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Kentucky Bill Aims to Restrict Immigrant Voting Rights

1/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Shane Baker (R-Ky.) filed House Bill 259 to bar immigrants and dual citizens from Kentucky elections.
The bill seeks a constitutional amendment requiring natural-born U.S. citizens and a one-year residency for city posts.
It would affect state court judges and requires a three-fifths vote and majority voter approval.
Critics, including Lexington Vice Mayor Dan Wu, call the measure a distraction.
Co-sponsors include Reps. DJ Johnson and John Hodgson.

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Story summary

Rep. Shane Baker (R-Ky.) filed House Bill 259 to bar immigrants and dual citizens from Kentucky elections.
The bill seeks a constitutional amendment requiring natural-born U.S. citizens and a one-year residency for city posts.
It would affect state court judges and requires a three-fifths vote and majority voter approval.
Critics, including Lexington Vice Mayor Dan Wu, call the measure a distraction.
Co-sponsors include Reps. DJ Johnson and John Hodgson.