RICHARDSON BILL TO MODERNIZE KENTUCKY’S VITAL RECORDS SYSTEM HEADS TO THE HOUSE
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 16, 2026) — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Steve Richardson, R-Hopkinsville, modernizing Kentucky’s vital records system has passed the Kentucky Senate and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Senate Bill 147 updates state law governing the issuance and maintenance of birth and death records while clarifying procedures used by state and local officials responsible for maintaining those records.
The legislation confirms that certified copies of vital records carry the same legal weight as original documents and must clearly indicate when records have been delayed or amended.
SB 147 also updates administrative procedures related to vital records, including modest adjustments to certain fees while expanding fee waivers for veterans, National Guard members, children in state custody, homeless individuals, natural disaster victims and others facing hardship.
Richardson said the bill is intended to modernize Kentucky’s vital records system while ensuring the information remains accurate, accessible and secure.
“Vital records play an important role in many aspects of daily life, from verifying identity to administering public services,” Richardson said. “This legislation updates our laws to reflect modern practices while maintaining strong safeguards and ensuring those records remain reliable.”
The bill also strengthens coordination between death records and voter registration maintenance by requiring regular reporting of deceased individuals to the State Board of Elections and establishing procedures to remove them from voter rolls while protecting voters from improper removal.
Richardson said the legislation will help ensure government records remain accurate while protecting both the integrity of Kentucky’s vital records system and the state’s voter registration process.
Senate Bill 147 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.