A JOINT RESOLUTION relating to unconstitutional acts that would undermine the rights of Kentucky citizens and the sovereignty of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Rawlings and 3 co-sponsors

SJR 26 proclaims Kentucky’s constitutional sovereignty and urges state actors to resist or interpret federal actions deemed unconstitutional, guiding state policy and legal strateg

to Committee on Committees (S)

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Summary of SJR 26 (2026RS) – Kentucky

Purpose and intent

SJR 26 is a joint resolution introduced in the Kentucky Senate on January 8, 2026. Its stated aim is to address acts the resolution characterizes as unconstitutional that would undermine the rights of Kentucky citizens and the sovereignty of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

As a joint resolution, it is a formal expression of legislative sentiment or a request to or among state governmental branches, rather than a bill proposing new statutes or spending. It typically does not itself impose new law but signals the General Assembly’s stance on constitutional issues and state sovereignty.

Key provisions and changes

The text (not provided here) would specify:

Alleged unconstitutional acts or powers at issue, and how they purportedly threaten Kentucky citizens’ rights or state sovereignty.
A declaration or resolution by the General Assembly identifying those acts as unconstitutional or improper.
Potential calls to action for state institutions, federal relations, or executive branches within Kentucky to resist or interpret such acts in a manner consistent with the Commonwealth’s sovereignty and constitutional rights.

Common elements in such resolutions often include:

Emphatic language asserting Kentucky’s constitutional sovereignty and limits on federal authority.
Requests for federal or national bodies to cease actions deemed unconstitutional by the Commonwealth.
Directives to Kentucky’s executive branch (e.g., agencies, the governor) to uphold state sovereignty in policy implementation and legal challenges.

It is important to note that SJR 26, as a resolution, does not by itself create or modify statutory rights or duties or allocate funds.

Who or what would be affected

Legislative posture: The resolution reflects the Kentucky General Assembly’s position on constitutional rights and state sovereignty.

State agencies and officials: Depending on the resolution’s specific language, it could influence how Kentucky agencies interpret or respond to federal actions perceived as unconstitutional.

Courts and legal strategy: Could guide or justify Kentucky’s legal challenges, amicus positions, or advocacy regarding constitutional questions at the state or federal level.

Citizens: Signals the Commonwealth’s commitment to protecting rights and sovereignty, though concrete legal effects would depend on subsequent statutory or administrative actions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced in the Senate on January 8, 2026.

Referred to the Committee on Committees (S) on the same date, indicating it is in the early stages of consideration.

As a joint resolution, it would typically progress through the standard constitutional/constitutional amendment-like process for non-binding or binding resolutions, depending on the language; many SJR resolutions require passage by both chambers and may be subject to referendum or other constitutional processes if they seek to influence constitutional interpretations or amendments (though the latter depends on the exact text and intent).

Observations

The bill’s substance hinges on the specific list of “unconstitutional acts” it identifies and the remedies or actions it advocates.

Without the full text, the summary remains high-level: it proclaims a stance on rights and sovereignty and directs state actors accordingly.

For a complete assessment, the exact language is needed to determine any potential conflicts with federal authority, anticipated legal challenges, and any procedural steps required for enactment or adoption.