Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the House Rules topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Kentucky House adopts new rules, ends most remote voting and narrows public floor access after debate
Summary
The Kentucky House on opening day adopted new rules that remove COVID-era remote-voting provisions, shorten allowed time for motions and communications, and formalize perimeter access to the chamber; minority members warned the changes reduce transparency.
The Kentucky House of Representatives adopted new rules for the 2026 regular session on its opening day, deleting most COVID-era provisions including remote and alternative voting and shortening the time for motions, petitions and communications from 30 minutes to 15.
Representative McCracken, who presented the rules package, said the changes revise or delete rule numbers including 67a (remote provisions), 68a (remote voting) and related references. He said the changes also remove the gallery reference, reduce repetitive bill-signing requirements to one jacketed copy under a revised Rule 50, and rename the LRC remote-voting system to an electronic bill‑book cosponsorship form as part of broader housekeeping tied to the chamber’s new temporary meeting space.
“The pandemic is truly over, and we want to remove those [provisions] from the rules,” McCracken said, arguing the updates reflect current operations in the temporary building.
Members pressed officials on how the redefined boundaries of “the chamber” would affect public access and the ability of demonstrators to gather. A Representative from Fayette (district 75) asked whether the new definition and perimeter signs in the annex would limit public demonstrations. McCracken said perimeter lines were set in consultation with the state police for security reasons and that the Rose Garden is outside the perimeter.
Critics, speaking from the floor, warned the changes could curtail minority participation and reduce notice and transparency for the public. “The rules take us even further away from transparency,” a Representative from Fayette said, urging retention of the longer public‑comment window. Another member asked that the House retain 30 minutes for motions, petitions and communications to avoid arbitrarily limiting members’ ability to speak for constituents.
The House voted to adopt House Resolution 2 as presented. The clerk noted a voice vote; roll call was not taken prior to the call of the vote. The motion was adopted and the rules will govern the current session in the temporary House meeting space.
Procedural next steps: the House proceeded to other organizational business and introduced a large slate of bills; it adjourned until 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.
