Legislative Update: Recent Episodes
KET
A report on the most significant activities of the day's legislative meetings, including committee testimony and actions, and debate and votes on the floor of Kentucky's Senate and House of Representatives.
On the final day of the 2022 General Assembly session, lawmakers race to add a correction to an already passed education bill, allow excused absences for students for mental health reasons, give local officials control over library boards, make some convicted felons eligible for KEES scholarships, create a pilot program for diversion from incarceration, and address so-called SLAPP lawsuits.
In the penultimate day of the General Assembly session, lawmakers override gubernatorial vetoes of legislation on tax policy, abortion restrictions, public assistance benefits, charter school funding, transgender student athletes, and public school curricula and principal hiring. The Senate approves a ban on unregulated slot-like games. Pro-choice advocates rally at the capitol.
In the last day before the veto period, the House and Senate give final passage to the executive, legislative, and judicial branch budgets as well as an overhaul of public assistance benefits, broadband infrastructure funding, and a ban on governors using public funds to challenge the constitutionality of bills. Lawmakers also approve the state road plan.
On day 57 of the General Assembly session, lawmakers announce their compromise state budget and give final passage to a new tax plan, charter school funding, requirements for school safety officers, an omnibus abortion bill, and penalties for “porch pirates.” Reproductive freedom advocates rally at the capitol.
The Senate votes to exclude certain mentally ill criminals from the death penalty and to update constable training and duties. Lawmakers act this week on transgender athletes in girls’ sports, principal hiring and school curricula selection, charter school funding, and making churches essential services. They also override gubernatorial vetoes.
The Senate gives final approval to a measure on principal selection and teaching history as well as a bill to ban transgender athletes in girls’ sports. House panels consider death notification training for coroners and energy company boycotts. Senate committees vote on stop-arm video cameras for school buses and an expedited teacher certification program.
A Senate committee advances the omnibus abortion bill and rural hospital loan funding. The House approves legislation on the nursing shortage, child abuse and neglect, and a moment of silence in schools. The Senate debates designating churches as essential services, private bourbon barrel selections, and parental rights. A House panel moves to protect personal information of public officers.
The House and Senate override Gov. Beshear’s vetoes of a resolution that ends the COVID state of emergency and a measure to overhaul unemployment benefits. The House also votes on a consistent tax rate for parimutuel bets and funds to treat gambling addiction. Lawmakers discuss their budget priorities.
The House approves sports wagering and bans unregulated “gray” gaming machines. Gov. Beshear vetoes a bill that sets new rules for unemployment benefits and a resolution that would end the pandemic emergency. This week lawmakers also advanced welfare reforms and medical marijuana legislation.
The Senate votes to ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy and provide scholarship options for some felons. A House committee acts on unregulated gaming machines, sports wagering, and tax rates for parimutuel bets. Senate panels consider Ukrainian refugee resettlement, the judicial branch budget, water project funding, and the process for prefiling legislation.
While meeting at the Old State Capitol, the House passes an increase to the historic preservation tax credit and a resolution to create a Kentucky History Caucus. House committees consider the Read to Succeed Act and measures on school breakfasts, financial disclosures by colleges and universities, and catalytic converter theft. A Senate panel approves a resolution on nuclear power feasibility.
The House votes to allow new cities in Jefferson County, increase penalties for trafficking fentanyl, require a new board at Kentucky State University, improve access to mental health treatment, and protect genetic data. The Senate approves tougher punishments for child abuse, a review process for executive orders, and regulations for solar farms.
A recap of the General Assembly this week includes actions on the state budget in the Senate, medical marijuana, Delta-8 hemp products, COVID mask and vaccination mandates, abortion, transgender student athletes, and the Kentucky State University Board of Regents.
The House passes a measure on COVID vaccination rights and a resolution to end the pandemic emergency declaration. Senate committees act on employer vaccine mandates, an abortion restriction, and a public comment requirement for school board meetings. A House panel revisits medical marijuana legislation.
The Senate passes its version of the state budget and a ban on certain hemp products. A Senate committee considers a new process for executive orders. House panels approve bills on transgender athletes, the Kentucky State University Board of Regents, charging inmates for time in county jails, and nurse practitioner prescription practices.
