KentuckyCertain state structural-steel projects would require certified welders
Starting January 1, 2027, requested state-contracted structural-steel projects would have to use certified welders and meet AWS welding standards.
What it does
State-contracted structural-steel projects would need certified welders and welding that meets AWS safety standards when the state contracting agency requests these rules. Homeowner and farmer projects are excluded.
Argument forRequiring certified welders and minimum AWS standards could improve the quality and safety of structural-steel work on covered state projects.
Argument againstContractors on covered state projects may face added testing and compliance work, which could narrow the pool of eligible welders.
More detail
General contractors, project managers, contractors, and subcontractors must use tested and certified welders and meet specified welding standards. The requirements cover structural-steel welding projects under state government contracts when the responsible design professional includes AWS D1.1 or D1.5 in the job specifications. Welders must be tested and certified by an AWS-accredited testing facility or by an AWS-accredited individual who can test and certify welders and welding inspectors. The welding must meet at least the AWS D1.1 and D1.5 standards. The requirements apply only when the contracting state government entity requests them. They do not apply to welding projects performed or requested by a homeowner or farmer on that person's premises. The requirements take effect January 1, 2027.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 27signed by Governor Andy Beshear (Acts Ch. 201)Became Law
- Apr 15delivered to Governor
- Vote recorded FINAL PASSAGE OF SB 98 w/ HFA 4. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Pass. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 15enrolled, signed by Speaker of the HouseTo Governor
- Apr 15enrolled, signed by President of the SenateMajor
- Apr 15passed 37-0Major
- Apr 15Senate concurred in Floor Amendment (4)
- Apr 15to Rules (S)Minor
- Apr 15received in Senate
- Apr 153rd reading, passed 89-5 with Floor Amendment (4)Passed House
- Apr 15placed in the Orders of the Day
- Apr 15taken from Rules
- Apr 14floor amendment (4) filedMinor
- Apr 1floor amendment (3) filedMinor
- Mar 25floor amendments (1) and (2) filedMinor
- Mar 252nd reading, to RulesMinor
- Mar 24reported favorably, 1st reading, to CalendarMinor
- Mar 17reassigned to Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (H)
- Mar 5to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)Minor
- Feb 26to Committee on Committees (H)Minor
- Feb 26received in House
- Feb 253rd reading, passed 33-4Passed Senate
- Vote recorded PASS SB 98. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 23posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Wednesday, February 25 2026
- Feb 112nd reading, to RulesMinor
- Feb 10reported favorably, 1st reading, to CalendarMinor
- Feb 6to Licensing & Occupations (S)Minor
- Jan 15to Committee on Committees (S)Minor
- Jan 15introduced in SenateIntroduced
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