2026 Kentucky legislative session concludes with 170+ bills including kratom ban in HB 757

Why it matters

The 2026 Kentucky legislative session concluded with passage of a two-year state budget and over 170 bills, including HB 757 which contains a comprehensive kratom sales ban taking effect January 2027.

The big picture

The 60-day 2026 Kentucky legislative session addressed major budget items, constitutional amendments, and numerous policy changes. HB 757 served as an omnibus revenue bill covering diverse provisions from electric vehicle charging to kratom regulation. The kratom ban represents a significant policy shift from the state's 2024 regulatory approach.

Key findings

• The Kentucky General Assembly passed a two-year state budget in HB 500
• Over 170 bills were passed out of approximately 1,300 filed
• The Republican-led legislature overrode more than 30 gubernatorial vetoes
• HB 757 included multiple revenue-related provisions plus the kratom ban
• Governor Beshear's veto of the kratom provisions was overridden
• The kratom ban takes effect January 1, 2027

What they say

A separate section of the bill bans the sale of Kratom, it comes two years after the state raised the age to purchase it to 21. HB 757 also creates a tax incentive for the attraction of a large, multi-day event at Valhalla Golf Club. — Spectrum News coverage of HB 757

Bottom line

The Kentucky 2026 legislative session ended with passage of HB 757, which unexpectedly includes a complete kratom ban effective January 2027, reversing prior regulatory protections.