The House votes to ban mask mandates in day care centers, schools, and universities. House panels move to protect the privacy of COVID vaccination status and to create mobile crisis centers. The Senate approves bills to replace the Kentucky State University Board of Regents and to create an imagination Library program in the state.
The Senate passes bills on election security, election administration expenses, animal care costs in cruelty cases, and companies that boycott fossil fuel industries. A Senate committee considers replacing the Kentucky State University Board of Regents. The House gives final approval to name, image, and likeness legislation.
The Senate passes an overhaul of unemployment insurance and a proposed constitutional amendment to limit a governor’s clemency powers. House committees advance a tax cut plan, voting reform changes, and an update to campaign finance reporting. A Senate panel considers an election security bill.
A recap of week nine of the General Assembly session includes action on a property tax freeze for motor vehicles, an income tax cut and a taxpayer rebate, a pay increase for lawmakers, changes to unemployment benefits, and new abortion restrictions. Lawmakers also introduce measures to expand gaming.
The House passes an omnibus abortion bill. The Senate approves a resolution supporting the Ukraine, and a measure on motor vehicle property taxes. Senate panels consider actions against energy company boycotts and standards for library boards. A House committee discusses unicorporated areas of Jefferson County.
House committees consider new abortion restrictions, and college athlete name, image, and likeness deals. The House approves limits on charitable bail organizations and protections for religious services during emergencies. Senate panels move to protect bourbon barrel picks and overhaul unemployment benefits. The Senate acts to address the nurse shortage.
A recap of week eight of the General Assembly session includes a tax rebate proposal and tax reform legislation, hero pay for essential workers, the nursing shortage, charitable bail organizations, private information of public officials, teaching history in schools, and ending the COVID emergency.
The Senate debates the Teaching American Principles Act and a resolution to end the COVID state of emergency. A House panel approves a bill about religious services during emergencies, while the full House votes on using public funds to challenge legislation. A Senate committee considers a refund to taxpayers.
The House approves a proposed constitutional amendment on local taxation and legislation on police officer recruitment. A Senate panel considers bills on the nursing shortage and court-ordered mental health treatment. A House committee discusses charitable bail organizations and reorganizing some judicial seats. The Senate votes to recover a $15 million loan to a proposed aluminum mill.
The Senate acts to allow home delivery of cars purchased online and to facilitate driver’s license renewals. The House votes to prevent people convicted of sexual assault from becoming peace officers. Senate panels consider decommissioning rules for solar power generating facilities and protections of personal data online. Lawmakers discuss tax issues.
A recap of week seven of the General Assembly session includes actions on transgender athletes in girls’ sports, armed officers in schools, guidelines for teaching history, a ban on school mask mandates, and a COVID immunity equivalent. Democrats announce a marijuana legalization bill and Gov. Andy Beshear calls for a temporary sales tax cut.
Senate committees discuss what teachers should teach, limits on detention before trial, and protecting personal information of public officials. House panels consider regional mental health services and local taxing options, while the House approves a loan for Kentucky State University. Democratic lawmakers announce a measure to legalize marijuana.
The Senate approves a ban on transgender females in girls’ sports, and the House votes on emergency days for tornado-damaged schools and mandatory overtime in pension calculations. Lawmakers consider constitutional amendments on gubernatorial pardons and local taxes. Gov. Beshear speaks on the state sales tax and motor vehicle property tax.
he House votes on armed school safety officers while the Senate approves a resolution on positive COVID antibody tests. House committees debate a loan for Kentucky State University and bans on mask mandates in schools and transgender athletes playing girls’ sports. Senate leaders announce legislation to address the shortage of nurses.
The Senate moves to reopen the road around the state capitol, while the House votes to send deficient administrative regulations to the Attorney General’s office and to require health care service agencies to register with the state. Lawmakers also review a resolution on the state’s historic documents and bills on pension spiking and non-partisan elections for certain county offices.
In a recap of week six of the General Assembly session, lawmakers debate changes to jobless benefits, endorsement deals for college athletes, armed officers in schools, transgender athletes in girls’ sports, early childhood literacy, and motor vehicle taxes.
