in executive branch spending each year. Agencies are given flexibility to identify where reductions can be made. By streamlining government operations and right-sizing expenditures, the state can free up funding to benefit Kentucky families and communities.

The plan also addresses employee benefits by funding the Kentucky Employees Health Plan (KEHP) at actuarially determined levels, with a 14% increase in cost in the first year and an additional 10% in the second year. Lawmakers continue to request the data behind the KEHP estimates, as well as other executive branch’s budget proposals, and issued subpoenas for details on the rising costs of the health plan.

In addition, HB 500 HCS underscores some of the Commonwealth’s most pressing challenges. Medicaid alone will require $6 billion over the next two years, second only to K-12 public education, highlighting the need to balance essential services with responsible fiscal management.

Could we have spent more? Of course. And, the proposal passed by the House reflects an almost 2% increase in overall state spending and leaves a surplus in both years, just in case we need to allocate more for an unexpected expense.

Is this shift to focus on spending because we need more revenue? No. Kentucky has a spending problem, not a revenue problem – as illustrated by a recent auditor’s report that exposed more than $800 million in Medicaid spending made in error, or another that detailed $39 million in questionable advertising and luxury travel expenses across the executive branch.

HB 500 HCS now goes to the Senate for consideration. In the meantime, if you are a “by the numbers” reader, here are a few details about HB 500 HCS that might interest you:

Overall:
• $31.56 Billion Two-Year Budget
• $369 Million Increase for K-12 Public Education
• $5.99 Billion for Medicaid
• Public Safety Fully Protected
• 3% Executive Branch Reduction Each Year, Except:
o Per-Pupil/SEEK
o Medicaid Benefits
o Juvenile Justice & Corrections
o Veterans Programs

K-12 Public Education:
• $7.1 Billion Two-Year Allocation
• $369 Million Increase in Each Year
• 2% SEEK Increase in Each Year
• $398 Million in Transportation Funding*
• $134.87 Million Increase Over Two Years for Teacher’s Retirement
• Fully Funds Kentucky Employee Health Plan at Actuarially Recommended Amount
*Based on estimates from KDE

Human Services:
• $5.99 Billion – Medicaid Funding
• 125 New Michelle P. Waiver Slots
• 150 New Community Living Waiver Slots
• 175 New Home Community Based Services Waiver Slots
• $101.5 Million To Cover Additional SNAP Costs
• $40 Million Increase to State-Run Psychiatric and ICF/ID Facilities
• Specifically Identifies Funding for Children’s Advocacy, R**e Crisis, Domestic Violence Shelters
• Identifies Funding for Child Care Benefits and Relative/Fictive Kin Caregivers

Veterans Services:
• $10.6 Million for Staffing Support at the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center
• $13.2 Million for Staffing Support at the Western Kentucky Veterans Center
• $100,000 General Fund in Each Year for the Homeless Veterans Program

Public Safety:
• $16.7 Million for Kentucky State Police Salary Adjustments
• $10 Million Body Armor Grant Program
• $6.5 Million for Jefferson County Juvenile Justice Center Support
• $13 Million Increase for Corrections Medical Funding
• Increased Funding for Crime Lab Upgrades

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

12/24/2025

A Commonwealth Christmas: The holidays in Kentucky

Christmas in Kentucky has a way of grounding you, pulling you back to who you are, where you are from, and what truly matters. As a State Representative and as a Kentuckian, this season is more than just a pause in the legislative calendar for me, it’s a reminder of the values that guide my work and the people I’m honored to serve.

When December settles in, the hills take on a quiet dignity. Frost clings to the fence posts in the early morning, barns stand red and steady against gray skies, and church parking lots fill up on Sunday evenings for Christmas services. From the western farmlands to the rolling Bluegrass and to the eastern mountains, our Christmas celebrations share a common heartbeat, faith, family, and community.

Growing up, I was taught that Christmas wasn’t about extravagance. It was about showing up. It was about neighbors checking on one another when the weather turned icy, casseroles being dropped off, and our hands clasped in prayer before meals. Those lessons stick with you. These the same principles that shape Kentuckian values: personal responsibility, service to others, and respect for tradition.

In Frankfort, we often debate budgets, regulations, and policies that affect every region of the Commonwealth. But Christmas reminds me of the unmatchable impact and strength of families, churches, and local communities. Here in Kentucky, we do not have to be told to do the right thing, we take care of our own. Volunteer fire departments host toy drives. Civic groups raise money for families in need. Churches open their doors to those who need warmth, food, or fellowship.

I believe in protecting the freedoms that allow this generosity to flourish. Freedom of religion means our churches can celebrate the birth of Christ openly and joyfully. Free enterprise means small businesses on Main Street can hang their lights, welcome shoppers, and keep local economies alive during the holidays. I believe in trusting Kentuckians to know what their communities need.

Christmas is also a time to honor those who serve. Across the Commonwealth, we remember our soldiers stationed far from home, our law enforcement officers and healthcare professionals working long holiday shifts, and our farmers and factory workers who keep the shelves stocked. They are the backbone of Kentucky, and they deserve leaders who respect hard work and remember where prosperity truly comes from.

At home, Christmas is simpler. A beautiful tree, put up with care. Old ornaments that tell family stories. A table crowded with relatives, laughter, and more food than anyone needs. Before we eat, we bow our heads and give thanks, for our blessings, for our freedoms, and for the grace to keep striving to be better neighbors and better citizens.

Kentucky has its challenges, no doubt. Rural communities face economic pressures. Families worry about rising costs. But Christmas gives us perspective. It reminds us that hope comes from faith, perseverance, and love of home.

As the season unfolds, my prayer for the Commonwealth is that we remember what unites us. That we protect our traditions without apology. That we care for the vulnerable while encouraging independence and dignity. And that we carry the spirit of Christmas with us long after the lights come down.

A Kentucky Christmas is not flashy. It is steady, sincere, and rooted. Just like the people who call this place home, and just like the values I proudly stand for every day I serve.

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

State Representative Kim Banta

05/08/2026

04/10/2026

04/07/2026

03/02/2026

12/24/2025

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