WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 661

AN ACT relating to school property.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Clines

Expands school property use for nonschool activities and allows on-site or nearby housing for staff to aid recruitment/retention, with policy-based rules and financing options.

returned to Primary and Secondary Education (H)
#education #elementaryandsecondary #housing #building #andconstruction #teachers
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 661

Summary of HB 661 (2026RS) — Kentucky

Main purpose and intent

HB 661 aims to expand how Kentucky school properties can be used beyond regular school hours. It clarifies permitted uses by the public, creates a framework for school-owned housing for staff, and provides the mechanics for acquiring or leasing property for housing as a staffing recruitment/retention strategy. The bill emphasizes leveraging school property to support educational staffing needs while preserving existing liability protections and care obligations.

Key provisions and changes

  • Expanded definitions and access during nonschool hours (Section 1):

    • Defines terms such as “nonschool hours,” “public members of the community,” “recreation,” “school property,” and “sport.”
    • Local school boards may authorize the use of school property by public community members during nonschool hours for activities including recreation, sport, academics, literature, art, or community uses, under adopted policies.
    • School districts retain immunity for claims arising from such nonschool-hour use, comparable to immunity during school hours or school-related activities.
    • Allows local boards to authorize housing options for certified staff and other district employees on school property (including via leases).
    • Explicitly states that the section does not create new duties of care, does not convert property rights into adverse possession, and does not weaken liability protections (e.g., those under other statutes).

  • New section creating housing as a district strategy (Section 2):

    • Local boards may determine that using school property or funds to acquire housing is necessary to recruit or retain certified staff and other employees.
    • The determination must show that housing use is critical to meeting the district’s educational purpose.
    • Boards or district finance corporations may enter into agreements to provide housing for staff using land the district already owns or leases.
    • If financing is needed, it can be facilitated with assistance from the State Property and Buildings Commission per KRS 56.467.

Who would be affected

  • Local school boards and district finance corporations: Authorized to permit nonschool-hour use of property by the public and to enter housing arrangements for district employees.
  • Certified staff and other district employees: Potential beneficiaries of on-site or nearby school-property housing options.
  • Public/community members: Allowed, under policy, to use school property during nonschool hours for various activities.
  • School districts and property managers: Subject to updated rules on property use, liability, and potential financing mechanisms for housing projects.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill includes definitions and authorization language but does not specify funding dates beyond allowing financing assistance through the State Property and Buildings Commission if needed.
  • It requires local school boards to adopt policies governing nonschool-hour use and housing arrangements.
  • Effective dates are not specified in the text provided; typical enactment would follow passage and signing, with potential implementation contingent on policy adoption.

Potential impact

  • Increased utilization of school facilities for community activities outside typical school hours.
  • Creation of on-site or nearby housing options to attract and retain qualified staff, potentially improving teacher recruitment and retention.
  • New financing avenues for districts to fund housing, reducing staffing shortages but introducing considerations around property management, occupancy, and ongoing maintenance.

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

Sign in to ask a question.