RICHARDSON’S SB 195 PASSES SENATE, ADVANCING TARGETED CIVIL LIABILITY REFORMS
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Mar. 19, 2026) — The Kentucky Senate has passed Senate Bill 195, legislation sponsored by Sen. Craig Richardson, R-Hopkinsville, to update Kentucky law governing civil liability in roadway construction and maintenance projects.
The legislation establishes clear standards for when contractors may be held liable for claims related to public infrastructure projects and creates legal clarity for both contractors and government entities.
Under SB 195, when a state or local government accepts a completed project, a rebuttable presumption is created that the contractor met the required plans and specifications and fulfilled its contractual responsibilities.
The bill also provides that contractors are not liable for damages unless it can be shown that a failure to follow specifications or a hidden defect in their work was a substantial factor in causing injury, damage or death.
Additionally, SB 195 establishes a rebuttable presumption in certain civil cases involving roadway incidents. If a driver is impaired or traveling 25 miles per hour or more over the speed limit, that conduct may be presumed to be a substantial factor in causing the harm.
The legislation further clarifies that contractors are not responsible for design decisions or engineering judgments made by government entities, unless the contractor specifically assumed those responsibilities.
“This legislation brings clarity and fairness to Kentucky’s civil liability system,” Richardson said. “It ensures contractors who follow the rules are protected, while still holding bad actors accountable when negligence occurs.”
Richardson said the bill helps create a more predictable legal environment that supports infrastructure development while maintaining protections for the public.
“Clear standards benefit everyone,” Richardson said. “This bill helps ensure projects can move forward efficiently while preserving accountability and protecting taxpayer interests.”
Senate Bill 195 now heads to the Kentucky House of Representatives for consideration.