The House passes an overhaul of unemployment insurance. The Senate approves a name, image, and likeness bill for student-athletes. A Senate committee debates whether biological males who identify as females should be allowed to play girls’ sports. Democrats speak against legislation to regulate student instruction on certain subjects.
University of Kentucky men’s basketball coach John Calipari testifies on name, image, and likeness legislation. Senate panels take up Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental services, COVID immunity from natural infections, motor vehicle taxes, and federal funding for childcare centers. House committees discuss deficient regulations and county magisterial redistricting.
Legislators take up bills on school resource officers, motor vehicle taxes and protecting local government documents.
The Senate approves bills to increase child welfare services and to allow expungement of certain misdemeanors. A Senate committee discusses reporting of child fatalities and near fatalities. The House debates public comments at school board meetings, while House panels take up blood tests in DUI cases and a death penalty exemption for people with mental illness.
A House committee approves legislation known as the Read to Succeed Act. Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John Minton testifies on Judicial Branch funding needs. The Senate passes a bill on counseling services for first responders. Sen. David Givens discusses education issues.
The House passes a freeze on the unemployment insurance tax, and a measure to enable the General Assembly to intervene in legal challenges to legislation. The Senate approves a bill requiring death notification training for coroners, while a Senate panel discusses monitoring pharmacy benefit managers. Lawmakers discuss the budget process and spending priorities.
In a recap of week four of the General Assembly session, lawmakers act to ease the isolation experienced by long-term care residents. Sen. David Givens explains why he thinks legislators should be able to call themselves into special session. Western Kentucky school superintendents and Bowling Green Rep. Patti Minter discuss the impacts of recent tornadoes on their region.
Senators debate lawmakers calling themselves into special session. Western Kentucky school superintendents testify about tornado damage to their districts. Senate panels consider a scholarship program for special needs students and tougher penalties for the theft of packages from front porches. The House passes an essential caregiver bill.
House Democratic leader Jodi Jenkins announces her retirement. A House committee considers a bill to allow the legislature to defend the constitutionality of bills that it passes. Senate panels discuss enabling lawmakers to call themselves into special session, a bill to prevent child abuse and neglect, and mental health supports for first responders.
A House panel votes to require public comment periods at school board meetings and to expand KEES scholarships to trade school students. The Senate acts to declare an administrative regulation deficient, set standards for using lobbyists, and limit the number of Medicaid managed care organizations. Rep. Patrick Flannery discusses his car tax legislation.
he House passes bills on treatment for people with severe mental illness, the licensing of audiologists, and the reapportionment of county magisterial districts. School choice advocates rally at the capitol as lawmakers introduce new school choice legislation. State Budget Director John Hicks explains Gov. Beshear’s recommendations for spending American Rescue Plan Act funds.
A recap of the third week of the General Assembly session includes arguments over the new redistricting maps. Republicans move quickly on the state budget, while Democrats call for more investments. Lawmakers also consider bills on overdose reversal drugs, the Read to Succeed program, mental health absences for students, and essential caregivers.
Gov. Beshear vetoes the new legislative and Congressional district maps, and the Republican-controlled General Assembly overrides those vetoes. The House debates and passes its version of a new two-year, state budget and the Transportation Cabinet budget. Senate committees consider bills on expungement and the statewide education accountability system.
The Senate debates allowing more options to reverse drug overdoses, and funding for a childhood literacy program. A Senate committee moves to reduce the number of managed care organizations in Kentucky, and to allow compassionate care visitors in nursing homes and state mental facilities. State Budget Director John Hicks briefs lawmakers on Gov. Beshear’s budget proposal. A House panel considers bills on home incarceration and the definition of incest.
The House considers giving students excused absences for mental health reasons. The Senate passes a bill that would reclassify stroke centers, and a measure to allow assisted living communities to provide additional services. Legislative leaders discuss potential tax reforms, revenue options, state employee pay raises, medical marijuana, and other priorities.
Gov. Andy Beshear delivers his budget address. Lawmakers give final passage to an education bill that deals with states of emergency. A Senate panel discusses early literacy education, while a House committee considers COVID-related death benefits for first responders. School choice advocates introduce measures to give parents and students more education options.
The House and Senate pass a bill that will provide disaster relief for those impacted by the December tornadoes.
