Several new laws enacted during the 2026 session of the Kentucky General Assembly, including ones on gambling, first responders, schools, criminal justice, grooming and concealed carry take effect this week.

More than 190 bills passed during this year’s 60-day session, most of which take effect on Wednesday. The state constitution specifies that new laws take effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns, which was April 15, unless they have special effective dates, are general appropriation measures, or include emergency clauses that make them effective immediately upon becoming law. Laws effective Wednesday include:

Concealed Carry – House Bill 312 will allow Kentuckians ages 18 to 20 to obtain a provisional concealed carry permit after a background check and firearms training.

Crystal Rogers Act – House Bill 305 seeks to preserve the integrity of grand jury proceedings by strengthening penalties for illegally recording or sharing information on a grand jury proceeding.

Death Penalty Regulations – Senate Bill 251 will give the Kentucky Department of Corrections the option to implement execution protocols and procedures through internal policy, memorandum or similar action. Right now, the department is required to promulgate administrative regulations to prescribe and implement execution protocols. Supporters say the change could help resolve long-term delays surrounding Kentucky’s death penalty regulations.

 Federal Education Opportunity Program – House Bill 1 will clear the way for Kentucky to participate in the new federal educational tax credit program established by the U.S. Congress last year in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The program allows taxpayers to contribute up to $1,700 to scholarship organizations that assist K-12 students in public and private schools. Families can use the funds for a wide range of education-related expenses, and taxpayers can receive a matching federal tax credit for contributions.

Food is Medicine Initiatives – Senate Joint Resolution 23 declares Kentucky as a “Food is Medicine” state and directs state agencies to advance Food is Medicine initiatives.

Fraudulent Contractors – Senate Bill 153 will help protect Kentucky homeowners from abusive and fraudulent contractors following severe weather. It will clarify that vandalism committed for the purpose of an insurance claim is fraud. It will also create a post-disaster registry for roofing, siding and tree-removal businesses and prohibit door-to-door solicitations during declared emergencies.

Photo from Kentucky Today