Questions arise on new law of traceable communications for school systems
By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor
While Senate Bill 181 passed unanimously there are those still seeking clarification on the language of the new law.
The law is intended to protect students and establishes guardrails for how school employees, coaches and volunteers may communicate with minors.
The legislation requires all school-related communication with students to occur through district-approved, traceable platforms that parents can access and monitor. It provides flexibility for districts to determine the approved platform.
Families who wish to allow alternative communication methods may opt in through written consent.
Senate Bill (SB) 181, sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, passed the General Assembly 137-0 and was signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear in April.
“Carefully written to protect students, this law applies equally to teachers, staff, coaches, volunteers, and family members,” said Tichenor. “It ensures that if a boundary is crossed, a process is in place to investigate, inform parents, and hold individuals accountable.”
While the law has been praised for protecting students and restoring parental oversight, Tichenor acknowledged some school leaders, personnel, and volunteers have raised questions about how best to implement it.
“As discussions progressed, data showed private electronic communication was the key link in most grooming cases,” said Tichenor. “Closing off this common access point became a logical and effective way to reduce grooming cases in schools. The intent of the law is widely supported. Students and teachers deserve to learn and work in an environment grounded in trust and integrity. It’s understandable that people are seeking clarification,” she said. “We can refine the language based on feedback without losing the intent. Our primary goal has to be ensuring students are protected and parents remain informed.”
In a recent press release dated July 7, 2027 a list of common implementation questions included:
Which family members—such as step-parents, in-laws, cousins, etc. are exempt when volunteering in official school roles.
How the term “school volunteer” applies to clubs and extracurricular activities.
Whether group messaging platforms for teams or student groups fall under the law’s requirements.
The correct process for honoring written parental consent for non-district communication methods.
Tichenor said she is working closely with KDE, EPSB, and school officials to address these questions and provide guidance ahead of the new school year.
“I remain committed to working with education professionals to achieve the goal of this law: protecting students while supporting those who serve them.”