AN ACT relating to elections.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karen Berg

Kentucky SB 276 aims to modify and clarify election laws, potentially affecting voter registration, ballot access, voting methods, and administration.

to Committee on Committees (S)

#electionsandvoting #secretaryofstate

Summary of SB 276 (2026RS) – Kentucky

Purpose and intent

SB 276 is an act relating to elections. While the specific text of the bill is not provided here, the bill’s title and introductory history indicate it aims to modify, expand, or clarify certain aspects of Kentucky’s election laws. The measure is positioned to address procedural, administrative, or substantive election-related processes within the Commonwealth.

Key provisions and changes (as typically encompassed by an elections act)

Note: The precise provisions would depend on the final enacted language. Based on common topics in Kentucky election bills, potential areas of change may include:
- Voter registration and eligibility
- Revisions to registration deadlines, verification requirements, or processes for updating registration information.
- Potential changes to residency or eligibility criteria for voters.
- Ballot access and voting methods
- Modifications to primary or general election procedures, including ballot format, early voting, and mail-in voting rules.
- Provisions concerning secure handling, counting, and certification of votes.
- Election administration
- Changes to the duties and authority of the state board, county clerks, or election officers.
- Provisions for reporting, auditing, or oversight of election results.
- Campaign finance or ethics provisions (less likely given the title, but possible)
- Compliance with voter accessibility and non-discrimination requirements
- Contingency and emergency procedures (e.g., how elections are run in emergencies)

Who would be affected

Voters: Those who participate in Kentucky elections could be subject to new registration, voting, or ballot access rules.

County clerks and local election officials: Administrative procedures, deadlines, and verification requirements could affect scheduling, processing, and certification of ballots.

Political campaigns and committees: Any changes to filing deadlines, reporting requirements, or disclosure rules would impact campaign compliance.

State election authorities: The Kentucky General Assembly bill would define or modify the scope of authority and responsibilities for state and local election bodies.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction: February 26, 2026, in the Kentucky Senate.

Referral: The bill was referred to the Committee on Committees (S) on the same day.

Next steps: Typically, a bill progresses through committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the Senate, followed by consideration by the House of Representatives, and ultimately the governor’s signature or veto. Specific committee actions, hearing dates, and deadlines would be determined as the bill advances.

Notes and context

At this stage, the summary reflects only the bill’s stated title, jurisdiction, and initial filing history. The substantive provisions (exact changes to statutes, thresholds, timelines, and fiscal impact) will be clear once the bill’s full text and fiscal note are released and analyzed.

Readers seeking precise impacts should review the bill’s enrolled text and any accompanying fiscal note or legislative staff analyses as they become available.

If you’d like, I can update this summary with detailed analysis once the official bill text and fiscal impact are published.