TICHENOR: ATTORNEY GENERAL OPINION CONFIRMS SB 181 PROTECTS STUDENTS, RESPECTS TEACHERS
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 1, 2025) — Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, issued the following statement in response to Attorney General Opinion 25-09, which confirms the constitutionality, clarity, and implementation authority of Senate Bill 181
“I’m thrilled with the attorney general’s formal opinion. It’s a powerful validation of what SB 181 is all about: protecting Kentucky’s kids in the digital age by re-establishing clear, commonsense boundaries between students and adults in public schools.
“This is a win for student safety, for parents, and for the countless educators and volunteers who want to do things the right way. The opinion confirms that SB 181 applies only to public school settings, that it includes flexibility for parental consent, and that it respects constitutional rights—including free speech and religious liberty.
“Let’s be clear—this bill was never about punishing teachers or coaches. It’s about stopping bad actors and preventing inappropriate, untraceable communication with students. The Attorney General’s office made it clear: this law stands on firm legal ground and gives local districts the tools they need to implement it fairly and effectively.
“I’m proud of the overwhelming, bipartisan support SB 181 received—it passed unanimously in both chambers and was signed into law by the Governor. Now, with this opinion in hand, districts across the state can move forward with confidence. Kentucky is leading by example, and this is a major step forward in protecting the students and families we serve.”
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Background:
Senate Bill 181, enacted during the 2025 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly, requires school district employees and volunteers to use only school-designated, traceable communication systems when electronically communicating with students. The law was designed to prevent inappropriate private messaging and restore professional boundaries in an era of near-constant digital access.
Attorney General Opinion 25-09, issued on August 1, affirms that SB 181 applies exclusively to public schools, provides flexibility through parental waivers, respects constitutional protections, and empowers local districts to determine how best to implement the required communication systems. The opinion also confirms that SB 181 does not infringe on free speech or religious liberty, nor does it limit non-electronic communication.
SB 181 was sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Tichenor and received unanimous support in both the Kentucky Senate and House before being signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on April 1.
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Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, represents the 6th Senate District, including Oldham and Trimble Counties and part of Jefferson County. She serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Education; Health Services; Local Government; State Government; and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection. She is also a member of the Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity and the Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee. Additionally, she is a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services. In 2024, she served on the Efficient and Effective School District Governance Task Force.
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