Legislation passed during 2025 Regular Session set to take effect Friday
Frankfort, Kentucky (June 25, 2025) – The majority of bills passed into law during the 2025 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly will take effect later this week, providing another opportunity to review what lawmakers accomplished as they prepare the agenda for next year’s legislative session.
While Kentucky lawmakers adjourned the 2025 Regular Session on March 28, Section 55 of the Kentucky Constitution sets out that legislation takes effect 90 days after the adjournment of the session, unless it includes another specific effective date or contains an emergency clause that allows it to take effect immediately upon a governor’s signature or the legislature’s override of a gubernatorial veto.
According to House Speaker David Osborne, lawmakers focused on making improvements across state government to ensure that the programs that serve our citizens are operating as effectively and efficiently as possible, and delivered real relief to working Kentuckians by reining in government overreach, prioritizing education, cracking down on domestic violence and sexual assault, and standing firm in defense of individual rights.
“We remain committed to delivering practical, common-sense solutions that tackle the real challenges Kentuckians face every day. Staying true to our mission of lowering the tax burden on working families, we set the tone for this legislative session by making sure the very first bill to reach the governor’s desk provided meaningful income tax relief to hardworking Kentuckians across the Commonwealth,” House Speaker David Osborne added. “These cuts target the individual income tax and have given Kentuckians back the power to determine how to spend their money. They’ve earned it, they should be able to save it, spend it, or invest it.”
Cutting the State Income Tax on Working Kentuckians, Rep. Jason Petrie – HB 1 lowers the state’s individual income tax to 3.5% as of January 2026, leaving approximately $718 million in the pockets of Kentucky taxpayers in the first fiscal year of full implementation.
Ending Discrimination in Public Colleges and Universities, Rep. Jennifer Henson Decker – HB 4 prohibits wasteful and discriminatory diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices on the campuses of Kentucky’s public universities while preserving programs aimed at supporting first generation and disadvantaged students and veterans.
Addressing Property Damage and Loss Caused by Squatters, Rep. Marianne Proctor and Rep. Emily Callaway – HB 10 streamlines the process for law enforcement to remove squatters from private property while enhancing penalties for those who unlawfully damage real estate.
Strengthening Domestic Violence Laws, Rep. James Tipton – HB 38 makes violating a protective order three times in five years a class D felony.
Improving Emergency Response to Sexual Assault, Rep. Rebecca Raymer – HB 219 mandates that hospitals offering emergency services develop and provide training for emergency department staff on sexual assault emergency response requirements, protocols, and resources.
Promoting Early Intervention to Ensure Long-Term Academic Success, Rep. Timmy Truett – HB 240 implements a universal reading proficiency screener for kindergarten and first grade students to be given within the final 14 instructional days of the school year. Students under the age of seven who do not reach reading benchmarks would remain in kindergarten or first grade for an additional year or until the local school determines the student has met criteria within the student’s reading improvement plan.
Helping Military Healthcare Personnel Transition to Civilian Careers, Rep. Steve Bratcher – HB 303 directs the Kentucky Community and Technical College System to develop pathways and programs to reduce the time needed to earn healthcare credentials for individuals who served in medical positions while in the military.
Protecting National Security, Rep. Scott Sharp – HB 315 prohibits any foreign entity from purchasing, leasing, or acquiring agricultural land in Kentucky if they are associated with a hostile foreign government identified by Title 22, section 126.1 of the Code of Federal Regulations and do not have a national security agreement with the Committee on Foreign Investment.
Improving Efficiency in the Regulatory Process, Rep. Derek Lewis – HB 422 establishes administrative regulation filing and notification requirements; requires a centralized state government website to inform the public about new and amended administrative regulations; establishes procedures for the informational review of an administrative regulation by the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee or any other legislative committee; and sets out regulation deferral powers and requirements.
