UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 1885
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AN ACT relating to communications with elected officials. 1
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: 2
ď˘SECTION 1. A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 61 IS CREATED TO 3
READ AS FOLLOWS: 4
(1) A public entity, including but not limited to state agencies, public universities, 5
public schools, and any other government-funded program, shall not require, 6
compel, or incentivize any program participant, student, employee, contractor, or 7
recipient of public funds to contact, lobby, or otherwise communicate with an 8
elected official for the purpose of advocating for a specific policy, legislation, or 9
political agenda. 10
(2) A public entity shall not condition participation in any program, receipt of any 11
benefit, or evaluation of performance on an individual's willingness to engage in 12
political advocacy or communication with elected officials. 13
(3) This section shall not be construed to prohibit: 14
(a) The teaching of civics, government, or public policy in an educational 15
setting, provided that participation in political advocacy or contacting 16
elected officials is voluntary and not a requirement for a grade or program 17
completion; 18
(b) Any individual from voluntarily expressing their personal views or engaging 19
in communication with elected officials; or 20
(c) Public employees or officials from providing, in a content neutral manner, 21
information about legislative processes or how to contact elected 22
representatives. 23
(4) A person who believes he or she has been compelled or coerced in violation of 24
this section may bring a civil action for declaratory or injunctive relief in the 25
Circuit Court of the county in which the violation occurred. 26
(5) A public entity found to have violated this section shall be subject to penalties, 27 UNOFFICIAL COPY 25 RS BR 1885
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including but not limited to loss of state funding and disciplinary action for any 1
responsible officials. 2