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HB 606

AN ACT proposing an amendment to Section 29 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to citizen ballot initiatives.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lindsey Burke and 1 co-sponsor

The bill would add a constitutional pathway for Kentucky citizens to propose and vote on certain laws or amendments via ballot initiatives, with defined rules.

to Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H)
#constitution #ky. #countyclerks #electionsandvoting #generalassembly #localmandate #secretaryofstate
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 606

Bill Summary: HB 606 (2026RS) – Kentucky Constitution Amendment regarding citizen ballot initiatives

Purpose and intent

  • This bill proposes an amendment to Section 29 of the Kentucky Constitution to address citizen ballot initiatives. The exact constitutional language is not provided in the summary, but the bill’s title indicates it aims to modify or establish provisions governing how Kentucky citizens may place ballot initiatives on elections ballots, including the rules and processes by which such initiatives can be proposed, circulated, and enacted or rejected.

Key provisions and changes (as implied by the bill’s title and nature)

  • Constitutional amendment framework: The measure would add or revise a constitutional section (Section 29) to regulate citizen-initiated constitutional or statutory proposals via ballot initiatives.
  • Initiative process (likely areas of regulation):
    • Criteria for who may sponsor or circulate a citizen initiative.
    • Signature requirements (number and/or percentage of voters) and authorized timeframes for circulating petitions.
    • Verification and qualification procedures for initiatives to appear on a ballot (including timelines for Secretary of State or other election officials to review and certify).
    • Requirements for wording, clarity, and presentation of the proposed measure to voters.
    • Possible safeguards to ensure only lawful, non-discriminatory, and properly framed initiatives are placed before the electorate.
  • Ballot and enactment mechanics:
    • How initiatives become law if approved (e.g., whether an initiative would have the force of a statute or constitutional amendment upon voter approval).
    • Possible limitations or protections, such as restrictions on subjects permissible for ballot initiatives, sunset clauses, or limits on the number of initiatives per election cycle.
    • Potential interaction with existing constitutional provisions and the general process for constitutional amendments or statutory changes via citizen initiative.

Who would be affected

  • General electorate: Voters would gain a constitutional pathway to propose and vote on certain laws or constitutional amendments directly.
  • Petition circulators and sponsors: Individuals or groups seeking to place measures on the ballot would be governed by the new or revised rules in Section 29, including signature collection and verification processes.
  • State and local election officials: Secretary of State and related constitutional officers would implement and administer the initiative process, certification, and ballot placement according to the amended constitutional requirements.
  • Public policy stakeholders: Advocates, opponents, and policy analysts would engage with a new or redefined process for citizen-driven lawmaking, with attention to ballot language, campaigning, and fiscal impacts.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: HB 606 was introduced in February 2026 and referred to the Elections, Constitutional Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs committee (H), with an initial referral to the Committee on Committees (H).
  • Legislative progression: As of the action history, the bill was moving through committee processes in February 2026. Final passage timelines would depend on committee action, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Kentucky House (and potentially Senate) in the 2026 session.
  • Constitutional amendment process implications: If enacted, the measure would require additional steps typical for constitutional amendments, potentially including approval by both chambers and voter ratification in a statewide referendum, depending on Kentucky’s constitutional amendment procedures.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Democratic access: The bill could broaden direct citizen control by enabling ballot initiatives to enact or amend laws or constitutional provisions, subject to the defined procedural safeguards.
  • Clarity and safeguards: The success of the initiative process would depend on the specificity of requirements for signatures, circulators, qualification, and ballot wording to prevent confusion or manipulation.
  • Fiscal and policy implications: Depending on the scope of the amendment (e.g., what subjects are permissible and any fiscal impact considerations), there could be measurable effects on state and local governance, budgeting, and policy agendas.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s title and action history. The exact text of Section 29 and the precise provisions would determine the full substantive impact. Readers should consult the bill’s official language and any fiscal notes or committee amendments for precise requirements and deadlines.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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