Kentucky · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 653: AN ACT relating to civil rights.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 653 is a bill introduced in the Kentucky House on February 17, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: AN ACT relating to civil rights. Primary sponsor: Mary Lou Marzian (Democratic), Lisa Willner (Democratic), Tina Bojanowski (Democratic), George Brown (Democratic), Adrielle Camuel (Democratic), Beverly Chester-Burton (Democratic), Anne Donworth (Democratic), Al Gentry (Democratic), Erika Hancock (Democratic), Nima Kulkarni (Democratic), Matt Lehman (Democratic), Rachel Roarx (Democratic), Sarah Stalker (Democratic), Joshua Watkins (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (February 24, 2026): to Judiciary (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.
Repeal and reenact KRS 344.010 to define terms; amend KRS 344.020, relating to the purpose of the Kentucky's civil rights chapter, to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity; amend KRS 344.025, 344.040, 344.050, 344.060, 344.070, and 344.080, relating to prohibited discrimination in various labor and employment practices, to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity; amend KRS 210.033, 344.030, 344.100 and 344.110 to conform; amend KRS 344.120 and 342.140, relating to prohibited discrimination in places of public accommodation and advertisements, to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity; amend KRS 344.170, 344.180, 344.190, 344.300, and 344.310, relating to the state and local human rights commissions, to include the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in the scope of their powers and duties; amend KRS 344.360, 344.370, 344.380, and 344.680, relating to prohibited discrimination in certain housing, real estate, and other financial transactions, to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity; amend KRS 344.367, relating to prohibited discrimination in certain insurance sales, to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity; amend KRS 344.400, relating to prohibited discrimination in certain credit transactions, to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity; amend KRS 18A.095 to conform; make technical corrections.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 14
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mary Lou Marzian | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 41 |
| Lisa Willner | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 35 |
| Tina Bojanowski | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 32 |
| George Brown | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 77 |
| Adrielle Camuel | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 93 |
| Beverly Chester-Burton | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 44 |
| Anne Donworth | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 76 |
| Al Gentry | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 46 |
| Erika Hancock | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 57 |
| Nima Kulkarni | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 40 |
| Matt Lehman | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 67 |
| Rachel Roarx | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 38 |
| Sarah Stalker | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 34 |
| Joshua Watkins | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 42 |
“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 Judiciary (H)
- to Committee on Committees (H)
- introduced in House