We are concerned Kentucky residents — parents, educators, coaches, mentors, and students — who urge state legislators to amend Senate Bill 181. While we support efforts to protect students from abuse, SB 181 goes too far by restricting even well-intentioned communication between trusted adults and students outside of district-approved platforms.

This law threatens mentorship, community engagement, and trusted relationships that many students rely on — particularly in rural and underserved areas. Caring volunteers, coaches, youth leaders, and clergy are all at risk of legal violations for simply texting or coordinating with students.

We demand revisions to SB 181 to protect student safety without eliminating mentorship and emotional support from trusted adults.

What Is SB 181?

Senate Bill 181, which took effect June 27, 2025, requires that all school employees and volunteers communicate with students only through district-monitored communication systems — unless a parent or guardian has provided written consent. It applies to text messages, social media, phone calls, and even transportation arrangements.

Why It’s a Problem:

🔒 Overregulation: A blanket communication ban creates an unnecessary barrier for trusted adults like volunteer coaches, pastors, or youth mentors.

🧾 Bureaucratic burden: Parents are required to submit paperwork for each trusted adult — and any revocation of consent can criminalize innocent communication.

❌ Unintended consequences: Caring adults are backing away from involvement out of fear — leaving students without support systems they depend on.

💔 Harms relationships: A rule meant to prevent misconduct is now punishing the very relationships that help keep kids on the right path.

What We’re Asking:

We urge the Kentucky General Assembly to amend SB 181 immediately to:

1. Add reasonable exemptions for community volunteers, coaches, mentors, and clergy who work with students outside school hours.

2. Simplify the parental consent process — allow blanket opt-ins, annual renewals, or centralized approval forms.

3. Clarify boundaries while preserving safe, caring adult‑student connections.

Please sign and share this petition if you believe students deserve both protection and connection — and that our mentors, coaches, and volunteers should not be punished for caring.