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SB 6

AN ACT relating to the endowed research fund, making an appropriation therefor, and declaring an emergency.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shelley Frommeyer and 1 co-sponsor

Kentucky appropriates 150 million to the endowed research fund for 2026-27, split equally among five consortium accounts, with non-lapse funds and emergency speed.

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Bill Summary · SB 6

Summary of SB 6 (2026RS) – Kentucky

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes appropriations to the endowed research fund and declares an emergency. The stated goal is to foster research excellence, attract renowned faculty, and improve economic opportunities for Kentucky residents.

Key provisions

  • Appropriation

    • The bill appropriates $150,000,000 from General Fund moneys for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the endowed research fund established in Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 164.038.
    • The funding is to be distributed evenly across the five consortium accounts created in KRS 164.038(1)(g). This implies equal allocation to each consortium account within the endowed research fund.

  • Fund lifecycle and carryover

    • Per KRS 164.038(1)(e), any moneys in the endowed research fund at the close of a fiscal year shall not lapse but shall be carried forward to the next fiscal year. This ensures ongoing availability of funds for the fund’s purposes.

  • Emergency declaration and effective date

    • The bill declares an emergency and states that it takes effect upon passage and approval by the Governor (or upon becoming law by other constitutional means). This provision is intended to expedite the funding and implementation.

Who/what would be affected

  • Endowed research fund and consortium accounts: The five consortium accounts within the endowed research fund (as established by KRS 164.038(1)(g)) would receive an equal share of the $150 million appropriation in FY 2026-2027.
  • Universities and researchers in Kentucky: Indirectly affected by the infusion of funds, which are aimed at supporting research excellence, faculty recruitment/retention, and broader economic development.
  • General Fund and state budgetary process: The appropriation increases General Fund disbursements for the specified fiscal year and interacts with existing statutory provisions governing carryover (non-lapse) funding.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Immediate upon passage/approval due to the emergency declaration.
  • Funding timeline: Allocation occurs in fiscal year 2026-2027, with annual carryforward of any remaining funds due to the non-lapse provision.
  • Legislative history highlights:
    • Introduced in the Senate on 2026-01-28.
    • Passed the Senate on 2026-03-10 (3rd reading) with a favorable vote (38-0).
    • Reported and moved through House committees in March 2026 and received final consideration and passage around March 2026.
    • Sponsors include Robert Stivers (co-sponsor) and Shelley Frommeyer (co-sponsor).

Notes on impact

  • The bill provides a substantial, front-loaded investment into the endowed research fund, signifying a strong state commitment to Kentucky’s research ecosystem.
  • By ensuring funds do not lapse year-to-year, the program can pursue longer-term research initiatives and strategic investments within the five consortium accounts.
  • The emergency declaration is designed to accelerate funding and project start times, though it does not alter administrative or governance processes inherent to the endowed research fund.

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

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