Kentucky has a restrictive legislative landscape for transgender individuals, with increasing anti-trans bills tracked from 2023 to 2025. While Governor Andy Beshear has vetoed some legislation, the legislature has passed several anti-trans laws, including HB 495 which reversed protections and eliminated Medicaid funding for transgender medical care.
2025:
- HB 495: Reversed Governor Beshear's 2024 executive order banning conversion therapy and eliminated Medicaid funding for transgender medical care
- Bathroom Restrictions: Requirements that at least 95% of school restroom facilities be designated for specific biological sexes
- Healthcare Restrictions: Prohibitions on healthcare providers accepting government or Medicare payment for gender transition services, with license revocation for violations
- DEI Elimination: Elimination of the Kentucky Department of Education's Division of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
2023:
- Senate Bill 150: Major omnibus anti-trans bill
- Vetoed by Gov. Andy Beshear but legislature overrode veto
- Would have required parental notification and consent for gender identity-related health/mental health services
- Restricted bathroom and locker room access based on biological sex
- Prohibited healthcare providers from offering gender transition services to minors with limited exceptions
2024:
- 17 anti-trans bills tracked across six categories: education, birth certificates, civil rights, performance, other, and healthcare
- Key proposals:
- Restrictions on Title IX compliance and gender identity policies in schools
- Prohibitions on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives in public schools
- Elimination of trauma-informed approach language in school regulations
2025:
- 18 anti-trans bills tracked across healthcare, bathroom access, sports, education, incarceration
- Includes HB 495 (enacted) and other restrictions
The Trevor Project reported that anti-transgender state laws like HB 495 are associated with increases in suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary youth by as much as 72%.
| Name |
Party |
Chamber |
Key Actions |
| Gov. Andy Beshear |
D |
Governor |
Vetoed SB 150 (veto overridden), issued executive order banning conversion therapy (reversed by HB 495) |
| Date |
Event |
| 2023 |
SB 150 passed, vetoed by Gov. Beshear, veto overridden |
| 2024 |
17 anti-trans bills tracked; Gov. Beshear issued executive order banning conversion therapy |
| 2025 |
18 anti-trans bills tracked; HB 495 enacted, reversing conversion therapy ban and eliminating Medicaid funding |
- Trans Legislation Tracker 2024/KY
- ACLU Kentucky - Statement on Veto SB 150
- The Trevor Project - Condemns New Kentucky Law
- Kentucky Governor Activity Stream
- Trans Legislation Tracker 2025/KY
- Kentucky Legislature - SB 150
Last updated: 2026-04-02