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HB 549

AN ACT relating to pregnancy resource centers.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Stalker

The bill would impose new transparency, reporting, and operational requirements on Kentucky pregnancy resource centers to regulate information provided to clients and ensure compli

to Health Services (H)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 549

Overview

HB 549, introduced in the 2026 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly, is a bill related to pregnancy resource centers. The measure has been referred to the Health Services Committee, with an initial action history indicating movement within the House.

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill appears to address regulatory or operational aspects of pregnancy resource centers (PRCs) in Kentucky. While the exact language is not provided here, bills of this type typically aim to impose requirements, limitations, reporting, or oversight on PRCs to affect how they operate and communicate with clients seeking pregnancy-related services.

Key Provisions and Changes (as typical for PRC-related legislation)

Note: The following outlines are based on common components of Kentucky PRC-related bills and the limited detail provided. If the bill text contains specific provisions, those would supersede these general expectations.

  • Transparency and Disclosure: Possible requirements for PRCs to provide information about available reproductive health services, risks, and alternatives to pregnancy, including a mandate to disclose whether staff or affiliated professionals are licensed clinicians.

  • Advertising and Information: Potential rules governing the type of information PRCs may advertise, including compliance with state statutes on misrepresentation or coercive practices.

  • Referrals and Limitations: Provisions may address whether PRCs can refer clients to abortion providers or other health services, and under what circumstances.

  • Staffing and Qualifications: Possible qualifications or training requirements for staff, including the presence of licensed health professionals on site or on-call.

  • Verification and Reporting: Requirements for PRCs to maintain records, submit annual or periodic reports to a state agency, or participate in regulatory audits.

  • Consumer Protections: Provisions aimed at protecting clients from deceptive practices, misinformation, or pressure regarding pregnancy options.

  • Funding and Compliance: If applicable, provisions could establish penalties for noncompliance, enforcement mechanisms, or potential impacts on licensing or funding.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Pregnancy Resource Centers operating in Kentucky.
  • Facility administrators and staff of PRCs.
  • Clients seeking services from PRCs (pregnant individuals and their decision-making context).
  • Potentially, affiliated medical or counseling professionals connected with PRCs.
  • State and local health or regulatory agencies responsible for oversight, reporting, and enforcement.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced in the Kentucky House on February 3, 2026.
  • Referral: Referred to Committee on Committees (H) on February 3, 2026, then to Health Services (H) on February 10, 2026.
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would proceed through Health Services committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the House, then move to the Senate for consideration, with standard timelines for committee action, readings, and potential veto or enactment processes.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Public Health and Consumer Protection: Depending on the final text, the bill could enhance consumer protections and standardize information provided at PRCs, impacting how individuals receive counseling and options information.
  • Legal and Operational Burden: New disclosure, reporting, or staffing requirements could impose compliance costs and administrative duties on PRCs.
  • Access and Choice: The balance of requirements may influence the scope of services PRCs can offer or how they communicate with clients regarding pregnancy options.

Note: To provide a more precise and actionable summary, the exact language of HB 549 would be necessary. If you can share the bill text or committee amendments, I can update the summary with specific sections, thresholds, penalties, and timelines.

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

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