Kentucky2026Active
HB10
Executive Branch Rules, Legal Settlements, and Employee Probation
Last scannedAug 24, 2026, 10:26 AM
In one sentence
This law requires Attorney General approval for large legal settlements before a new governor takes office, provides immunity rules for people reporting illegal conduct during government transitions, defines cabinet leadership roles, and changes probation periods for certain state employees.
What it does
- Requires the Attorney General to review and approve or disapprove any legal settlement over $1 million involving executive branch agencies within 180 days before a new governor takes office.
- Provides immunity from criminal charges or ethics penalties for people who report illegal conduct by top officials during government transitions, unless they commit perjury (lie under oath).
- Establishes that each program cabinet must be led by a secretary appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
- Sets a standard six-month probation period for new classified state employees before they gain permanent status.
- Requires former unclassified workers hired within 18 months of an inauguration to serve a 24-month probation period without hiring preferences.
Who it affects
- Executive branch departments, agencies, and program cabinets in Kentucky
- State constitutional officers such as the Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, Auditor of Public Accounts, State Treasurer, and Commissioner of Agriculture
- Newly hired classified state employees and those moving from unclassified to classified roles
Limits and unknowns
- The official text provided does not specify the exact effective date of this law.
- Immunity for whistleblowers is lost if they commit perjury, or lie under oath during their testimony.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Classified service
- State jobs that follow specific rules for hiring, firing, and promotions under KRS Chapter 18A.
- Unclassified position
- Jobs outside the standard classified system, often filled by political appointment or special agreement.
- Probationary period
- The time a new employee works before gaining permanent job status and protection from dismissal without cause.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
AN ACT relating to executive branch operations and declaring an emergency.