Access to driver’s licensing services has emerged as one of the first major policy debates to gain traction in Frankfort during the opening days of the 2026 session, with multiple bills filed and one measuring advancing quickly through the Senate.
SB 7, sponsored by Sen. Aaron Reed (R-Shelby), was the first bill to pass out of the Senate this session, clearing the chamber on a 34-1 vote. The bill has been designated as one of the Senate Majority Caucus’ top ten priority bills and lists 29 co-sponsors.
SB 7 would create an opt-in process allowing county officials in counties without a regional driver’s license office to provide driver’s license renewal and duplicate services to residents of their county. Eligible officials would include circuit court clerks, county clerks, sheriffs, and county judge/executives. Under the proposal, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet would be responsible for purchasing and installing the necessary equipment and hardware, and participating county offices would receive a $25 convenience fee for each renewal or duplicate issued. The bill would take effect July 1, 2027.
Two additional driver’s licensing bills have been filed in the House but have not yet moved. HB 162, sponsored by Rep. Savannah Maddox (R-Grant), would return driver’s licensing responsibilities to circuit court clerks. HB 332, sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Raymer (R-Butler), would establish an opt-in process allowing county officials, along with libraries and cities, to issue driver’s licenses.
Property tax
In other Senate action during week two, SB 51, sponsored by Senate State and Local Government Committee Chair Mike Nemes (R-Bullitt), passed out of committee unanimously on Wednesday. One of several property tax-related bills filed this session, SB 51 would propose a constitutional amendment to freeze real property valuations for property maintained as the permanent residence of an owner who is 65 years of age or older. The proposed freeze would be in addition to the existing homestead exemption and would apply only to increases in property value occurring after voter ratification.
Legislative reception
County officials are encouraged to mark their calendars for the County Officials Legislative Reception on Wednesday, Feb. 11, hosted at KACo Headquarters from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Click here to register.
Important legislative dates
- Jan. 19 – No session (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
- Feb. 11 – County Officials Legislative Reception
- Feb. 16 – No session (Presidents Day)
- March 2 – Last day for new Senate bills
- March 4 – Last day for new House bills
- April 2–13 – Veto recess
- April 14–15 – Final two days of session
For questions or feedback, contact Shellie Hampton or Kayla Smith at shellie.hampton@kaco.org or kayla.smith@kaco.org.
