HB657Introduced in the House
AN ACT relating to professional licensing background checks.
Introduced by Stephanie Dietz, District 65
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
Create new sections of KRS Chapter 319, 319A, 334A, 335.010 to 335.160, and 335.500 to 335.599, relating to psychologists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists and audiologists, social workers, and professional counselors, to require a national and state background check for applicants seeking an initial license, reinstatement of a license, or authorization to practice in another state in accordance with a compact; provide that the results of a national and state criminal background check shall not be distributed by the board except to any applicant upon request or as evidence in a legal proceeding; provide that the fee charged by the Department of Kentucky State Police shall be an amount no greater than the actual cost of processing the request and conducting the background check; require the boards to review criminal background checks for every Kentucky licensee seeking to practice in another state before the board makes a determination on whether the person is eligible to apply for compact privileges; provide that boards shall not require a criminal background check solely for the purpose of renewing a license; and require boards to promulgate administrative regulations to implement this Act.
Where it stands
signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 6)
March 27, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
Senate votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
SenateStage: Senate: Third Reading RSN# 3981 · March 24, 2026
36
Yes
1
No
1
Absent or Not Voting
38 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Jason Howell | 1 | Yes |
| Danny Carroll | 2 | Yes |
| Craig Richardson | 3 | Yes |
| Robert Mills | 4 | Yes |
| Stephen Meredith | 5 | Yes |
| Lindsey Tichenor | 6 | Yes |
| Aaron Reed | 7 | Yes |
| Gary Boswell | 8 | Yes |
| David Givens | 9 | Yes |
| Matthew Deneen | 10 | Yes |
Bill history
introduced in House
to Committee on Committees (H)
to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)
reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
2nd reading, to Rules
posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, March 06 2026
3rd reading, passed 91-0
received in Senate
to Committee on Committees (S)
to Licensing & Occupations (S)
reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
2nd reading, to Rules
posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Tuesday, March 24 2026
3rd reading, passed 36-1
received in House
enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
delivered to Governor
signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 6)
Verify the information
Our commitment to neutrality
We provide factual information only. We never tell you which politicians or bills to support, and we do not rank, score, or endorse anyone.