SB 153 Kentucky Senate · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT relating to the prevention of harmful and fraudulent practices.

Summary
Amend KRS 367.620 to exclude certain activity from the definition of "goods or services relating to real estate"; amend KRS 367.624 to require contractors to furnish a notice relating to assignment of benefits prior to entering into a real estate goods or services contract; amend KRS 367.626 to prohibit requiring a person to pay a cancellation fee or any other fee contained in a contract that is not enforceable against the person; amend KRS 367.628 to prohibit certain representations and marketing by a contractor or person representing a contractor; provide that certain contracts between a contractor or person representing a contractor and an insured are not enforceable; modify provision prohibiting causing, or encouraging another person to cause, damage to real estate; prohibit contractors from having a financial connection with certain persons; prohibit contractors from soliciting or providing contracts on behalf of certain persons; provide that certain violations constitute a fraudulent insurance act under KRS 304.47-020 and criminal mischief in the first degree under KRS 512.020; amend KRS 367.627 to make technical amendments; require the Attorney General to enforce the contractor requirements; create a new section of KRS Chapter 15 to provide the Attorney General with concurrent jurisdiction in the investigation and prosecution of offenses under KRS 304.47-020; amend KRS 304.47-020 and 512.020 to conform; create a new section of KRS Chapter 367 to authorize the Attorney General to issue an order during certain states of emergency to require persons engaging in business as a contractor in the designated area to obtain a certificate of registration; establish registration application requirements; authorize peace officers in the designated area to enforce an order issued by the Attorney General; require contractors to post a copy of the contractor's certificate of registration at each job site within the designated area; require contractors to provide a copy of the certificate of registration or proof of registration to specified persons; prohibit contractors from soliciting business in person within the designated area for 90 days after a state of emergency is declared; prohibit local governments from imposing emergency registration or licensure for contractors under certain circumstances; exempt contractors from the registration and related requirements if the Attorney General determines that the local government imposes greater emergency registration or licensing requirements; permit a local government to submit a declaration to the Attorney General stating that the local government's emergency registration or licensure requirements are greater than those imposed under the section; require the Attorney General to affirm or reject a local government's declaration; authorize the Attorney General to promulgate administrative regulations; amend KRS 411.230 to conform; direct that certain provisions apply to contracts entered into on or after the effective date of the Act.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Feb 2, 2026 Signed Apr 8, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Current/Final · 4 edits
MODERATE
The bill updates definitions for contractors and real estate services to clarify coverage, adds a new section defining emergency services, and modifies requirements for contract disclosures and cancellation rights. These changes aim to standardize how contractors must present information to consumers and ensure clear cancellation procedures when insurance claims are denied.
Scope change
The scope of the bill remains focused on preventing fraudulent practices in real estate goods and services contracts, with minor adjustments to the specific definitions and procedural requirements.
DEFINITION

Updated the definition of 'Contractor' and 'Real estate' to include specific nuances regarding solicitation and the types of real estate covered.

Added a new definition for 'emergency goods or services' to address sudden, unexpected occurrences requiring immediate action.

REQUIREMENT

Revised the required disclosures contractors must provide, including contact information and specific cancellation notices.

TIMELINE

Adjusted the timeline for contractors to return payments or deposits after a contract is cancelled.

Floor votes · Senate Feb 12, 2026

How they voted

440
Passed
Total votes 44
Feb 12, 2026
D Democratic6
6 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican38
38 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
19
Key actions
7
Committee
6
Apr 8, 2026
Signed into law
signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 54)
upper
Mar 27, 2026
Lower · Passed
enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
lower
Mar 27, 2026
Upper · Passed
enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
upper
Mar 26, 2026
Upper · Passed
3rd reading, passed 90-0
upper
Mar 4, 2026
Upper · Passed
reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
upper
Mar 2, 2026
Committee
to Banking & Insurance (H)
lower
Feb 13, 2026
Committee
to Committee on Committees (H)
lower
Feb 12, 2026
Upper · Passed
3rd reading, passed 38-0 with Committee Substitute (1)
upper
Feb 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)
upper
Feb 6, 2026
Committee
to Banking & Insurance (S)
upper
Feb 2, 2026
Committee
to Committee on Committees (S)
upper
Feb 2, 2026
Introduced
introduced in Senate
upper
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.