TICHENOR INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN TRANSPARENCY IN PUBLIC MEETINGS

TICHENOR INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN TRANSPARENCY IN PUBLIC MEETINGS

FRANKFORT, KY (Mar. 9, 2026) — Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, has introduced Senate Bill 331 (SB 331), legislation aimed at reinforcing transparency and accountability under Kentucky’s Open Meetings Act.



“Senate Bill 331 is about openness and public trust,” Tichenor said. “When government bodies meet and make decisions that affect their communities, Kentuckians deserve clear notice, the opportunity to be heard and confidence that those discussions are happening in the open whenever possible.”

SB 331 strengthens procedural requirements for public agencies by clarifying expectations for regular meetings and closed sessions under Kentucky law. The bill requires public bodies to provide public notice of regularly scheduled meetings and ensures time is set aside during those meetings for public expression.

The legislation also amends the process for entering a closed session. Before a public agency may move into a closed session, the chair of the governing body must publicly identify the specific exception under the Open Meetings Act that authorizes the closed session and announce the names of any non-members who will participate in the discussion.

Additionally, SB 331 increases penalties for violations of the Open Meetings Act to reinforce compliance and accountability.

The bill maintains existing safeguards that prohibit final action in closed session and requires that discussion remain strictly limited to matters publicly announced before the closed meeting.

“Closed sessions are permitted for defined and limited reasons,” Tichenor said. “This legislation helps ensure those exceptions are exercised clearly, narrowly and transparently so the public can trust the process.”

SB 331 preserves lawful exemptions under Kentucky law while clarifying expectations for public agencies conducting meetings. By strengthening notice requirements, ensuring opportunities for public input and increasing penalties for violations, the legislation seeks to improve consistency and accountability in how public bodies conduct business.

SB 331 reflects Tichenor’s continued commitment to open government, clear statutory standards and ensuring public institutions operate with transparency and integrity.

For more information on SB 331 and other legislative updates, visit Legislature.ky.gov.