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Bill

SB 64

AN ACT relating to the Kentucky Communications Network Authority and declaring an emergency.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amanda Bledsoe and 13 co-sponsors

Consolidates KentuckyWired under the Commonwealth Office of Technology, folding the Kentucky Communications Network Authority into state IT leadership while preserving network mana

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Bill Summary · SB 64

Overview

SB 64 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky) proposes restructuring the Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KentuckyWired) by transferring its functions into the Commonwealth Office of Technology and terminating the authority as a separate entity. The bill declares an emergency, accelerating the transfer and implementation. It outlines governance, debt authority, advisory structures, and reporting requirements, and it realigns several statutory attachments within the state cabinet framework.

Purpose and intent

  • Central aim: to consolidate the KentuckyWired open-access broadband network and related functions under the Commonwealth Office of Technology, ensuring continuity, efficiency, and alignment with state IT strategy.
  • The bill seeks to preserve network operations and master agreement management while removing a standalone authority and folding its duties into existing state technology leadership.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions and scope (Section 1)

    • Reaffirms terms: “Authority” = Kentucky Communications Network Authority; “Network” = KentuckyWired; “Partnership” = public-private arrangement for creating and operating the network (terminology adjusted in subchapter).

  • Establishment, duties, and governance (Sections 2 and 3)

    • Section 2: The Kentucky Communications Network Authority is to be attached to the Commonwealth Office of Technology for administrative purposes.
    • The authority’s duties include overseeing KentuckyWired, managing the master agreement, providing connectivity to public agencies, offering access to excess capacity, regulatory promulgation, contract authority, program management, funding, and an advisory group for input (advisory group members listed comprehensively, including state agencies, higher education, local government, libraries, health care, public broadcasting, judiciary, etc.).
    • The executive director role is tied to the Commonwealth Office of Technology; staff and debt authority provisions are described (see debt subsection below).
    • A financing/debt framework allows the authority, with board approval, to incur debt up to $110 million and to sign financing agreements. Debt must be reviewed by the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee and reported to the Legislative Research Commission (LRC) at specified intervals if outstanding.

  • Board structure and duties (Section 3)

    • The Board of the Kentucky Communications Network Authority is established and attached to the Finance and Administration Cabinet for administrative purposes.
    • Board composition includes a mix of executive-branch leaders and a Center for Rural Development designee.
    • Board duties cover strategic planning, performance monitoring, revenue development, budget and rate setting, and directing technology upgrades.
    • Board meets at least semiannually; committees may be formed.

  • Administrative alignment and governance (Sections 4–6)

    • The Administrative Cabinet is restructured to include the Kentucky Communications Network Authority among cabinet-level units (Section 4).
    • The Commonwealth Office of Technology’s broader duties and authorities are expanded to include responsibilities for the network and its security framework, GIS coordination, AI governance, and higher-level IT coordination (Section 5).
    • The Kentucky Information Technology Advisory Council is updated to include the Kentucky Communications Network Authority as a member (Section 6).

  • Departmental and organizational adjustments (Section 7–8)

    • Additional statutory reattachments and enumerations within the cabinet structure are adjusted to reflect the Authority’s move under the Commonwealth Office of Technology and related IT governance bodies.

  • Transfer of functions and personnel (Section 9)

    • On the act’s effective date, all functions and responsibilities of the Kentucky Communications Network Authority transfer to Commonwealth Office of Technology staff under the direction of the Office of Technology’s executive director.
    • The KentuckyWired executive director position is terminated.
    • By June 30, 2026, the Office of Technology will decide which transferred staff will be retained.

  • Emergency declaration and effective date (Section 10)

    • An emergency is declared to ensure prompt implementation and continuity of broadband network oversight. The act takes effect upon passage/approval or as otherwise provided by law.

Who is affected

  • Primary: KentuckyWired network operations, master-lease and partnership management, and users of the network (public agencies and eligible entities with access to excess capacity).
  • Governance: Kentucky Office of Technology, Finance and Administration Cabinet, and related IT advisory councils.
  • Staffing: Personnel formerly employed by the Kentucky Communications Network Authority; some staff may be retained by the Commonwealth Office of Technology.
  • Stakeholders listed in the advisory group include education, higher education, public safety, local government, libraries, health care, transportation, and other public entities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Debt oversight: Any proposed debt/financing requires Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee review at least 14 days before the committee meeting; ongoing debt disclosures to LRC occur quarterly and at debt milestones.
  • Transfer timeline: Transfer of functions effective on the act’s effective date, with a decision on retained staff by June 30, 2026.
  • Legislative attachments: Sections restructure where various IT and cabinet units are attached to different departments or cabinets, aligning with the new governance model.

Summary assessment

SB 64 codifies a substantial administrative reorganization aimed at consolidating KentuckyWired under the Commonwealth Office of Technology, while maintaining ongoing network management, governance, and funding oversight through updated boards, advisory groups, and reporting requirements. It emphasizes continuity of network services to public agencies, clear debt governance, and enhanced IT coordination across state government, with an emergency clause to accelerate implementation.

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

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