The ruling, issued Tuesday, blocks enforcement of the law, which sought to prohibit school district employees from serving on boards of education in districts with populations of more than 300,000.
Murphy and the Kentucky Education Association filed the lawsuit, challenging the legislation's constitutionality and its potential impact on school board members who also work for school districts.
The Kentucky General Assembly passed Senate Bill 4 in April after lawmakers overrode Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto. The measure became law despite the governor’s opposition.
The case was heard in Franklin County Circuit Court, where the judge ultimately granted a permanent injunction against enforcement of the law. The decision represents a significant development in the legal dispute over whether school district employees can simultaneously serve as elected members of local boards of education.
The ruling comes as school districts and education groups continue to navigate the legal and policy implications of legislation passed during the 2026 legislative session.