AN ACT relating to legislative ethics.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cassie Armstrong and 1 co-sponsor

SB 143 bans sexual harassment by legislators or agents, treats violations as ethical misconduct, and creates a formal process for employees to report and seek protection.

to Committee on Committees (S)

#civilrights #communications #generalassembly #legislativeresearchcommission #obscenityandpornography #publicethics #publicofficersandemployees #safety #workforce

Summary of SB 143 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

SB 143 aims to strengthen legislative ethics by prohibiting sexual harassment within the Kentucky legislative branch and establishing processes for addressing violations. The bill defines sexual harassment in a broad, policy-aligned manner and treats violations as ethical misconduct for legislators and legislative agents.

Key provisions and changes

Prohibition of sexual harassment: A legislator or legislative agent may not intentionally engage in sexual harassment of any legislator, legislative agent, or employee of the legislative branch.

Ethical misconduct designation: Violations by a legislator or legislative agent would constitute ethical misconduct.

Complaint and protection process: An employee who experiences harassment may notify the legislative branch’s human resources staff, seek protection, and file a claim under KRS Chapter 344 (which governs civil rights and harassment claims).

Definition of sexual harassment: The bill provides a detailed, multi-part definition that mirrors common legal standards:

Conduct or communication of a sexual nature (advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual jokes, etc.) that is an explicit or implicit term or condition of employment or affects employment decisions.
Conduct or communication that interferes with job performance, creates a hostile work environment, or constitutes harassment under applicable laws and standards (KRS 344, Title VII, case law, or EEOC/KCHR regulations).
Examples of prohibited conduct include unwelcome sexual contact, sexual jokes, derogatory or suggestive comments, displaying sexual content, and sexually suggestive messages.
A single incident can qualify if linked to an employment benefit or if severe.
The definition encompasses both in-person and written/electronic communications and conduct in public or private settings.

Persons affected

Legislators and legislative agents: Prohibited from engaging in sexual harassment; potential ethical discipline for violations.

Legislative branch employees: Eligible to file complaints, seek protection, and pursue remedies under the established process.

The legislative branch’s HR staff: Responsible for receiving complaints and coordinating protections.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Enforcement channel: Violations are handled as ethical misconduct, with recourse through the legislative branch’s human resources structure and KRS 344 processes.

Remedies and protections: Although not detailed in the text provided, employees may seek protection and file claims consistent with existing civil rights procedures.

Effective date: The text provided indicates introduction in January 2026; subsequent implementation details (effective date, enforcement timelines) would be determined by the bill as enacted or by accompanying regulatory guidance.

Overall impact

SB 143 standardizes the prohibition of sexual harassment within the Kentucky legislature, aligns disciplinary expectations with ethical codes, and provides a formal mechanism for reporting and remedy. It expands protection for employees and reinforces accountability for legislators and legislative agents.