Kentucky education

The fact measures diploma-or-higher attainment among adults age 25 and older. Completion and equivalency programs address a component of attainment; rules for current students concern a potential future component of the adult population. This connection does not establish causation. Actions after the measurement period cannot explain the earlier observed value.

Retained Kentucky evidence context: Adults with at least a high school diploma. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 151B IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS: No less than eighty-five percent (85%) of general fund moneys appropriated by the General Assembly to the Office of Adult Education shall be used for programs to fulfill the adult education mission and goals enumerated in KRS 151B.402, 151B.403, 1 51B.406, and 151B.408. The Office of Adult Education may utilize any remaining general fund moneys for administrative operations. Section 2. KRS 151B.403 is amended to read as follows: (1) The Office of Adult Education within the Department of Workforce Development in the Education and Labor Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations to establish programs aligned with the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education, or any other similar standards adopted by the federal Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, which upon successful completion, shall result in the issuance of a High School Equivalency Diploma. (2) (a) At least one (1) program authorized under subsection (1) of this section shall include a test aligned with the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education, or any other standards adopted by the federal Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, to serve as a qualifying test, which upon passing, shall entitle students to receive a High School Equivalency Diploma. (b) A qualifying test meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subsection shall provide an option for students to be administered a written or paper test in lieu of an electronic administration. (3) For purposes of any publi c employment, a High School Equivalency Diploma shall be considered equal to a high school diploma issued under the provisions of KRS 158.140. (4) A High School Equivalency Diploma shall be issued without charge upon successfully completing a High School E quivalency Diploma program. A fee may be assessed by the Office of Adult Education for the issuance of a duplicate High School Equivalency Diploma and for issuance of a duplicate score report. All fees collected for duplicate diplomas and score reports shall be used to support the adult education program. (5) The Office of Adult Education is authorized to contract annually with an institution of higher education or other appropriate agency or entity for scoring High School Equivalency Diploma program examin ations. (6) On June 29, 2017, any high school equivalency diploma or external diploma previously recognized or issued by the Commonwealth shall be considered retroactively as a High School Equivalency Diploma. (7) Upon issuance, a High School Equivalency Diploma shall not be invalidated by any subsequent changes in test selection under this section.

The fact measures diploma-or-higher attainment among adults age 25 and older. Completion and equivalency programs address a component of attainment; rules for current students concern a potential future component of the adult population. This connection does not establish causation. Actions after the measurement period cannot explain the earlier observed value.

Retained Kentucky evidence context: Adults with at least a high school diploma. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 151B IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS: No less than eighty-five percent (85%) of general fund moneys appropriated by the General Assembly to the Office of Adult Education shall be used for programs to fulfill the adult education mission and goals enumerated in KRS 151B.402, 151B.403, 1 51B.406, and 151B.408. The Office of Adult Education may utilize any remaining general fund moneys for administrative operations. Section 2. KRS 151B.403 is amended to read as follows: (1) The Office of Adult Education within the Department of Workforce Development in the Education and Labor Cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations to establish programs aligned with the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education, or any other similar standards adopted by the federal Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, which upon successful completion, shall result in the issuance of a High School Equivalency Diploma. (2) (a) At least one (1) program authorized under subsection (1) of this section shall include a test aligned with the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education, or any other standards adopted by the federal Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, to serve as a qualifying test, which upon passing, shall entitle students to receive a High School Equivalency Diploma. (b) A qualifying test meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subsection shall provide an option for students to be administered a written or paper test in lieu of an electronic administration. (3) For purposes of any publi c employment, a High School Equivalency Diploma shall be considered equal to a high school diploma issued under the provisions of KRS 158.140. (4) A High School Equivalency Diploma shall be issued without charge upon successfully completing a High School E quivalency Diploma program. A fee may be assessed by the Office of Adult Education for the issuance of a duplicate High School Equivalency Diploma and for issuance of a duplicate score report. All fees collected for duplicate diplomas and score reports shall be used to support the adult education program. (5) The Office of Adult Education is authorized to contract annually with an institution of higher education or other appropriate agency or entity for scoring High School Equivalency Diploma program examin ations. (6) On June 29, 2017, any high school equivalency diploma or external diploma previously recognized or issued by the Commonwealth shall be considered retroactively as a High School Equivalency Diploma. (7) Upon issuance, a High School Equivalency Diploma shall not be invalidated by any subsequent changes in test selection under this section.

The fact counts Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries in current-payment status. Benefit administration concerns a component of that population; SSI, Medicare, and state pensions are separate programs. This connection does not establish causation. Actions after the measurement period cannot explain the earlier observed value.

