10,000 signatures reached
To: The Kentucky House and Senate Legislative Education Committees and Governor Beshear
Take Action on KY SB181 Now!
Statement to the Kentucky Legislature Regarding SB181
We respectfully urge the Kentucky General Assembly to formally request that the Executive Branch halt any enforcement actions or investigations related to Senate Bill 181 (SB181) until the Legislature has the opportunity to review and amend the bill during the 2026 legislative session.
As currently written, SB181 unfairly and disproportionately targets a single group of professionals—those employed in our public schools. This legislation, whether intended or not, infringes upon fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to all Kentuckians, including:
- The right to communicate digitally with friends, family, and social networks outside of work;
- The ability to seek and maintain secondary employment or supplemental income beyond school hours;
- The freedom to engage with civic, cultural, religious, or political groups not affiliated with their roles as educators or school staff.
The ambiguous language and broad scope of SB181 have created confusion and fear among school employees, chilling their participation in personal, professional, and community activities that are unrelated to their duties in the educational system. This overreach not only undermines their individual liberties but also risks weakening the broader trust and morale within our public education system.
We urge the General Assembly to take a leadership role by requesting the Executive Branch suspend any action under this law until the Legislature can fully assess its implications and enact necessary revisions to protect the rights and livelihoods of Kentucky’s educators and school personnel.
Why is this important?
1. Defense of Civil Liberties
SB181, as described, threatens basic constitutional rights—including freedom of speech, association, and the right to earn a living outside of one’s primary employment. Supporting this statement is about defending individual freedoms, not just for school employees but for all Kentuckians. When the rights of one group are curtailed, it sets a dangerous precedent for others.
2. Standing with Educators and All School Employees
Kentucky’s educators and school employees are at the heart of our communities. This law unfairly singles them out for scrutiny and restriction, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty. Supporting this petition is a way for families and community members to stand in solidarity with teachers and school staff—the same people who care for, teach, and guide our children every day.
3. Protection of Community Engagement
Educators and school employees are neighbors, volunteers, religious leaders, coaches, and civic participants. SB181 risks silencing their voices outside of the classroom. By supporting this statement, community members are protecting the ability of educators to fully participate in the social, cultural, and civic life of Kentucky.
4. Prevention of Harmful Overreach
The language in SB181 appears vague and overly broad, leading to confusion, misinterpretation, and the potential for abuse. When laws are not clearly defined, they can be enforced in arbitrary or discriminatory ways. Halting enforcement gives lawmakers time to clarify and correct the bill before harm is done.
5. Support for Responsible Governance
This statement is not a demand to repeal the law immediately, but a reasonable, measured call for review and accountability. It reflects a desire for the General Assembly to exercise thoughtful leadership by pausing enforcement until they can examine SB181’s real-world consequences in the 2026 session.
6. Maintaining Morale and Retention in Public Education
Kentucky already faces challenges in recruiting and retaining educators, instructional assistants, bus drivers, monitors, etc. A law that chills their freedoms or subjects them to unwarranted investigations will only worsen the problem. Supporting this statement helps preserve a respectful and trusting environment that educators need to thrive—and that students deserve.
7. Upholding Community Values
Kentuckians value fairness, freedom, and common sense. SB181, as it stands, appears to violate those values. Backing this statement sends a message that the community is paying attention—and expects laws to be just, clear, and respectful of individual dignity.
Conclusion
Supporting this statement is about protecting educators, defending freedoms, and promoting fair governance. It’s a call for thoughtful review—not resistance for its own sake. Community members and parents should unite behind this effort to ensure that Kentucky’s laws reflect its people’s values and protect the very individuals who educate and serve our children every day.