Kentucky Bill Aims to Bar Certain Teachers from Certification

Proposed legislation would block teaching certificates for educators diagnosed with disorders excluded from the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A new Kentucky Senate bill, SB 351, would prevent teachers diagnosed with certain disorders not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act from obtaining teaching certificates. The bill's sponsor, Sen. Gex Williams, cited a case in his district where a student was removed from class after not understanding a teacher's pronouns. Teacher unions have strongly opposed the measure, calling it a "disturbing bill" that targets transgender and non-binary educators.

Why it matters

This proposed legislation has sparked a debate over the rights of teachers with certain mental health conditions and the impact on students. Critics argue the bill is discriminatory and diverts attention from more pressing education issues like funding, while supporters claim it prioritizes student and parent needs.

The details

SB 351 would use language from the original 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, including a diagnostic tool that opponents say is outdated. The bill specifically lists "gender identity disorders" as one of the excluded conditions. Teacher union AFT-120 has strongly condemned the measure, calling it a "hate bill" that targets transgender and non-binary educators.

  • The bill was introduced by Republican sponsors in the Kentucky Senate last week.
  • The bill has been sent to the Senate's committee on committees, where Sen. Williams expects revisions.

The players

Sen. Gex Williams

The Republican senator who represents the 20th District in northern Kentucky and introduced SB 351.

AFT-120

The local chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, a major teacher's union that has strongly opposed the proposed legislation.

Laura Hartke

A representative of AFT-120 who criticized the bill as "disturbing" and argued it unfairly targets transgender and non-binary teachers.

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What they’re saying

“We have a lot of confusion with children out there. And it begins with teachers who have confusing pronouns that the kids are grappling with.”

— Sen. Gex Williams (WKYT)

“I don't think there's anything to say here other than this is a disturbing bill. Even if you — which you can't — took the trans part out of it, you're still talking about using a system that's no longer in existence.”

— Laura Hartke, Representative, AFT-120 (WKYT)

“Teachers are tired of it. We are a political football at all times. And this is just another chance to divide instead of unite. Instead of focusing on what our students need. This ain't it.”

— Laura Hartke, Representative, AFT-120 (WKYT)

What’s next

The bill has been sent to the Senate's committee on committees, where Sen. Williams said he expects revisions.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation has reignited debates over the rights of teachers with certain mental health conditions and the potential impact on students. While supporters claim it prioritizes student and parent needs, critics argue the bill is discriminatory and diverts attention from more pressing education issues like funding.