FRANKFORT — The first bill to clear either chamber of the Kentucky General Assembly during 2026 took place on Friday, as the Senate approved a measure dealing with driver’s licenses.

Senate Bill 7, sponsored by Sen. Aaron Reed, R-Shelbyville, designated with the low number meaning it’s a priority of the Republican supermajority in the Senate, would return driver’s license renewal and duplicate services to local county offices in those counties without a regional licensing office, including the circuit clerk, county clerk, county sheriff or county judge/executive, through agreements with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).

The bill is in response to growing public frustration with long wait times, limited appointment availability, and has raised serious concerns about how Kentucky’s driver licensing system is operating under the state executive branch’s control.

“This is part of our responsibility in making sure that government works for the people that we represent,” Reed said while presenting SB 7 on the Senate floor. “Across
Kentucky, our constituents have told us clearly, that the current system for driver’s license services is not working. Long drives, long lines, missed work, missed school, for
a basic government service. The burden has fallen too heavily on the people.”

While the issuance of REAL IDs would remain in the hands of the regional offices, renewals and duplicate REAL IDs could also be done by county governments.

Reed said the bill is not about expanding government.

“It’s about restoring a service that once worked well and putting it back into the hands of those closest to the citizens that it serves.”

Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield spoke against the bill.

“It does not address the issues, and I feel we should be passing a stronger piece of legislation to start the work.”

The bill passed 34-1, with Tichenor casting the lone “no” vote. It now heads over to the House.