LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A new wave of legislation enacted during the 2025 session of the Kentucky General Assembly took effect Friday, implementing significant changes across various sectors including education, public safety, and civil rights. The measures, largely pushed by the Republican supermajority in the legislature, encountered opposition from Governor Andy Beshear, who vetoed several key bills.
Among the most notable new laws is House Bill 4, which mandates public universities and colleges to eliminate their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, including training sessions aimed at students and faculty. Governor Beshear criticized the bill, warning that it aligns with efforts to diminish civil rights and social equity initiatives.
Another contentious piece of legislation is House Bill 90, designed to clarify Kentucky’s strict abortion ban. Beshear contended that the bill poses greater risks to pregnant women’s health and curtails doctors’ discretion in emergencies. Kentucky’s near-total abortion prohibition has been in effect since a trigger law was implemented following the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
The recently enacted laws encompass a range of important topics. House Bill 1 will lower the state’s individual income tax rate to 3.5% starting in January 2026. House Bill 10 enhances the ability of law enforcement to remove squatters from private properties while stiffening penalties for property damage.
In response to privacy concerns, House Bill 19 safeguards individuals against unauthorized drone surveillance when a reasonable expectation of privacy is presumed. Additionally, House Bill 208 compels school districts to limit cell phone usage, except in emergencies or for instructional purposes, while House Bill 240 requires reading assessments for kindergarten and first-grade students, mandating that first-graders who fail to meet benchmarks repeat the year.
Significant changes have also been introduced to benefit high school students. House Bill 342 requires students to complete one credit in financial literacy for graduation. Senate Bill 3 now allows college athletes to enter into Name, Image, and Likeness agreements with their universities, following a recent settlement in a major antitrust case involving the NCAA.
Further addressing public safety, Senate Bill 73 intensifies penalties for sexual extortion offenders and expands the legal options available for victims. Senate Bill 120 mandates child abuse reporting training for school coaches, while Senate Bill 130 classifies tampering with gift cards as a felony.
Lastly, House Joint Resolution 15 authorizes the reinstatement of a granite monument inscribed with the Ten Commandments on the Capitol grounds. Notably, Senate Bill 1, which aims to bolster Kentucky’s film industry through the establishment of a dedicated Film Office, is scheduled to take effect on July 1.
These legislative changes mark a significant shift in Kentucky’s policy landscape and will likely influence various sectors, including education, healthcare, and public safety, across the state.
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