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FRANKFORT, KY (March 4, 2025)—The Kentucky Senate has passed Senate Bill (SB) 136, sponsored by Sen. Jimmy Higdon, to modernize the commonwealth’s vehicle registration system, establish clear insurance valuation guidelines, and expand access to REAL ID for certain non-citizens legally residing in the United States.
The legislation includes a comprehensive clean-up of Kentucky’s Automated Vehicle Information System (KAVIS) to improve the efficiency of county clerks and the Transportation Cabinet in processing vehicle registrations and title applications. It also requires the Department of Revenue to create emergency regulations by July 1. These regulations will allow insurers to use nationally accepted valuation guides when determining the worth of a totaled vehicle. This provision creates consistency and fairness for Kentucky drivers handling insurance claims.
A component allows individuals from the Republic of the Marshall Islands to obtain a REAL ID in Kentucky. The reform aligns state law with a 2018 federal law recognizing these individuals as eligible for federally compliant identification. The legislation also includes provisions to clarify vehicle title transfers, permit electronic signatures on lien statements, and allow temporary vehicle tags for out-of-state registration.
Additionally, SB 136 expands the Kentucky State Police driver’s testing pilot program to allow KSP to increase the number of participating counties. This effort aims to make it more accessible for Kentuckians who must complete their driving exams.
“This legislation is a major step forward in modernizing Kentucky’s vehicle regulations, making processes more efficient for drivers, insurers, and state agencies,” Higdon said. “From improving KAVIS and establishing insurance transparency to increasing access to REAL ID and driver testing, this bill prioritizes convenience and clarity for Kentuckians.”
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
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Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including LaRue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. Higdon serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, overseeing efforts to craft biennial road plans, advance Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure, and improve public safety. He also serves as Senate co-chair of the Public Pension Oversight Board, focusing on stabilizing and strengthening Kentucky’s pension systems through reform and surplus investment. Additionally, Higdon is a member of the Senate Committees on Education; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and Licensing and Occupations. During the 2024 interim, he served as a Kentucky Housing Task Force member.
Visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate114.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Higdon.
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