Retained Kentucky evidence context: Social Security beneficiaries. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 605 IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS: (1) (a) For all children in the care and custody of the cabinet, the cabinet shall determine within sixty (60) days after entry into care whether each child is receiving or eligible for earned federal benefits administered by the United States Social Security Administration or the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, including survivor or dependent benefits. (b) If the cabinet determines that a child is eligible or may be eligible for such earned benefits, the cabinet shall apply for the benefits on behalf of the child in accordance with federal law. (2) If a child began receiving earned federal benefits before entering the cabinet's care and custody, or if the cabinet applies for benefits on behalf of the child, the cabinet shall, in consultation with the child and the child’s attorney, identify an appropriate representative payee consistent with 20 C.F.R. secs. 404.2021 and 416.621 and may apply to become the representative payee only if no other suitable candidate is available. (3) If the cabinet is appointed to serve as the representative payee, the cabinet shall: (a) Not use any of the child’s earned federal benefits, savings, or assets to pay for or reimburse the cabinet or the Commonwealth for any cost of the child’s care, maintenance, supervision, or services; (b) Establish and maintain an account to conserve the child’s earned federal benefits in the child ’s best interests and consistent with federal and state asset and resource limits. Acceptable account types shall include: 1. A special needs trust; 2. A pooled special needs trust; 3. An Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account established pursua nt to 26 U.S.C. sec. 529A; or 4. Any other account or trust vehicle determined not to interfere with eligibility for public benefits; (c) Provide an annual accounting of the use, application, or conservation of the child’s earned federal benefits to the ch ild, the child’s attorney, and, if parental rights have not been terminated, to the child’s parents or guardians; and (d) Periodically review whether another qualified person or entity could serve as representative payee in the child’s best interests and, if so, shall assist in transferring that role. (4) The cabinet shall review each case annually to determine whether a child in care and custody has become newly eligible for earned federal benefits after the cabinet’s initial determination pursuant to subs ection (1) of this section. (5) The cabinet shall develop and implement a plan for each child in care and custody with conserved earned federal benefits to be called the Success Sequence Savings and Disbursement Plan. The plan shall allow a child who has completed a cabinet -approved financial literacy or savings readiness program to access a portion of conserved benefits upon completion of at least one (1) specific milestone that promotes independence and financial readiness, including but not limited to: (a) Obtaining a driver’s license or state identification card; (b) Graduating from high school or receiving a recognized equivalent; (c) Enrolling in a postsecondary education, vocational training, or apprenticeship program; or (d) Maintaining verified employment for at least six (6) consecutive months. (6) The cabinet shall: ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2 (a) Determine reasonable disbursement thresholds and amounts for each milestone to promote long - term savings while rewarding progress toward self-sufficiency; and (b) Ensure that all children participating in the program have access to financial literacy instruction and counseling to support effective use of milestone payments and long -term asset building. (7) Upon termination of the cabinet’s care and custody for the child, the cab inet shall release any remaining conserved funds to: (a) The child, if the child is at least eighteen (18) years of age or emancipated; or (b) The person responsible for the child, if the child remains a minor and is not emancipated. (8) The cabinet shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A and applicable federal laws to implement this section that include but are not limited to rules governing account management, milestone disbursements, reporting, financial literacy ed ucation, and oversight.

The fact measures residents under 65 without health insurance. Insurance eligibility, enrollment, coverage continuity and premium assistance concern the covered population. Provider payments and covered services alone do not establish a coverage change, and Medicare-only changes mostly concern a different age population. This connection does not establish causation. Actions after the measurement period cannot explain the earlier observed value.

Retained Kentucky evidence context: People under 65 without health insurance. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

