AN ACT relating to education.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Riley

The bill requires Kentucky public school systems to annually publish and provide access to their complete financial statements and school report cards, via newspaper, district webs

to Primary and Secondary Education (H)

#technicalcorrections

Summary: HB 881 (2026 Session, Kentucky) – AN ACT relating to education

Purpose and intent

The bill directs how public school systems in Kentucky must publish their annual financial statements and school report cards.

It aims to standardize publication methods to ensure public access and transparency of school district financial information and performance data.

Key provisions and changes

Publication requirements (KRS 160.463, amended by the bill):

Each public school system must have its superintendent publish the complete annual financial statement and the school report card annually.
Publication options:
In the newspaper of the largest general circulation in the county; or
Electronically on a website maintained by the school district; or
By printed copy at a prearranged site at the main branch of the public library within the school district.
If the district chooses website publication or library copy, the superintendent must publish a notification in the county’s newspaper indicating where the documents can be viewed.
The notification must include:
The address of the public library (if viewing in person) or
The electronic address/website (if viewing online).
Financial statements must be prepared and presented on a basis consistent with that of other systems (i.e., standardized comparability across districts).

Who is affected

Public school systems within Kentucky (all local school districts) and their superintendents.

Residents and taxpayers in each district who rely on access to the annual financial statements and school report cards.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill requires annual publication of two key documents: the complete annual financial statement and the school report card.

Publication options provide flexibility for districts (newspaper, district website, or library print copy).

When choosing electronic or library publication, districts must also issue a newspaper notice with viewing instructions and links/addresses.

The standardized presentation requirement suggests alignment with other districts’ financial reporting practices to enable consistent cross-district comparisons.

Practical impact

Increases public visibility and accessibility of district-level financial and performance information.

Encourages transparency by ensuring multiple pathways to access the documents.

May require districts to maintain up-to-date websites and to coordinate timely newspaper notices when opting for non-print publication.

Supports consistency in how financial statements are prepared across districts, aiding comparative analysis for stakeholders.

Notes

The act reiterates Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS 160.463) with updated publication requirements.

The action history shows introduction in March 2026 and assignment to the Primary and Secondary Education committee, typical for education-related bills.