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Read. Follow. Verify.Kentucky Ban on Three-Cueing Reading Instruction and Enhanced School Staff Background Checks
Last action · April 10, 2026: signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 74)Sponsors: James Tipton and 5 others
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What This Bill Does
Kentucky public school districts are prohibited from using the of reading instruction by the 2029-2030 school year, and all school employees must undergo strict background checks and child abuse and neglect checks under an emergency act signed into law.
Changes hiring and instructional standards across every public school district in Kentucky by mandating literacy programs based on the science of reading, tightening background check mandates for school hires and volunteers, and prohibiting nondisclosure agreements regarding student misconduct.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
public school districts
Must eliminate three-cueing reading curricula by the 2029-2030 school year, enforce strict background check requirements for hires, and comply with reporting and investigation mandates.
teachers and school staff
Must complete specified professional development training, adhere to self-reporting rules for felony charges and child abuse findings, and undergo background checks.
educator preparation programs
Postsecondary teacher preparation programs must incorporate evidence-based reading instruction, align with state academic standards, and prohibit instruction on the three-cueing system.
public school students
Receive instruction exclusively through evidence-based literacy methods and benefit from enhanced safety screening and misconduct reporting protections.
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 is the three-cueing system and when will it be banned in public schools?
What background checks are required for new school employees?
Can schools sign confidentiality agreements regarding employee misconduct involving students?
What are the rules regarding student release for moral instruction?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Current status: Signed into law.
Procedural history
16 actions- Apr 10, 2026HouseEnrolledsigned by Governor (Acts Ch. 74)
- Mar 31, 2026HouseEnrolledHouse concurred in Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendment (2) and Floor Amendment (3-title) passed 93-1 enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House enrolled, signed by President of the Senate delivered to Governor
- Mar 27, 2026Senateposted for passage for concurrence in Senate Floor Amendments (2) and (3-title) and Committee Substitute (1)
- Mar 26, 2026HouseCommitteereceived in House to Rules (H)
- Mar 25, 2026HouseFloor3rd reading floor amendment (1) withdrawn passed 38-0 with Committee Substitute (1), Floor Amendment (2) and Floor Amendment (3-title)
- Mar 24, 2026Housepassed over and retained in the Orders of the Day
Show 10 earlier actions
- Mar 20, 2026HouseFloor2nd reading, to Rules floor amendments (1) and (2) filed to Committee Substitute , floor amendment (3-title) filed to bill posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Tuesday, March 24 2026
- Mar 19, 2026Housereported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1) and Committee Amendment (1-title)
- Mar 11, 2026SenateCommitteeto Education (S)
- Feb 13, 2026SenateIntroducedreceived in Senate to Committee on Committees (S)
- Feb 12, 2026HouseFloor3rd reading, passed 94-1 with Committee Substitute (1)
- Feb 10, 2026Houseposted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Wednesday, February 11 2026
- Feb 5, 2026HouseFloor2nd reading, to Rules
- Feb 4, 2026Housereported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)
- Jan 15, 2026HouseCommitteeto Primary and Secondary Education (H)
- Jan 8, 2026HouseIntroducedintroduced in House to Committee on Committees (H)
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Show 1 more sponsor
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Mandatory Transition to Science of Reading
The legislation establishes a definitive statewide timeline phasing out the three-cueing reading model by the 2029-2030 school year and requiring science of reading training for all elementary educators.
Prohibition on Misconduct NDAs
Public school districts and charter schools are expressly barred from using nondisclosure agreements for cases involving student or minor misconduct, ensuring transparency in personnel actions.
Connected Entities
Sources
apps.legislature.ky.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance90How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy35Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz40Current news / social attention level
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