The League's latest review, released this week, found that the General Assembly reduced the number of surprise meetings from 47 in 2024 to 28 in 2026. Committees held 90% of their meetings at scheduled times this year, up from 79% two years ago. The group also noted that legislative journals are now published more promptly: in 2023, the most recent journal available was from the 2019 session, while as of 2026 the most recent journal is from 2025.

Despite those gains, the report highlights persistent practices that limit public participation. According to the League, both the House and Senate used fast-tracking maneuvers on roughly 20% of all bills that became law this year. Those maneuvers include giving bills a reading shortly before they appear in committee, adding last-minute changes to committee versions, holding same-day floor votes after a bill clears committee, and making substantial changes in free conference committees near the end of the session.

"Kentucky lawmakers work for the people of Kentucky," said Jennifer A. Jackson, president of the League of Women Voters of Kentucky, in a statement. "Although our latest transparency review shows areas of improvement, decades of expedited lawmaking tactics continue to limit participation. We must remain committed to ensuring that Kentuckians play a meaningful role in shaping the laws that affect them."

The League has been tracking legislative transparency since 2023, when it first documented the increasing use of fast-track maneuvers. This year's report continues that work, offering both recognition of progress and a detailed catalog of remaining obstacles.

A spokesperson for the Senate Republican caucus responded to the report by acknowledging the positive findings while defending the chamber's procedures. The spokesperson said the caucus appreciated "the League's latest report acknowledging positives of committee scheduling and access to legislative journals."

But the spokesperson also pushed back on the significance of fast-tracking, arguing that "the timing of a bill's final steps does not always capture the public discussion and committee work that preceded them, including work during the interim." The spokesperson noted that Kentucky's part-time legislature operates under firm constitutional deadlines and has used these procedures for many years. Committee meetings remain open to the public, with committee and floor proceedings livestreamed, and bill texts, votes and extensive legislative history are available online, the spokesperson said.

"We remain committed to being accessible and responsive to the people we serve," the spokesperson added.

The League's report comes as advocates continue to press for changes that would give residents more time to review and respond to legislation. While the reduction in surprise meetings and improved journal access represent steps forward, the group argues that the routine use of expedited procedures on one in five new laws leaves too little room for public input on decisions that affect daily life across the commonwealth.