In one paragraph
Not law. As passed by the House 88-7 on February 23, 2026, HB 455 would have barred anyone from providing or advertising therapy or psychotherapy in Kentucky, including through internet-based AI, unless a licensed professional performs it. Licensed therapists could have used AI only for administrative and supplementary support such as scheduling, billing and notes, with written notice and consent before using AI on recorded sessions, and AI could not make therapeutic decisions or treatment plans without their approval. Fines up to $10,000 per violation. It reached the Senate but got no further action before the 2026 regular session ended.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None: the bill died, so it creates no limits on AI therapy tools or on therapists' use of AI in Kentucky.
Key provisions
- No one may provide, advertise or offer therapy or psychotherapy services in Kentucky, including through internet-based AI, unless a licensed professional performs them
- Licensed professionals may use AI only for administrative support (scheduling, billing, logistics) and supplementary support (records and notes, anonymized progress tracking, referrals), and stay fully responsible
- Written notice of the AI's use and purpose, and the client's consent, before AI assists with a recorded or transcribed session
- AI may not make independent therapeutic decisions or produce recommendations or treatment plans without the professional's review and approval
- Therapy records and communications confidential; the relevant licensing board investigates and may impose civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation after a hearing
- Religious counseling, peer support and self-help or educational materials excluded; emergency clause (effective on the Governor's approval)
- Passed the House 88-7 on February 23, 2026; sent to the Senate Committee on Committees February 24; no further action before the 2026 regular session ended
Latest legislative action
Feb 24, 2026. To Committee on Committees (S); no further action before the 2026 regular session ended
Sponsors (showing 5 of 29)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| A. Wuchner | Primary |
| B. Chester-Burton | Primary |
| B. Reed | Primary |
| C. Fugate | Primary |
| C. Massey | Primary |
Roll call votes (showing 3 of 4)
Passage Feb 23, 2026
88 yea7 nay5 otherPassed
Final Passage: Passage Mar 14, 2025
71 yea17 nay12 otherPassed
Passage: HB 455 W/ scs1 Mar 14, 2025
36 yea0 nay2 otherPassed
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error