FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 9, 2026) – Gov. Andy Beshear has signed House Bill 5 into law, serving as the first step toward creating Kentucky’s first reentry campus in partnership with the Kentucky Community & Technical College System.
The governor also signed House Bill 7 to increase school bus safety for students and Senate Bill 102 to support retired Kentucky State Police.
“My faith teaches me the importance of second chances, and I am grateful to know this joint vision between Team Kentucky and KCTCS was supported through bipartisan legislation, which I am proud to sign into law,” said Gov. Beshear. “This first-of-its-kind reentry campus will increase second-chance opportunities, boost public safety and help us fill vital positions across our economy. This work will build on the progress we’ve made to secure historically low recidivism rates, making Kentucky a national model when it comes to public safety and second chances.”
The Governor thanked KCTCS President Ryan Quarles for his partnership and collaboration in creating a plan for a specialized prison education and reentry campus, which will be located at the Northpoint Training Center.
“KCTCS is committed to preparing every Kentuckian to secure meaningful employment and to help meeting workforce needs across the state. House Bill 5 is a powerful way we are advancing that mission,” KCTCS President Quarles said. “Thank you to the Governor and the Department of Corrections for their partnership with this important measure, and thank you to our legislative champions, Rep. Decker and Sen. Storm, and the many bill sponsors who are helping us build on the strong work our colleges are already doing in prisons and jails throughout Kentucky. Together, this initiative will save taxpayer dollars, reduce crime and fill critical workforce gaps across the commonwealth.”
Other legislation signed by the Governor Thursday focused on supporting retired Kentucky State Police and increasing safety for Kentucky students during their school bus rides.
“Every step makes a difference when it comes to creating a safer Kentucky for all our people, especially our kids, and that work must include supporting our law enforcement,” said the Governor.
House Bill 5 provides the framework to create Kentucky’s first reentry campus, focused on increasing public safety and boosting the state’s workforce.
House Bill 7 allows the use of camera monitoring systems on school buses to increase safety for students and establishes a penalty for those who violate stop arm signals and endanger children.
Senate Bill 102 makes it possible for retired Kentucky State Police who were appointed to Trooper R Class or commercial vehicle enforcement to return and serve the agency within specific timeframes.
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