ZeroV 2026 Legislative Updates: January 20

January 20, 2026

Last week concluded the second week of Kentucky’s 60-day legislative session. While we are still waiting for the House’s budget, we expect the pace to pick up soon once it is introduced. House and Senate members have filed nearly 500 pieces of legislation that will impact Kentuckians. Several of those have particular relevance for survivors, which we’ve highlighted below.

  • HB 374: This bill would require cosmetologists, including beauticians and barbers, to complete one hour of domestic violence training in order to obtain their license.
    • This proposed legislation seeks to equip cosmetologists with the education and awareness necessary to safely provide advocacy, including referrals and information, to clients experiencing domestic violence who are seeking support.
  • HB 418: This bill would establish protections for survivor-parents of domestic violence in custody proceedings and protective order hearings.
    • This proposed legislation aims to prioritize the safety of survivor-parents and their children with an emphasis on enhancing the court’s consideration of domestic violence findings when making custody and child visitation determinations.

You can find brief descriptions of how these bills would affect survivors in ZeroV’s Bill Tracker. We will update our bill tracker on a weekly basis as new bills of interest are filed and relevant amendments are proposed. 

About ZeroV’s Policy Advocacy 

The well-being of survivors is our top policy priority.  

Throughout this session, ZeroV will advocate for adequate funding for domestic violence services. We will also advocate for policies that support survivor safety, healing, and thriving. As a service to our community, we will provide weekly updates throughout the 2026 Legislative Session on the status of proposed legislation impacting survivors of domestic violence. 

About ZeroV’s Legislative Updates 

ZeroV's Legislative Update emails are sent out on Tuesdays, most weeks of the session. To have these updates delivered to your inbox each week, subscribe at ZeroV.org/join. Thank you for supporting survivors, staying informed, and getting involved in this legislative session!  

 

Posted January 20, 2026