The Gist
State Representative, 71st District
Photo of Josh Bray
Josh BrayOfficial portrait — Kentucky Legislative Research Commission

Josh Bray

Candidate for State Representative, 71st District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Lives in
Mount Vernon

State representative since 2021 for District 71 (Rockcastle County and parts of Laurel, Madison and Pulaski counties) and vice chair of the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee. Holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and accounting.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — Kentucky Legislative Research Commission

Documented positions

Public safety

  • Sponsored law allowing concealed-carry licenses for ages 18-20In office

    One of the primary sponsors of HB 312 (2026). The governor vetoed it; the General Assembly overrode the veto and it became law (2026 Acts Chapter 173).

    HB 312 (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT relating to concealed firearms and deadly weapons.

    Government record · Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission) · apps.legislature.ky.gov

    “issue provisional licenses to carry concealed firearms and other deadly weapons to persons who are 18 to 20 years of age”
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Roads & infrastructure

  • Sponsored bill setting utility contract rules for data centersIn office

    Lead sponsor of HB 593 (2026). It passed the House but was returned to a Senate committee on March 31, 2026, and did not become law.

    HB 593 (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT relating to data centers.

    Government record · Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission) · apps.legislature.ky.gov

    “only allow for the provision of electric service to a data center through a contract that conforms to the requirements of the Act”
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Government & transparency

  • Sponsored bill ending new public-sector collective bargaining agreementsIn office

    Lead sponsor of HB 888 (2026), which would also bar school boards from new agreements and keep existing ones. It was returned to the House Economic Development and Workforce Investment Committee on March 25, 2026, and did not pass.

    HB 888 (2026 Regular Session): AN ACT relating to collective bargaining agreements and declaring an emergency.

    Government record · Kentucky General Assembly (Legislative Research Commission) · apps.legislature.ky.gov

    “prohibit any local government from entering into any future collective bargaining agreement”
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All sources (14)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.