Gov. Beshear Signs Legislation To Help Kentuckians Pursue Higher Education, Support Retired Teachers

House Bills 307 and 642

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 7, 2026) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bills 307 and 642 to help more Kentuckians pursue higher education and increase pay for retired teachers during reemployment.

"This is and will always be an education first administration, and I am always grateful for the opportunity to better support Kentuckians on their education journey and our hardworking teachers," said Gov. Beshear. "House Bill 307 will create a proactive admissions program to help more public school students in Kentucky secure a higher education, while HB 642 will help retired teachers earn more in their next job."

House Bill 307 establishes an admissions program to streamline the application process for students seeking postsecondary education and ultimately help more Kentuckians pursue a higher education.

House Bill 642 will increase the amount a retired teacher can earn a day from $170 to $200 during reemployment.

Other 2026 Bill Signings
On Good Friday, Gov. Beshear signed several bills to better support Kentuckians with special needs and their families with Senate Bill 69, Senate Bill 85 and House Bill 562.

In March, Gov. Beshear signed several bills to support education and safety for Kentuckians. These pieces of legislation included Senate Bill 2, directing school districts to not increase administrator pay greater than the percentage pay increase provided to classroom teachers; Senate Bill 5 encouraging schools to purchase locally grown food; Senate Bill 46, which makes changes to student transportation for increased safety; and House Bill 657, which protects consumers by requiring national and state background checks for specialty providers.

He also signed Senate Bill 145 related to regulations for the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and signed Senate Bill 11 into law, establishing a residential safe room rebate program and fund to protect eligible Kentuckians from severe weather.

In February, Gov. Beshear signed Senate Bill 172, which helped lower the cost of utilities for Kentucky families.

The Governor also stood with Kentucky public schools in March and vetoed House Bill 1. Click here for the full veto message.