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Bill

HB 104

AN ACT relating to school cooperation with patriotic organizations.

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

HB 104 aims to require public Kentucky schools to cooperate with designated patriotic organizations, outlining definitions, activities, oversight, and protections for student parti

to Primary and Secondary Education (H)
#childrenandminors #education #elementaryandsecondary #vocational
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Bill Summary · HB 104

Summary of HB 104 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and intent

HB 104 seeks to regulate and promote school cooperation with patriotic organizations. The bill appears to establish standards and requirements for how public schools in Kentucky interact with designated patriotic organizations, with the goal of encouraging participation in patriotic activities and ensuring alignment with state-approved civic education objectives. The exact language is not provided here, but the bill’s title indicates a directive to foster formal cooperation between schools and patriotic groups.

Key provisions and changes (as typically included in this type of measure)

  • Definition of patriotic organizations. The bill is likely to define what constitutes a "patriotic organization" for purposes of school interaction, including criteria related to leadership, activities, and non-discrimination requirements.
  • School cooperation requirements. Public schools may be required to engage with patriotic organizations in specific ways. This could include allowing guest speakers, organizing joint events, or incorporating patriotic programming into curricula or extracurricular activities.
  • Approval and oversight mechanisms. The bill may establish processes for approval of activities, reporting requirements to the school board or state education department, and possible oversight to ensure compliance.
  • Safety and inclusivity safeguards. There may be provisions addressing safety, non-discrimination, and student rights, ensuring that participation is voluntary and that schools protect students who choose not to participate.
  • Funding or resource implications. If the bill authorizes events or partnerships, it might specify whether schools can allocate space, time, or resources, and whether any funding is involved.
  • Teacher and administrator roles. The measure could outline responsibilities for school leaders and teachers in coordinating with patriotic organizations, including training or guidelines for classroom discussions.

Who would be affected

  • Public school districts and schools in Kentucky, which would implement policies and activities related to cooperation with patriotic organizations.
  • Students and families, particularly those who participate in events or programming connected to patriotic organizations, and those who may opt out.
  • School personnel (administrators, teachers, and coaches) responsible for organizing or facilitating approved activities and partnerships.
  • Patriotic organizations that seek formal collaboration with schools, subject to the definitions and criteria established by the bill.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and committee referrals. The bill was introduced in the House on January 7, 2026 and referred to the Committee on Committees, with initial consideration by the House Committee on Primary and Secondary Education on January 14, 2026.
  • Legislative path. As a House bill, it would move through committee vetting, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Kentucky House, followed by consideration by the Senate and any further reconciliation before final passage and a gubernatorial signature or veto.
  • Effective date. The summary available does not specify an effective date. Bills typically indicate an effective date upon passage or specify phased implementation in the text.

Potential considerations for readers

  • The bill could redefine the relationship between schools and civic-focused organizations, potentially expanding opportunities for patriotic programming while necessitating safeguards to protect student rights and ensure inclusive, non-coercive participation.
  • Observers may want to review:
    • The exact definitions of “patriotic organization” and the scope of permissible activities.
    • Requirements for parental notification or opt-out options for students.
    • Any funding, resource allocation, or trademark/branding implications for schools.
    • Compliance timelines and reporting obligations for districts.

If the full text becomes available, a more precise section-by-section breakdown and exact fiscal impact could be provided.

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

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