Kentucky legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Kentucky HB389: AN ACT relating to reading and writing in schools.
Status: In committee, March 18, 2026
Amend KRS 158.307 to define "dysgraphia"; require the department to annually update the dyslexia toolkit; require the toolkit to include guidance on dysgraphia and strategies and other resources to be used for students displaying dyslexia and dysgraphia; require universal screeners and diagnostic tools be approved by the department; require each district to use evidence-based instructional strategies to provide intervention services; require school districts to report data to the department; amend KRS 164.304 to require postsecondary institutions offering teacher preparation programs include instruction on the application and implementation of a multitiered system of supports by the 2027-2028 school year.
What the bill says
An act relating to reading and writing in schools.
From the engrossed text:
AN ACT relating to reading and writing in schools. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: Section 1. KRS 158.307 is amended to read as follows: (1) As used in this (b) "Dyslexia" means a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge; (c)[(b)] "Evidence-based" has the same meaning as in 20 U.S.C. sec. 7801(21); and (d)[(c)] "Phonemic awareness" means the ability to recognize that a spoken word consists of a sequence of individual sounds and the ability to manipulate individual sounds in speaking. (2) [By January 1, 2019, ]The Department of Education shall make available a dyslexia toolkit that includes guidance, technical assistance, and training to assist all local school districts in the implementation of evidence-based practices for instructing students identified with or displaying characteristics of dyslexia or dysgraphia. The department shall annually review and update, where appropriate, the dyslexia toolkit guidance identified in …
Sponsors
- Samara Heavrin (R, HD-018) · primary sponsor
- Tina Bojanowski (D, HD-032)
- Chad Aull (D, HD-079)
- Beverly Chester-Burton (D, HD-044)
- Anne Donworth (D, HD-076)
- Robert Duvall (R, HD-017)
- Alan Gentry (D, HD-046)
- Daniel Grossberg (D, HD-030)
- Kevin Jackson (R, HD-020)
- Scott Lewis (R, HD-014)
- Shawn McPherson (R, HD-022)
- Steve Riley (R, HD-023)
Latest actions
- : to Education (S)
- : to Committee on Committees (S)
- : received in Senate
- : 3rd reading, passed 95-0 with Committee Substitute (1)
- : posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, January 23, 2026
- : 2nd reading, to Rules
- : reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)
- : to Primary and Secondary Education (H)
- : to Committee on Committees (H)
- : introduced in House
Votes
- House: Pass RCS# 29 (January 28, 2026): 95 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: State Agencies, Teachers, Education, Higher, Education, Elementary And Secondary
Common questions
- What is HB389?
- HB389 is a bill in the Kentucky Legislature (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT relating to reading and writing in schools.
- What does HB389 do?
- In its own words: An act relating to reading and writing in schools.
- What is the status of HB389?
- In committee as of March 18, 2026. Latest action: to Education (S) (March 18, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB389?
- Samara Heavrin (R, HD-018), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB389?
- On the Kentucky Legislature website: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26rs/hb389.html
Source: official Kentucky record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.