Lexington, Kentucky, January 22, 2026
Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe has introduced Senate Bill 76 in Kentucky, which raises the population threshold for the Fayette County Public Schools board to implement an occupational license tax increase. This move comes as the school board seeks to rebuild trust within the community after last year’s controversial tax increase attempt, which was ruled unconstitutional. The bill has gained support but is still awaiting a vote from the full Senate, reflecting efforts to foster transparency and collaboration between the school board and local residents.
Lexington, Kentucky – A proposal to amend Kentucky’s tax law, introduced by Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe, aims to provide Fayette County Public Schools with the necessary time to rebuild community trust following a contentious tax increase attempt last year. Senate Bill 76 seeks to raise the population threshold required for the school board to implement an occupational license tax increase from 300,000 to 500,000 residents, allowing the school board to stabilize the tax rate and focus on restoring its relationship with the community.
The bill has received support from the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee, passing with only two Democratic members dissenting due to a request for more information. The proposal is now awaiting a vote from the full Senate.
Last year, Fayette County residents voiced significant frustration over the school board’s tax increase attempt, which was ultimately ruled unconstitutional by Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman due to inadequate public notice. Senator Bledsoe has emphasized the importance of addressing community concerns to rebuild trust and ensure stability for both employees and employers.
By raising the population threshold, the proposed legislation intends to offer the school board essential space to mend its relationship with the community, fostering a more collaborative and transparent environment. The bill’s advancement reflects a dedicated effort to respond to past grievances and work towards a more amicable future for Fayette County Public Schools and its constituents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Senate Bill 76?
Senate Bill 76 is a proposal introduced by Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe to amend Kentucky’s tax law, raising the population threshold required for the Fayette County Public Schools board to implement an occupational license tax increase from 300,000 to 500,000 residents. This change aims to provide the school board with time to rebuild community trust following a contentious tax increase attempt last year.
Why was the tax increase attempt last year controversial?
The Fayette County Public Schools board attempted to increase the occupational license tax, which led to significant frustration among residents. Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman ruled the move unconstitutional due to inadequate public notice, highlighting the importance of transparency and community engagement in such decisions.
What is the current status of Senate Bill 76?
Senate Bill 76 has passed the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee and now awaits a vote from the full Senate. The bill aims to provide the school board with the necessary time to rebuild its relationship with the community by stabilizing the tax rate.
How does this bill affect the community?
By raising the population threshold for implementing a tax increase, the bill seeks to stabilize the tax rate and allow the school board to focus on restoring its relationship with the community. This approach aims to foster a more collaborative and transparent environment between the school board and Fayette County residents.
What are the next steps for Senate Bill 76?
After passing the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee, Senate Bill 76 is awaiting a vote from the full Senate. If approved, the bill will proceed through the legislative process, potentially leading to changes in Kentucky’s tax law to support Fayette County Public Schools in rebuilding community trust.
Key Features of Senate Bill 76
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Population Threshold Increase | Raises the required population for the school board to implement an occupational license tax increase from 300,000 to 500,000 residents. |
| Community Trust Restoration | Aims to provide the school board with time to rebuild its relationship with the community following a controversial tax increase attempt last year. |
| Legislative Status | Passed the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee; awaiting a vote from the full Senate. |
| Legal Background | The previous tax increase attempt was ruled unconstitutional by Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman due to inadequate public notice. |
| Community Impact | Seeks to stabilize the tax rate and foster a more collaborative and transparent environment between the school board and Fayette County residents. |
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