Section 1. KRS 205.5371 is amended to read as follows: (1) (a) The cabinet shall, no later than January 1, 2027, for applicable individuals as defined in 42 U.S.C. sec. 1396a(xx)(9), condition eligibility for enrollment or continued enrollment in the Medicaid program on demonstrated community engagement as defined in and required under 42 U.S.C. sec. 1396a(xx) . (b) In the case of an applicable individual who is applying for enrollment in the Medicaid program, in order to be eligible for enrollment the individual shall be requir ed to demonstrate community engagement for the month immediately preceding the month during which the individual applies for enrollment. (c) In the case of an applicable individual who is enrolled and receiving Medicaid benefits, in order to remain eligibl e for continued enrollment, at the time of eligibility redetermination, the individual shall be required to demonstrate community engagement for three (3) months during the period of time since the individual's most recent eligibility determination or redetermination. (2) Notwithstanding any provision of state law to the contrary, the cabinet shall not request an exemption, waiver, or any other delay, including but not limited to a good -faith-effort exemption, in implementing the requirements of 42 U.S.C. sec. 1396a(xx) or subsection (1) of this section that may be available to the state under 42 U.S.C. sec. 1396a(xx)(11) unless specifically authorized by the General Assembly to do so . (3) The cabinet shall begin, no later than September 1, 2026, providing notice to all applicable individuals, as defined in 42 U.S.C. sec. 1396a(xx)(9) , of the requirement to demonstrate community engagement as established under 42 U.S.C. sec. 1396a(xx) and subsection (1) of this section. Notice provided under this subsection shall comply with the requirements of 42 U.S.C. sec. 1396a(xx)(8) . (4) If at any time on or after the effective date of this Act, the federal community engagement requirements established in 42 U.S.C. sec. 1396a(xx) are abolished, repealed, or otherwise diminished, the cabinet shall: (a) Immediately prepare and submit a waiver application to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services seeking authorization to condition the eligibility of applicable individuals, as ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2 defined in subsection (5) of this section, to enroll or continue to be enrolled in the Medicaid program on demonstrated community engagement, as defined in subsection (5) of this section; and (b) For applicable individuals, a s defined in subsection (5) of this section, and in accordance with subsection (1)(b) and (c) of this section, condition eligibility for enrollment or continued enrollment in the Medicaid program on demonstrated community engagement, as defined in subsecti on (5) of this section, if authorized to do so by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (5) As used in subsection (4) of this section : (a) "Applicable individual" means an individual who is: 1. At least nineteen (19) years of age but less than sixty-five (65) years of age; 2. Eligible for enrollment or currently enrolled in the Medicaid program under 42 U.S.C. sec. 1396a(a)(10)(A)(i)(VIII) or a waiver that provides coverage that is equivalent to minimum essential coverage as described in Section 5000A(f)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and 3. Not: a. Currently, or was not previously, placed in the foster care system if the individual is under twenty-six (26) years of age; b. Eligible for coverage under the Indian Health Service; c. A parent, guardian, caretaker relative, or family caregiver, as defined in the RAISE Family Caregivers Act, Pub. L. No. 115 -119, of a dependent child thirteen (13) years of age or under or a disabled individual; d. A disabled veteran with a disability rated as total under 38 U.S.C. sec. 1155; e. Medically frail or otherwise has special medical needs, including an individual: i. Who is blind or disabled; ii. With a substance use disorder; iii. With a disabling mental condition; iv. With a physical, intellectual, or developmental disability that significantly impairs his or her ability to perform one (1) or more activities of daily living; or v. With a serious or complex medical condition; f. An individual subject to work or community engagement requirements imposed under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, if the individual is in compliance with such requirements; g. An individual participating in a drug addiction or alcohol addiction recovery program recognized by the secretary through the promulgation of administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A; h. An inmate at a public institution; i. Pregnant or eligible for coverage under KRS 205.592; or j. An individual experiencing a short -term hardship as defined by the secretary through the promulgation of administrative regu lations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A; and (b) "Demonstrated community engagement" means satisfying one (1) or more of the following conditions on a monthly basis: 1. Working, as defined in 7 C.F.R. sec. 273.24, not less than eighty (80) hours; 2. Completing not less than eighty (80) hours of community service; 3. Participating in a work program, as defined in 7 C.F.R. sec. 273.24, for not less than eighty (80) hours; 4. Participating at least half -time in an education program recognized by the secreta ry through the promulgation of administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A; 5. Engaging in any combination of activities described in subparagraphs 1., 2., 3., and 4. of this paragraph for a total of not less than eighty (80) hours; 6. Having a verifiable monthly income that is not less than applicable state minimum wage established in KRS 337.275 multiplied by eighty (80) hours; or 7. Having a verifiable average monthly income over the previous six (6) months that is not less than applicable state minimum wage established in KRS 337.275 multiplied by eighty (80) hours if the individual is a seasonal worker as described in Section 45R(d)(5)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Gross rent includes contract rent and tenant-paid utilities. Rental protections, assistance, and housing supply concern components of rental-market conditions; they do not set Kentucky’s median rent. This connection does not establish causation. Actions after the measurement period cannot explain the earlier observed value.

Retained Kentucky evidence context: Median gross rent. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