Ensuring Election Integrity, Rep. Jennifer Henson Decker – HB 684 strengthens the election process with changes that include clarification of candidate filing and reporting information; prohibiting a credit or debit card to be used as identification; allowing caregivers of those qualified to vote in-person absentee to do the same; requiring advance notification to school boards if a school will be used as a polling location, and eliminating a requirement that schools used as voting locations be closed on election day.
Incentivizing Work and Economic Investment, Rep. Jason Nemes – HB 775 expands the use of tax increment financing (TIF) to authorize taxing districts organized as part of regional economic development projects to impose a special tax on property located within their boundaries; levies a tax on hemp-derived beverages, and updates seller credits as part of the beginner farmer program. The measure also provides more flexibility in lowering the individual income tax by allowing the adoption of smaller incremental reductions when existing triggers are met.
Banning the Use of Taxpayer Resources for Gender Transitions in Prison, Sen. Mike Wilson – SB 2 prohibits public resources from being used to fund cosmetic services or elective procedures like gender transitioning surgeries and hormone therapies. The measure allows for eligible drug or hormone therapies to be tapered off if a health care provider documents that ending the treatment immediately would cause harm to the inmate.
Protecting Our Most Vulnerable from Sextortion, Sen. Julie Raque Adams – SB 73 establishes the crime of sexual extortion; requires posting of information and resources available, and mandates school district superintendents to notify students in 4th grade and above, as well as parents and guardians of all students, of the crime of sexual extortion.
While odd-year sessions are not traditionally considered budget sessions, lawmakers acted on several pieces of legislation which authorized the release of millions in funding allocated in the budget approved during the 2024 Regular Session. These measures, sponsored by House Appropriations and Revenue Chair Jason Petrie, reflect the legislature’s commitment to responsible spending and accountability.
“As the only branch of government with the authority to allocate funds, we approach these investments with the same philosophy as the budget,” Osborne added. “We want to make sure the funding we provide returns the greatest benefit to Kentuckians. That means that we’re going to vote to release funds when conditions are met because we know the money will be used more effectively and efficiently.”
The bills include:
Improving Water and Wastewater Infrastructure – HJR 30 authorizes the release of funds appropriated in 2024 for the Kentucky Water or Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems Fund.
Promoting Agricultural Economic Development – HJR 31 authorizes the release of $5 million allocated in 2024 to the Department of Agriculture to support economic development initiatives within the agriculture industry.
Investing in School Facilities – HJR 32 authorizes the release of more than $130 million in funding from the School Facility Assistance Fund.
Investing in KCTCS – HJR 34 authorizes the release of capital construction funds allocated in 2024 to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.
Investing in Local Roads and Infrastructure – HJR 46 authorizes the release of $23.9 million in funds appropriated in 2024 for local road projects.
Investing in Infrastructure at Kentucky State University – HJR 53 authorizes the release of $5 million in funding allocated in 2024 for the design of a health sciences building on the campus of Kentucky State University. The measure also requires KSU to submit a comprehensive business plan for the project to the legislature by November 1, 2025.
Investing in the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center – HJR 54 authorizes the release of capital construction funding allocated in 2024 for Phase II of construction improvements at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center.
Looking ahead, Speaker Osborne was quick to add that lawmakers have already begun preparing for next year’s session. Throughout the next six months, committees and task forces will be researching issues, hearing from stakeholders, and monitoring the implementation of existing policies, “These groups will meet throughout the interim to gather input and prepare detailed recommendations - ensuring we hit the ground running in January. Our members are committed to continuing to make Kentucky the very best place to live, work, raise a family, and build a business.”
To follow task forces, interim joint committees, and other legislative work, visit legislature.ky.gov or follow the House Majority Caucus on Facebook and YouTube @KYHouseGOP.
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Laura Leigh Goins
Deputy Chief of Staff for Media Relations
Office of the Speaker
Kentucky House of Representatives
Capitol Annex, Rm. 332 | 702 Capitol Ave. | Frankfort, KY 40601 | 502-564-4334 office | 502-682-6718 cell
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