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HB 441

AN ACT proposing to create a new section of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to citizenship requirements for state and local elected officials.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Bivens and 1 co-sponsor

HB 441 would enshrine in the Kentucky Constitution that state and local elected officials must be United States citizens.

to Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 441

Overview

HB 441 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky) proposes adding a new section to the Kentucky Constitution to establish citizenship requirements for state and local elected officials.

Main purpose and intent

  • To require elected officials at the state and local levels in Kentucky to be citizens of the United States.
  • To formalize a constitutional standard governing who may hold public office in Kentucky.

Key provisions and changes

  • Addition to the Kentucky Constitution: Creates a new section specifying citizenship prerequisites for state and local elected offices.
  • Eligibility standard: Implicitly requires U.S. citizenship for individuals seeking or holding elected roles in Kentucky.
  • Constitutional amendment process: As a proposed constitutional provision, the bill would need to advance through the usual constitutional amendment process (e.g., passage by both chambers, and voter ratification in a statewide referendum) before taking effect.

Persons and entities affected

  • Statewide elected officials (e.g., Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer, etc.).
  • State legislators (Senate and House members).
  • Local elected officials across Kentucky (counties, municipalities, school boards, and other local offices) that would be impacted by the new citizenship requirement.
  • Potentially candidates seeking election who are not U.S. citizens would be disqualified if the amendment is adopted.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: January 20, 2026 (House).
  • Assigned to committee: January 20, 2026 (Committee on Committees) and later to Elections, Constitutional Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H) on January 28, 2026.
  • Next steps (if advanced): The bill would need to pass through the House and Senate in identical form and then be placed on the ballot for voter approval in a statewide referendum to amend the Kentucky Constitution.
  • Potential effective date: Dependent on successful constitutional amendment process and subsequent voter ratification.

Practical considerations

  • If enacted, the amendment would supersede any existing statutes or practices regarding citizenship for public office, aligning them with a constitutional standard.
  • The bill does not specify additional carve-outs, enforcement mechanisms, or transition rules within the summary; such details would typically be clarified in the final enacted constitutional language and related transitional provisions, if any.
  • Court challenges or interpretation questions could arise about what constitutes citizenship status (e.g., natural-born vs. naturalized) and timing (eligibility at the time of filing versus taking office).

Summary

HB 441 seeks to enshrine in the Kentucky Constitution a requirement that state and local elected officials be United States citizens. It outlines the procedural path for constitutional amendment and would affect individuals across state and local government who seek or hold office, contingent on the amendment's passage and ratification.

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

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