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HB 144KENTUCKYSession 2026RSState BillSigned into law

Enacted

Kentucky Updates Motor Vehicle Title Surrender, Salvage Calculation, and Lien Rules

Original title: AN ACT relating to motor vehicle titles.

Last action · April 13, 2026: signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 100)Sponsors: Thomas Huff and 9 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Does

Kentucky law now requires severe vehicle damage repair cost calculations to exclude cosmetic repairs, updates criteria, and establishes clear procedures for obtaining titles through an affidavit when insurers or towing operators cannot secure proper documentation.

Why it matters

Vehicle owners, insurers, used parts dealers, and towing companies must follow revised timelines and standards for surrendering titles, calculating repair costs, and clearing liens on damaged or abandoned vehicles.

Background

Motor vehicle titles, salvage branding, and lien notations in Kentucky are administered through county clerks working in conjunction with the Department of Vehicle Regulation and the Transportation Cabinet. context

Who It Affects

Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

motor vehicle owners

Owners must adhere to revised timelines for surrendering titles on destroyed vehicles and applying for salvage titles.

Directly affected

insurers

Insurers receive exemptions from specific notarization requirements when transferring ownership of salvage vehicles.

Directly affected

county clerks

County clerks must process surrendered titles, handle affidavits, and record security interests using designated state forms without third-party liability under specified conditions.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What costs are excluded when calculating vehicle repair expenses for title surrender?

Cosmetic damages are excluded from the calculation of repair costs for title surrender.

How long does a vehicle owner have to apply for a salvage title after receiving necessary paperwork?

The owner or authorized agent must submit an application to the county clerk within fifteen days.

What is the duration of effectiveness for a security interest noted on a standard motor vehicle certificate of title?

A security interest remains effective for a period of ten years, or thirty years for a manufactured home.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Current status: Signed into law.

Procedural history

13 actions

Apr 13, 2026HouseEnrolled
signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 100)
Apr 1, 2026HouseEnrolled
enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House enrolled, signed by President of the Senate delivered to Governor
Mar 31, 2026HouseFloor
3rd reading, passed 38-0 with Committee Substitute (1) received in House to Rules (H) posted for passage for concurrence in Senate Committee Substitute (1) House concurred in Committee Substitute (1) passed 91-0
Mar 26, 2026House
posted for passage in the Consent Orders of the Day for Friday, March 27 2026
Mar 25, 2026HouseFloor
2nd reading, to Rules as a consent bill
Mar 24, 2026House
reported favorably, 1st reading, to Consent Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)

Show 7 earlier actions

Mar 16, 2026SenateCommittee
to Banking & Insurance (S)
Feb 2, 2026SenateIntroduced
received in Senate to Committee on Committees (S)
Jan 30, 2026HouseFloor
3rd reading, passed 94-0 with Committee Substitute (1)
Jan 29, 2026HouseFloor
2nd reading, to Rules posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, January 30 2026
Jan 28, 2026House
reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)
Jan 14, 2026HouseCommittee
to Transportation (H)
Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroduced
introduced in House to Committee on Committees (H)

Version history

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