RAWLINGS BILL TO ENFORCE BAN ON TAXPAYER-FUNDED BALLOT ADVOCACY PASSES SENATE

RAWLINGS BILL TO ENFORCE BAN ON TAXPAYER-FUNDED BALLOT ADVOCACY PASSES SENATE

FRANKFORT, KY (March 9, 2026) — The Kentucky Senate has passed Senate Bill 59 (SB 59), legislation sponsored by Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, to strengthen enforcement of Kentucky’s existing ban on the use of taxpayer funds to influence ballot questions. The measure now heads to the Kentucky House of Representatives for consideration.

Kentucky law already prohibits public funds from being used to advocate for or against ballot questions, but the statute currently lacks clear enforcement mechanisms. SB 59 addresses that gap by establishing civil and criminal penalties to ensure public institutions that violate the law can be held accountable.

“Taxpayer dollars belong to the people, not the government,” Rawlings said. “Citizens should never be forced to fund political messaging they may disagree with, especially when it comes from government entities.”

Rawlings said the legislation reinforces the principle that government institutions must remain neutral in elections and ballot campaigns.

“This bill ensures the rules we already have in place actually mean something,” Rawlings said. “When public resources are used for political advocacy, it erodes trust and undermines the integrity of the democratic process. SB 59 creates real consequences and helps restore confidence that the government will play by the rules.”

SB 59 strengthens protections for taxpayers by ensuring public funds are used only for legitimate public purposes and not for political campaigning related to ballot questions.

The bill passed the Senate and now moves to the Kentucky House of Representatives for further consideration.

For more information on SB 59 and other legislative updates, visit Legislature.ky.gov.