Frankfort, Kentucky (April 1, 2026) – Legislation aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and hands-on business education was delivered to the Governor. House Bill (HB) 555, sponsored by Representative Sarge Pollock of Campbellsville, would promote student-based enterprises in schools. These enterprises allow students to gain course credit and first-hand knowledge and experience of operating a business. The legislation would give local school boards the authority to decide how the proceeds generated from student businesses are used.
“Student-based enterprises are an immersive way for our students to gain hands-on knowledge and experience with how businesses operate,” Pollock said. “These student-led businesses also give our districts an opportunity to generate revenues to reinvest in our schools to support a variety of programs and opportunities, including student scholarships.”
HB 555 would allow local school boards to establish policies to regulate student-based enterprises and manage how the revenue generated from them is spent. Student-based enterprises are legitimate businesses operated inside the school and run by students. In Taylor County, students prepare resumes and are interviewed by local human resource professionals to participate in the program. Students’ participation in these programs provides class credit and hands-on learning.
“Student-based enterprises are a unique way to support our students and promote a vibrant learning environment,” Pollock added. “In my district, Taylor County Public Schools is able to reinvest in our students through the funds raised by these businesses. Their success has provided scholarships to graduating seniors and additional funds for immersive learning experiences outside of the school.”
The Senate attached Senate Committee Substitute 1, which clarified that competitive foods sold by student-based enterprises comply with minimum nutritional standards outlined in KRS 158.854.
“I was happy to carry this bill in the Senate and to support the work of Rep. Pollock, who brought this idea forward after seeing firsthand what is happening in Taylor County Schools,” said Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise. “The success in Taylor County speaks for itself. Students are gaining real-world experience, and the money they generate is going back into opportunities for them, including scholarships and other educational support. Taylor County stands as a great example of local success leading the way for the rest of the state, and I am grateful to Rep. Pollock—along with educators like Marcus Rogers, who joined us in Frankfort to talk about HB 555—for making it possible.”
To keep track of HB 555 during the 2026 Regular Session, please visit legislature.ky.gov.
Photo: Representative Sarge Pollock speaks on the floor of the House of Representatives. Photo courtesy of LRC Public Information.
(JC Bates, Communications Specialist – Office of the Speaker — Kentucky House of Representatives)