26RS SB 240

Senate Bill 240

Actions

Last Action	02/24/26: to Committee on Committees (S)
Title	AN ACT relating to student rights.
Bill Documents	Introduced
Bill Request Number	2268
Sponsor	K. Berg
Summary of Original Version	Create a new section of KRS Chapter 158 to define terms and establish student rights related to secular education and religious liberty; direct school districts to establish a formal grievance procedure for students, parents, and staff to report violations of those rights and set minimum requirements for the procedure; create a cause of action for violations of those rights that permits students or parents of students to bring an action for a violation of those rights within 2 years from the date of violation; permit recovery of attorney's fees and costs; waive sovereign and governmental immunity; prohibit retaliation; direct the Kentucky Department of Education to establish model policies, guidance documents, and training materials to assist in implementation by designated dates; direct school districts to provide trainings on compliance during the 2026-2027 school year; amend KRS 158.175 to remove schools' permission to recite the Lord's prayer; remove the requirement for a moment of silence or reflection within the first period of a school day; amend KRS 158.188 to remove references to the Bible and religious aspects of holidays; amend KRS 158.195 to remove the requirement that schools display "In God We Trust" in a prominent location; repeal KRS 158.170, KRS 158.177, and 158.178; provide that the Act may be cited as the Student Secular Bill of Rights.
Index Headings of Original Version	Boards And Commissions - Local boards of education, formal grievance procedure for violations of student religious liberties Children And Minors - Public school students, Student Secular Bill of Rights, investigation and enforcement Civil Actions - Violation of public school students religious liberties, cause of action Civil Rights - Religious liberty, public school students, Student Secular Bill of Rights, enforcement Claims - Violation of public school students religious liberties, cause of action Education, Elementary And Secondary - Public school students, Student Secular Bill of Rights, investigation and enforcement Parental Rights - Public school students, Student Secular Bill of Rights, civil action for enforcement Religion - Religious liberty, public school students, Student Secular Bill of Rights, enforcement Short Titles And Popular Names - Student Secular Bill of Rights State Agencies - Department of Education, student religious liberty guidance and training materials, publication