AN ACT relating to public postsecondary education institutions.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kim Banta and 1 co-sponsor

Aims to govern and set policies for Kentucky public colleges and universities, potentially affecting funding, governance, tuition, accountability, and programs.

to Appropriations & Revenue (H)

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Bill overview

HB 376 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky) is an act related to public postsecondary education institutions. The bill's formal title indicates its focus on public colleges and universities in Kentucky, though the specific substantive provisions are not provided in the summary you supplied. The bill proceeded through the legislative process with an initial committee referral.

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to govern or modify aspects of public postsecondary education institutions in Kentucky.

Based on typical scope for such acts, potential aims may include governance, budgeting, academic program oversight, funding mechanisms, accountability measures, tuition and fees policies, or procedures affecting universities and community colleges. (Note: the exact purpose would be clarified in the bill text; the summary here reflects the general category indicated by the title.)

Key provisions and changes (anticipated areas)

Because the detailed text of HB 376 is not provided, the following are common categories such bills may address. These are not asserted provisions of HB 376, but a framework of what such a bill often covers:

Governance and oversight: modifications to the structure or authority of public postsecondary boards, system offices, or campus presidents.

Funding and appropriations: provisions related to state funding formulas, performance-based funding, or allocation of resources to public institutions.

Tuition, fees, and affordability: changes to tuition setting authority, fee approval processes, or financial aid policies.

Accountability and reporting: new reporting requirements, metrics, audits, or public disclosure obligations regarding institutional performance.

Academic and program approvals: streamlined or revised processes for new programs, branches, or the termination of programs.

Capital projects and facilities: authorization or oversight for construction and facility investments at public campuses.

Student protections and equity: provisions impacting student rights, disclosures, or support services.

Who is affected

Public postsecondary education institutions in Kentucky (universities, colleges, and possibly a public university system or community college system).

Students enrolled in or seeking programs at these institutions.

Institutional administrators and boards of trustees or the governing system.

State and local agencies involved in higher education funding, budgeting, and accountability.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history indicates the bill was introduced in the Kentucky House on January 14, 2026.

It was referred to the Committee on Committees (a procedural step for scheduling and assignment) and subsequently to the Appropriations & Revenue Committee on January 22, 2026. This suggests the bill may involve budgetary or funding elements, given the appropriations focus.

The timelines for floor debate, potential amendments, and final passage will depend on committee actions and session calendar.

Important note

To provide a precise, detailed summary of HB 376, the full bill text is needed. The above outlines reflect typical content areas for legislation titled “AN ACT relating to public postsecondary education institutions” and the procedural steps shown. If you can share the bill’s text or key provisions, I can produce a definitive, detailed summary with specific provisions, numbers, dates, and affected entities.