Kentucky Passes Bills to Support Teachers

Legislation focuses on reporting assaults and compensating unused sick leave

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Kentucky Senate has passed two bills aimed at supporting teachers in the state. The first bill, Senate Bill 101, would require schools to report assaults and attempted assaults against staff, establish accountability for not following reporting requirements, and mandate a 12-month expulsion for students who intentionally assault school employees, with protections for students with special needs. The second bill, Senate Bill 124, allows districts to create a voluntary sick leave compensation program to pay teachers for a portion of their unused sick days.

Why it matters

These bills are intended to address concerns about teacher safety and retention in Kentucky. By requiring reporting of assaults and providing financial incentives for unused sick leave, the state hopes to create a more supportive environment for teachers and make the profession more attractive.

The details

Senate Bill 101 would mandate that schools report all assaults and attempted assaults against staff to the state. It also establishes consequences, such as loss of funding, if schools fail to meet the reporting requirements. The bill also calls for a 12-month expulsion for students who intentionally assault school employees, though it includes exceptions for students with special needs. Senate Bill 124 would allow school districts to create a voluntary program where teachers could be paid for a portion of their unused sick days, providing financial compensation for their dedication.

  • The bills were passed out of committee on February 19, 2026.

The players

Sen. Matt Nunn

A Republican state senator from Sadieville, Kentucky who sponsored both bills.

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What they’re saying

“This is about standing up for the professionals we trust our children with in our classrooms and schools. If we're serious about recruiting and retaining great teachers, we have to confidently say we're doing everything we can to promote a safe learning environment and that we are giving educators tools that respect their dedication and commitment.”

— Sen. Matt Nunn, Bill Sponsor (whas11.com)

What’s next

The bills will now move to the full Kentucky Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

These bills demonstrate Kentucky's efforts to address teacher safety and retention by providing more support and protections for educators in the state's public schools.