(1) As used in this section: (a) "Affordable housing" means a residential dwelling unit reserved for a household whose income does not exceed eighty percent (80%) of the median income for the area as set out by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; (b) "Homeless shelter" means a facility used primarily to provide temporary shelter, including day shelters, overnight shelters, or temporary cooling or warming shelters, for the homeless, and which may provide: 1. Overnight sleeping accommodations; 2. Meals; and 3. Ancillary social, educational, or health services; (c) "Religious developer" means a religious institution or any property developer working on behalf of a religious institution; and (d) "Religious institution" means a bona fide church, religious denomination, or religious organization, determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be tax exempt pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. (2) Affordable housing developed by a religious developer shall be considered a permitted use and shall not be subject to permitting, review, or other regulation under this chapter, except for ministerial review by a planning unit for compliance with the following requirements: (a) The development is located on property owned by the religious institution; (b) The property where the development is to be located was purchased by the religious institution prior to January 1, 2026, and owned by the religious institution throughout the duration of the obligation in paragraph (g) of this subsection; (c) The development exclusively contains affordable housing; (d) The property where the development is to be located: 1. Is on a parcel in a commercial or business zone; 2. Is on a parcel in a residential zone that is adjacent to a road classified as part of the state primary road system pursuant to KRS 177.020 and is adjacent to a parcel in a commercial, business, or industrial zone; or 3. Contains a structure that was used as a school prior to the effective date of th is Act and the development is for the conversion of that structure into affordable housing; (e) The development contains twenty-four (24) or fewer units; (f) The development would not lead to more than twenty -four (24) affordable housing units being located on that parcel, any contiguous parcel owned by the religious institution, or cumulatively on parcels owned by the religious institution within one-half (1/2) mile of the development; (g) The obligation that units developed pursuant to this section are af fordable in accordance with paragraph (c) of this subsection shall: 1. Remain in place for a period of fifteen (15) years from the date of the certificate of occupancy or, if a certificate of occupancy is not required, from the date of the final building p ermit inspection; and ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2 2. Be recorded in a legally binding agreement or deed restriction. The religious developer shall submit an annual report to the certifying planning unit that the requirements of this paragraph are met for the property; and (h) The re ligious developer has obtained all other permits, including building permits, as required by law. (3) If a development established pursuant to this section no longer meets the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, the property owner shall seek al l approvals for the development from the planning unit that would be required for a developer that did not qualify for ministerial review under this section. (4) The Kentucky Housing Corporation may provide technical and advisory resources to a religious d eveloper to assist with the development and management of an affordable housing development under this section.

Gross rent includes contract rent and tenant-paid utilities. Rental protections, assistance, and housing supply concern components of rental-market conditions; they do not set Kentucky’s median rent. This connection does not establish causation. Actions after the measurement period cannot explain the earlier observed value.

Retained Kentucky evidence context: Median gross rent. This record’s connection to the topic does not establish an effect on the measured result.

(1) As used in this section: (a) "Affordable housing" means a residential dwelling unit reserved for a household whose income does not exceed eighty percent (80%) of the median income for the area as set out by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; (b) "Homeless shelter" means a facility used primarily to provide temporary shelter, including day shelters, overnight shelters, or temporary cooling or warming shelters, for the homeless, and which may provide: 1. Overnight sleeping accommodations; 2. Meals; and 3. Ancillary social, educational, or health services; (c) "Religious developer" means a religious institution or any property developer working on behalf of a religious institution; and (d) "Religious institution" means a bona fide church, religious denomination, or religious organization, determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be tax exempt pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. (2) Affordable housing developed by a religious developer shall be considered a permitted use and shall not be subject to permitting, review, or other regulation under this chapter, except for ministerial review by a planning unit for compliance with the following requirements: (a) The development is located on property owned by the religious institution; (b) The property where the development is to be located was purchased by the religious institution prior to January 1, 2026, and owned by the religious institution throughout the duration of the obligation in paragraph (g) of this subsection; (c) The development exclusively contains affordable housing; (d) The property where the development is to be located: 1. Is on a parcel in a commercial or business zone; 2. Is on a parcel in a residential zone that is adjacent to a road classified as part of the state primary road system pursuant to KRS 177.020 and is adjacent to a parcel in a commercial, business, or industrial zone; or 3. Contains a structure that was used as a school prior to the effective date of th is Act and the development is for the conversion of that structure into affordable housing; (e) The development contains twenty-four (24) or fewer units; (f) The development would not lead to more than twenty -four (24) affordable housing units being located on that parcel, any contiguous parcel owned by the religious institution, or cumulatively on parcels owned by the religious institution within one-half (1/2) mile of the development; (g) The obligation that units developed pursuant to this section are af fordable in accordance with paragraph (c) of this subsection shall: 1. Remain in place for a period of fifteen (15) years from the date of the certificate of occupancy or, if a certificate of occupancy is not required, from the date of the final building p ermit inspection; and ACTS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2 2. Be recorded in a legally binding agreement or deed restriction. The religious developer shall submit an annual report to the certifying planning unit that the requirements of this paragraph are met for the property; and (h) The re ligious developer has obtained all other permits, including building permits, as required by law. (3) If a development established pursuant to this section no longer meets the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, the property owner shall seek al l approvals for the development from the planning unit that would be required for a developer that did not qualify for ministerial review under this section. (4) The Kentucky Housing Corporation may provide technical and advisory resources to a religious d eveloper to assist with the development and management of an affordable housing development under this section.