AN ACT relating to new public school construction.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jimmy Higdon and 2 co-sponsors

Provides funding and processes for planning, approving, and constructing new public schools in Kentucky.

to Committee on Committees (S)

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Summary of SB 140 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

SB 140 is an act related to new public school construction. It appears to address how Kentucky plans, funds, and administers the construction of new public schools. The bill’s title indicates a focus on “new public school construction,” which typically includes standards, funding mechanisms, site eligibility, approval processes, and timelines for developing facilities to serve student populations.

Key provisions and changes (what the bill would do)

Note: A precise summary of provisions depends on the bill’s text. Based on the title and common elements in similar measures, anticipated areas of change may include:
- Establishment or modification of criteria for determining when and where new public school facilities are needed.
- Allocation or priorities for state funding to support new school construction projects.
- Procedures for approval and oversight of construction projects (e.g., local districts, state education authorities, and potential partnerships with other agencies).
- Financing mechanisms, such as appropriations, bonds, or other fiscal methods to fund construction.
- Standards for project scope, size, and timelines, including required milestones and reporting.
- Provisions related to cost containment, bidding, procurement, and accountability in construction projects.
- Consideration of enrollment growth projections or demographic data in planning new schools.

If the bill includes specific dollar amounts, percentages, or fiscal practices, those would be detailed in the text. If amendments or sponsor notes exist, they may further define funding caps, eligible districts, or reporting requirements.

Who would be affected

Public school districts and local boards of education, which typically would initiate, plan, and partner on new school construction projects.

The Kentucky Department of Education (and potentially the Kentucky Department of Education and Workforce or related state agencies) responsible for administering funding and approving projects.

Students and communities in need of new or expanded school facilities, including projected growth areas.

Taxpayers and local governments who would be affected through state funding, bonding, or local match requirements (if applicable).

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced in the Senate on January 29, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Committees (S) on the same day.

As a bill about construction, typical procedural steps may include:

Committee hearings and amendments.
Fiscal impact analysis (possible costs to the state and districts).
Potential floor votes in the Senate before moving to the House (if applicable in Kentucky’s process) and subsequent reconciliation.

If enacted, implementation would likely involve a phased rollout aligned with budget cycles, with defined start dates for project approvals, funding disbursement, and construction timelines.

Additional notes

The available information is limited to the bill’s title, session, jurisdiction, and basic action history. For a precise understanding of all provisions, sections, fiscal impact, and effective dates, the full text of SB 140 and any accompanying fiscal notes or sponsor statements should be consulted.

The summary above emphasizes anticipated areas common to new public school construction legislation, but exact language may differ and could introduce unique requirements or constraints.