# Kentucky Governor Signs SNAP Workforce Training Bill  
**Published:** 2026-04-15T15:12:27Z  
**Source:** Kentucky House Majority Caucus (press release, emailed to editor@lexingtonky.news)  
**AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001)  
**Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/kentucky-governor-signs-snap-workforce-training-bill

Governor Andy Beshear has signed House Bill 781, legislation that [expands Kentucky's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program education and training efforts](https://www.kfvs12.com/2026/04/15/beshear-signs-measure-strengthen-snap-workforce-initiatives/), according to a press release from the Kentucky House Majority Caucus.

The measure, sponsored by Rep. Matt Lockett of Nicholasville, directs the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to develop initiatives connecting SNAP participants with job readiness training, employment planning, and work-based learning opportunities. Lockett said in a statement the bill "reflects the General Assembly's commitment to helping Kentuckians move from government assistance toward long-term self-sufficiency through workforce development."

Under the law, the cabinet will establish partnerships with workforce boards, educational institutions, employers, and community organizations. The state may pursue federal matching funds and implement programs to encourage nutrition and food security. The cabinet will also conduct employment assessments, develop individualized employment plans, and provide case management services.

The bill comes as Kentucky and other states grapple with expanded federal SNAP work requirements. [Policy experts at the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy have warned that expanded work requirements could cost 114,000 Kentuckians their benefits](https://kentuckylantern.com/2025/11/03/snap-work-reporting-requirements-are-expanding-what-kentuckians-should-known/), noting that 25 years of research shows such requirements "don't improve work outcomes, it doesn't create new or meaningful employment, and what it does do is create that additional paperwork."

The bill will take effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns, per the Kentucky Constitution.

## Sources

- [Beshear signs measure to strengthen SNAP workforce initiatives](https://www.kfvs12.com/2026/04/15/beshear-signs-measure-strengthen-snap-workforce-initiatives/)
- [SNAP work reporting requirements are expanding: what Kentuckians should know](https://kentuckylantern.com/2025/11/03/snap-work-reporting-requirements-are-expanding-what-kentuckians-should-know/)

---

This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) from a press release emailed to editor@lexingtonky.news by Kentucky House Majority Caucus, enriched with 3 web searches.