For many Kentucky families, child-care centers are more than a place for their children to spend the day. Parents and guardians value these centers because they provide a foundation for learning, growth, and development while they are busy at work or studying in school. Kentucky legislators understand the importance of child-care centers and continue to pass legislation that will compliment this evolving resource. During the 2026 legislative session, Congress passed an emergency bill and a joint resolution that directly impact the licensing and regulation of Kentucky child-care centers: House Bill 6 (“HB 6”) and House Joint Resolution 50 (“HJR 50”).
House Bill 6
After passing 36-1 with the with Senate Floor Amendments (1) and (2) following by an 83-10 concurrence in the House, the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate signed HB 6 on April 1, 2026. Although it was delivered to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear on the same day, this emergency bill became law without the Governor’s signature on April 14, 2026. Because the legislation contained an Emergency Clause, the law took effect on April 14, 2026.
Key changes to the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) Chapter 199 include HB 6 adding eight (8) new sections. Notably, these new provisions affect administrative regulatory changes, training requirements, and the Kentucky Child Care Assistance Program. Furthermore, this new law amends KRS 199.891, 199.8983, 199.882, 199.883, 199.885, 199.886, 199.887, 199.8982, and 199.896. Importantly, some provisions pertain to changes to administrative regulation and the Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership Program.
House Joint Resolution 50
A joint resolution is not a bill and is not signed into law. However, joint resolutions do have the force of law. They are utilized to ratify amendments, direct an executive branch agency to conduct a study, or approve matters of temporary law not meant to be inserted into statutes.
Originally, the Governor vetoed this joint resolution on April 13, 2026. However, after the Senate adopted HJR 50 88-4 and the House adopted 32-5, the Governor’s veto was overridden on April 14, 2026. On the same day, the resolution was signed by the Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, and delivered to the Secretary of State.
Although HJR 50 does not immediately change Kentucky’s child-care laws or regulations, it directs the Auditor of Public Accounts to commission a comprehensive study of the statutes, regulations, and policies governing licensed and certified child-care providers. The study will evaluate potential barriers to opening, operating, and expanding child-care programs. Additionally, it aims to gather input from providers and other stakeholders across the Commonwealth and recommend ways to improve or modernize Kentucky’s regulatory framework. As a result, HJR 50 may serve as the foundation for future legislative and regulatory changes affecting child-care providers throughout Kentucky.
This blog provides a general overview of HB 6 and HJR 50. In subsequent blog posts, we will examine each piece of legislation in greater detail, highlighting the specific statutory and regulatory changes and discussing what they may mean for Kentucky child-care providers.
If you have questions about how HB 6 or HJR 50 may affect your child-care license, Strause Law Group is happy to assist in any way.
