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Bill Summary · HB 628

Bill at a glance

  • Jurisdiction: Kentucky
  • Session: 2026 Regular Session (2026RS)
  • Title: AN ACT relating to the Athletic Trainer Compact
  • Primary subject: Authorization and implementation of the Athletic Trainer Compact in Kentucky
  • Current status: Passed House with Committee Substitute; moved to Senate Licensing & Occupations Committee, then to Senate; introduced February 12, 2026, with multiple committee referrals and readings

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to adopt, authorize, or otherwise implement the Athletic Trainer Compact as it relates to the practice of athletic training within Kentucky.
  • The primary aim is to facilitate reciprocal recognition and mobility for athletic trainers across member states through the Compact, while establishing Kentucky-specific compliance, enforcement, and regulatory oversight consistent with Kentucky law.

Key provisions and changes

  • Adoption of the Athletic Trainer Compact: The bill likely authorizes Kentucky to become a member state of the Athletic Trainer Compact, enabling license portability for athletic trainers who are credentialed in other member states and who meet Kentucky’s standards.
  • Regulatory alignment: Requires Kentucky to align its regulatory framework for athletic trainers with the Compact’s core provisions, including standards for licensure, discipline, and scope of practice.
  • Governance and administration: Establishes or references compact-related governance structures (e.g., appointment of state delegate, compliance with compact commission rules), and delineates how Kentucky will interact with the Compact Commission.
  • Credential recognition and investigations: Outlines how out-of-state athletic trainer licenses are recognized within Kentucky and how disciplinary actions or investigations are coordinated with other member states.
  • Public protection and consumer safety: Maintains or enhances public protection through adherence to uniform standards, complaint processes, and enforcement mechanisms consistent with the Compact.

Who is affected

  • Athletic trainers: Licensed professionals who may benefit from streamlined licensure processes and greater mobility across member states.
  • Licensing and regulatory agencies: The Kentucky licensing board or equivalent body responsible for athletic trainers will implement Compact provisions, including processes for licensure, discipline, and inter-state cooperation.
  • Employers and entities employing athletic trainers: Facilities and organizations (schools, clinics, sports teams) that rely on athletic trainers may gain easier cross-state employment opportunities and clearer multi-state practice guidelines.
  • Consumers/patients: Individuals receiving athletic training services could gain from standardized practice standards and enhanced cross-state continuity of care.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • House actions:
    • Introduced: February 12, 2026
    • Referred to Committees: Committee on Committees (H) → Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H) → (potentially to other committees as indicated by subsequent actions)
    • Reported favorably: February 25, 2026 (with Committee Substitute)
    • First reading: February 25, 2026
    • Passed 3rd reading (with Committee Substitute 1): March 4, 2026, in the House, by a vote of 97-0
    • Action history indicates transmission to Senate: March 5, 2026, to Licensing & Occupations (S)
  • Senate actions:
    • Received in Senate: March 5, 2026 -Scheduled/Proceedings: Referred to Senate Licensing & Occupations (S); further committee and readings would follow per Senate rules
  • Next steps: If the Senate approves, the bill would typically go to conference committee if there are differences, then to the Governor for signature or veto. The exact timeline depends on Senate action and any possible amendments.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Administrative impact: Kentucky would need to implement administrative procedures to operate under the Athletic Trainer Compact, including cooperation with the Compact Commission and alignment of licensure requirements.
  • Workforce mobility: Athletic trainers licensed in other member states may more readily practice in Kentucky, subject to Kentucky’s adoption of compact standards.
  • Public safety: The Compact’s framework is designed to support consistent licensure standards, disciplinary processes, and consumer protections across member states.
  • Financial considerations: Any changes in licensure processes or administrative operations could have associated costs for the licensing board or state agencies, though the bill may prescribe funding or use of existing resources.

Note: The summary reflects typical elements of Athletic Trainer Compact adoption. For precise language, definitions, and specific regulatory tweaks, please refer to the enacted text and any committee amendments as the bill progresses through the Kentucky General Assembly.

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

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