LEXINGTON, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear on Tuesday signed two education-focused pieces of legislation designed to increase college accessibility for Kentucky students and provide financial relief to retired teachers returning to the classroom, according to a statement from the Governor's office.

House Bill 307, known as the "My Kentucky Future Act," establishes a proactive admissions program managed by the Council on Postsecondary Education to streamline the college application process. Under the new law, the Kentucky Department of Education will compile a list each fall of high school juniors who have met minimum academic qualifications set by public universities and colleges. Eligible students will receive personalized letters notifying them of prospective admission and financial aid opportunities. Public postsecondary institutions must implement a common online application by July 1, 2027.

House Bill 642 addresses financial incentives for retired educators by increasing the daily earnings cap for teachers who return to work in eligible school positions. The measure raises the maximum daily earning limit from $170 to $200 during reemployment, providing retired teachers with greater financial flexibility to continue contributing their expertise to schools.

"This is and will always be an education first administration, and I am always grateful for the opportunity to better support Kentuckians on their education journey and our hardworking teachers," Beshear said in a statement. "House Bill 307 will create a proactive admissions program to help more public school students in Kentucky secure a higher education, while HB 642 will help retired teachers earn more in their next job."

The legislation comes as part of Beshear's broader education agenda. In March, the governor signed multiple bills supporting education and safety, including measures to regulate school administrator pay increases and encourage locally grown food in schools. In February, Beshear signed Senate Bill 172, which lowered utility costs for Kentucky families.