SENATE PASSES WHEELER BILL TO ESTABLISH PROCESS FOR WORKFORCE PELL TRAINING PROGRAMS

SENATE PASSES WHEELER BILL TO ESTABLISH PROCESS FOR WORKFORCE PELL TRAINING PROGRAMS

FRANKFORT, KY. (March 17, 2026)—Senate Bill (SB) 249, sponsored by Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, has passed the Kentucky State Senate. The bill will create a state process to approve workforce training programs for eligible federal Workforce Pell Grants.

“Just as Pell Grants help students pursue higher education, Workforce Pell Grants will help working Kentuckians gain the skills they need to succeed in today’s economy,” Wheeler said.

The bill directs the governor, in consultation with the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board, to approve qualifying workforce training programs and coordinate them with other workforce programs to avoid duplicate funding for the same student costs. 

SB 249 also requires the Workforce Innovation Board to create a procedure to ensure that programs meet federal eligibility requirements for Workforce Pell Grants. 

Wheeler said the measure helps ensure Kentucky has a clear and coordinated process in place as new federal workforce training opportunities become available. 



“Workforce Pell Grants create new opportunities for students to gain valuable training and skills,” Wheeler said. “Senate Bill 249 helps ensure Kentucky has a clear process to approve these programs, coordinate them with existing workforce initiatives, and that they meet federal requirements so students can take full advantage of these opportunities.” 

The bill contains an emergency clause, allowing the changes to take effect immediately upon enactment.

SB 249 now heads to the Kentucky House of Representatives for consideration.

Learn more about bills, committees, and other important updates on the 2026 Regular Session at www.kylegislature.gov.