Legislative News 2023 | Volume 8
Dear KASC Members,
March 30 was the final day of the 2023 Regular legislative session and the General Assembly adjourned sine die. This week the legislature had the votes to override all fifteen of the Governor’s vetoes and pass other education related bills. These new laws will take effect approximately June 29 unless the bill had an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
*Kentucky is one of only six states with a weak veto power as our General Assembly needs only a simple majority to override a veto. Most states need a two-thirds legislative vote to override a governor’s veto.
The Kentucky Department of Education is currently working on guidance for schools regarding how to address these new laws that take effect immediately. Additionally, local school boards and school councils will need to revise policies to conform with some of the new education laws.
SB 5 is a new law related to review of challenged instructional materials and requires KDE to create a model policy by May 1 and local school boards to update their policy consistent with this law by July 1.
The public school portions of SB 150 take effect immediately and is often referred to as the “parent’s rights bill," “don’t say gay bill," or the “bathroom bill.” This law requires each local board of education to adopt policies to restrict students from using restrooms and locker rooms that are reserved for students of a different biological sex and to provide a reasonable accommodation. SB 150 also restricts curriculum on human sexuality, so expect your superintendent to be amending current curriculum. (Remember amendments to curriculum must have consultation with the school councils and local school board.)
HB 538, the new discipline law, takes effect in late June and will require amendments to local school board policies, the district code of behavior and discipline and policies adopted by the school council.
Stay tuned--KASC will be sharing information on the implementation of these new laws.
