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HB 298

AN ACT relating to KEES scholarships for students attending noncertified schools.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shane Baker and 7 co-sponsors

HB 298 would allow Kentucky KEES scholarships to fund students attending noncertified schools, expanding eligibility beyond traditionally certified educational institutions.

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Bill Summary · HB 298

Legislative bill overview

HB 298 would expand Kentucky's KEES (Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship) program to include students attending noncertified schools, allowing them to access state scholarship funds previously limited to students in certified educational institutions. The bill is currently in the House Committee on Postsecondary Education after being introduced in January 2026.

Why is this important

KEES scholarships are merit-based awards that help Kentucky students afford higher education. Expanding eligibility could increase educational access for students in alternative schools (such as homeschools, online programs, or unaccredited institutions), but raises questions about quality assurance and equal treatment of educational pathways. This reflects broader policy debates about school choice and how states fund different educational models.

Potential points of contention

  • Quality and accountability standards: Noncertified schools lack the same regulatory oversight as certified institutions, raising concerns about whether scholarship funds support legitimate educational quality
  • Equal treatment and fairness: Questions about whether KEES funds should support schools that don't meet state certification requirements, potentially disadvantaging certified schools
  • Defining "noncertified schools": The bill's scope is unclear—it could include homeschooling, online programs, religious schools, or other alternatives, each with different implications

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

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