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HB 769

AN ACT relating to Kentucky educational excellence scholarships.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tina Bojanowski and 1 co-sponsor

HB 769 would modify KEES scholarship rules, including eligibility, award calculation, and funding, potentially changing who receives awards and how much.

to Postsecondary Education (H)
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Bill Summary · HB 769

Summary of HB 769 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

HB 769 relates to the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) program. The bill appears to modify aspects of how KEES operates or is funded, with the aim of influencing awards to Kentucky students based on academic achievement and other eligibility factors. The exact statutory language is not provided here, but the bill’s title and committee history indicate a focus on “educational excellence scholarships” within Kentucky.

Key provisions and changes (as typically associated with KEES-related bills)

  • Eligibility criteria adjustments: Potential changes to the requirements students must meet to qualify for KEES rewards, which could include GPA thresholds, test scores, coursework, or residency status.
  • Award calculation and amount: Possible modifications to how KEES awards are calculated (e.g., base scholarship amounts, tiered awards by GPA or ACT/SAT scores), including any caps or minimums for recipients.
  • Funding and appropriation mechanics: Considerations of how KEES funds are allocated, whether appropriations are redirected, increased, or subject to budgetary constraints.
  • Postsecondary use conditions: Requirements tied to using KEES funds for approved postsecondary institutions and programs within Kentucky, including timelines or penalties for nonuse.
  • Renewal and maintenance provisions: Rules governing ongoing eligibility in successive years, including maintenance of GPA or course load requirements.
  • Transfers and portability: Any provisions about transferring KEES awards to other institutions, programs, or out-of-state options, if applicable.
  • Oversight and administration: Roles of Kentucky higher education agencies, scholarship administrators, or oversight committees in administering KEES under the revised framework.

Who would be affected

  • High school graduates and current KEES recipients: Directly impacted by any changes to eligibility, award amounts, and renewal requirements.
  • Families and students planning postsecondary funding: Shifts in KEES provisions could influence college affordability, debt levels, and choice of institutions.
  • Postsecondary institutions in Kentucky: Institutions receiving KEES funds would be affected by any changes in award processing, reporting requirements, or funding flows.
  • Kentucky education and higher education agencies: Administrative bodies would implement and monitor any new KEES rules and ensure compliance.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced and referred: The bill was introduced in the Kentucky House on February 26, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Committees (H) on that date.
  • Committee action history: The bill was subsequently sent to the Postsecondary Education committee on March 5, 2026, indicating it will be reviewed by that panel for potential amendments and advance to the full House for consideration.
  • Potential next steps: If advanced, the bill would proceed through additional House readings, potential votes, and possibly move to the Senate for counterpart action. Timelines depend on committee action, floor votes, and legislative calendars.

Potential impact and considerations

  • The bill could reshape how KEES funds are awarded and managed, affecting students’ postsecondary affordability and decision-making.
  • Changes could have budgetary implications for state education spending and require adjustments in institutional financial aid offices.
  • If eligibility or renewal requirements become more stringent, some students may experience changes in eligibility status or award amounts.

Note: This summary is based on the bill’s title, session context, and standard KEES reform patterns. For precise provisions, language, and numerical details (e.g., exact eligibility changes, award amounts, renewal criteria), the full text of HB 769 and any fiscal notes or committee amendments should be consulted once released.

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

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