As we wrap up week six of the 2026 Legislative Session, the pace of work in Frankfort continues to accelerate. Committees are meeting daily with fuller agendas, legislation is moving to the floor and priorities are advancing with thoughtful debate.
At this point in the session, more than 100 pieces of legislation have officially passed at least one chamber. This reflects meaningful progress on policies focused on strengthening our economy, addressing affordability, supporting our communities, protecting taxpayers, bettering education and ensuring government operates efficiently and transparently.
As Senate majority floor leader, I help manage legislation as it moves through the process and onto the Senate floor. That responsibility requires steady coordination, disciplined focus and a commitment to advancing policies that matter most to Kentucky families.
Budget outlook
The Senate continues preparing for formal budget negotiations. While we await the House proposal, members are reviewing revenue projections and refining spending priorities. These discussions are deliberate and focused on long-term stability.
We have made historic progress in pension funding and debt reduction over the past several years. That progress did not happen by accident. Since 2017, the General Assembly has taken a disciplined approach to restoring fiscal health and rebuilding trust in state finances.
Our commitment to sustained tax relief and continued economic growth depends on recurring revenue and structural balance, not one-time transfers or short-term accounting solutions. Fiscal discipline today protects taxpayers tomorrow.
Fuel surcharge stability
Responsible budgeting also means addressing affordability pressures facing Kentucky families. That includes energy costs.
The Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 172, known as the Fuel Surcharge Stability Act. This measure allows the Public Service Commission to extend the period over which utilities recover fuel costs, helping reduce sudden spikes in monthly power bills. The bill also requires that coal severance receipts be considered during fuel adjustment reviews and gives regulators the flexibility to smooth recovery when appropriate. It takes effect immediately to provide stability for households and businesses.
Energy affordability matters. We must ensure families are not hit with unnecessary volatility while maintaining reliability in our power supply.
Education priorities move forward
Education remains a major focus this session.
The Senate approved SB 2, which ensures fairness in educator compensation by preventing administrator pay raises from outpacing those of classroom teachers within the same district.
We also passed SB 4, creating a statewide leadership training program for new school principals. Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, first-year principals will participate in structured mentorship and professional development focused on instructional leadership, school safety and accountability. The program is largely state-funded and does not impose new financial burdens on local districts.
Both measures strengthen accountability while supporting educators and students across the commonwealth.
Energy and economic competitiveness
The Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee also advanced SB 57 to support early federal permitting for advanced nuclear development in Kentucky.
Preparing responsibly for emerging energy technologies strengthens our long-term competitiveness. A diverse energy portfolio that includes coal, natural gas and advanced nuclear enhances reliability, supports economic growth and positions Kentucky for future investment.
Public safety and consumer protection
The Senate also passed SB 153, which strengthens safeguards against fraudulent contractor practices, particularly following natural disasters. Recent enforcement actions against predatory roofing companies underscore the importance of protecting Kentuckians during the rebuilding of their homes and communities.
Other bills passed in the Senate
SB 71 expands required training for local school board members in finance, ethics, open meetings and superintendent evaluation to strengthen governance and fiscal oversight.
SB 72 strengthens conscience protections for health care professionals while preserving patient safety standards.
SB 110 continues the modernization of Kentucky’s vehicle titling and registration systems through expanded electronic processing.
SB 160 improves oversight of licensed child care centers while ensuring fair and consistent treatment for providers across Kentucky.
There is still important work ahead as we move into the latter half of the session and prepare for final budget negotiations. We will continue approaching that work with discipline and focus, advancing policies that strengthen Kentucky’s economy, protect taxpayers and position our state for continued growth.
We still have a long session ahead, but we’ve started strong. You may reach my office with comments or questions by calling 502-564-8100 or emailing me at Max.Wise@kylegislature.gov.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you. I look forward to keeping you updated as the work of the 2026 Regular Session continues.
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Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, represents the 16th Senate District, including Adair, Allen, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Taylor Counties and eastern Warren County. Wise serves as Senate majority floor leader. He is a member of the Senate Committees on Education, and Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor. As part of Senate leadership, Wise also serves on the Legislative Research Commission, the Rules Committee, and the Committee on Committees.
(Dustin R. Isaacs – Office of Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise)