Kentucky · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 259: AN ACT proposing an amendment to Sections 32, 72, 91, 100, and 122 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to citizenship requirements of state and local elected officials.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 259 is a bill introduced in the Kentucky House on January 8, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT proposing an amendment to Sections 32, 72, 91, 100, and 122 of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to citizenship requirements of state and local elected officials. Primary sponsor: Shane Baker (Republican), John Hodgson (Republican), Ryan Bivens (Republican), Josh Calloway (Republican), Kim King (Republican). Most recent recorded action (January 15, 2026): to Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Propose to amend Sections 32, 72, 91, 100, and 122 of the Constitution of Kentucky to require candidates for the General Assembly, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer, Auditor of Public Accounts, Commissioner of Agriculture, Secretary of State, Attorney General, county clerk, Circuit Court clerk, Commonwealthâs attorney, county attorney, District Judge, Circuit Judge, Court of Appeals Judge, and Justice of the Supreme Court to be a natural born citizen of the United States and a national of only the United States in order to hold each respective office; provide ballot language; submit to voters for ratification or rejection.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 5
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Baker | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 85 |
| John Hodgson | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 36 |
| Ryan Bivens | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 24 |
| Josh Calloway | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 10 |
| Kim King | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 55 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- to Elections, Const. Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs (H)
- to Committee on Committees (H)
- introduced in House