GIRDLER BILL TO UPDATE SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY LICENSURE PASSES SENATE
SB 177 modernizes licensure standards and aligns Kentucky law with interstate compact requirements
FRANKFORT, KY. (March 6, 2026) — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Rick Girdler, R-Somerset, to modernize Kentucky’s licensing framework for speech-language pathologists and assistants has passed the Kentucky Senate.
Senate Bill (SB) 177 updates statutes governing licensure requirements for speech-language pathology professionals and makes technical changes to ensure Kentucky law reflects current professional standards and workforce practices.
The bill removes outdated statutory language requiring postgraduate professional experience to be completed under the supervision of a Kentucky-licensed speech-language pathologist, while maintaining oversight by the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
The legislation also clarifies requirements for professionals seeking to practice under the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, ensuring applicants complete and document at least three months of postgraduate professional experience as determined by the board.
Girdler said the measure helps ensure Kentucky’s licensure statutes remain current while maintaining strong professional standards.
“This legislation helps update our statutes so they reflect current professional practices while maintaining appropriate oversight,” Girdler said. “Speech-language pathologists provide critical services to children and adults across Kentucky, and it’s important that our licensing framework supports that workforce while maintaining clear standards.”
SB 177 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.