The Senate votes to give schools more remote instruction days. A House panel considers a student mental health measure and a bill on financial aid applications. Legislative leaders discuss the budgeting process and benefits of pre-kindergarten. Gov. Beshear previews his spending proposals for infrastructure, economic development. and tourism.
Lawmakers complete their work on redistricting bills and a measure on legal challenges to the new maps. The Senate debates legislation that gives school superintendents the power to hire and fire principals and to set school curricula. A House committee considers aid for tornado-damaged communities. Gov. Beshear previews his proposed state budget.
Renee Shaw looks back at the first week of the General Assembly session as lawmakers move closer to final passage of new legislative and judicial district maps. Gov. Beshear delivers his State of the Commonwealth Address and legislative leaders offer their reactions. Lawmakers discuss the prospects for medical marijuana.
Lawmakers give final passage to a bill that moves this year’s candidate filing deadline. The Senate passes bills to redraw state Senate and Congressional districts, and to create a new process for legal challenges to redistricting. The House approves new maps for state House and state Supreme Court districts. A Senate panel advances measures on principal hiring and remote instruction.
Gov. Andy Beshear delivers his State of the Commonwealth Address to a joint session of the General Assembly, and legislative leaders offer their reactions to his speech. A Senate panel approves new state Senate and Congressional district maps. The House debates a delay in this year’s candidate filing deadline. Lawmakers remember former Louisville Rep. Darryl Owens.
On the first day of the 2022 General Assembly session, House Democrats denounce rules proposed by Republican leadership to place time limits on debate. Reps. Jerry Miller, David Meade, and Angie Hatton discuss the redistricting plan for state House districts.
In a special session of the General Assembly, lawmakers debated actions to help Kentucky weather the ongoing COVID pandemic. They approved measures to extend the state of emergency, allow local school boards to decide on mask mandates, create regional monoclonal antibody clinics, and more. They also allocated $350 million for economic development projects.
In the penultimate day of the 2021 session, the General Assembly overrides gubernatorial vetoes on a series of measures, including bills on school choice, teacher pensions, the executive branch budget, how U.S. Senate vacancies are filled, and broadband internet installation.
The House and Senate act on school choice, spending of federal COVID relief funds, and a retirement package for new teachers. Legislators also approve a do-over school year for students, allocate $250 million for broadband deployment, negotiate a compromise on state Board of Education membership, and move to expand voting options in elections.
The Senate and House approve a one-year state budget. The Senate agrees to House changes to a bill creating a commission on racial equity, and approves new guidelines for appointments to the Kentucky Board of Education. A Senate committee considers a hybrid retirement plan for future teachers.
The House votes on Open Records Act requests, vaccination opt-outs, police misconduct, and cryptocurrency mining incentives. A House committee approves a new process for filling a U.S. Senate vacancy. Both chambers pass a bill on emergency executive orders. Conversations with new lawmakers Rep. Killian Timoney and Sen. Adrienne Southworth.
The House passes a school choice bill and a limit on pandemic emergency executive orders. The Senate approves a measure on riot-related crimes and insulting police officers, and legislation on Open Records Act requests. A Senate panel discusses Kentucky Board of Education membership
The House approves unemployment overpayment relief, transitional help for the formerly incarcerated, assistance for pregnant inmates, and penalties for rental property damage. The Senate votes on quasi-governmental agency pension obligations and insulin co-payments. A House panel considers a do-over school year. Conversations with new lawmakers Rep. Matt Lockett and Sen. Brandon Storm.
The House gives final passage to a school reopening plan. House committees advance unemployment overpayment relief and exemptions for mandatory immunizations. Senate panels discuss riot-based crimes, the felony theft threshold, and a death penalty exception for those with a mental illness. A conversation with new lawmaker Sen. Karen Berg.
The House approves aid packages for rural broadband deployment and rural hospitals, financial protection for the gun industry, and a tax break for cryptocurrency miners. Senate committees discusses pension relief for quasi-governmental agencies and postpartum care for female inmates, while the full Senate sets a date for schools to restart in-person instruction.
The Senate passes liability protections for some businesses during the pandemic, and approves bills to give the General Assembly more flexibility in the legislative calendar. A Senate panel discusses civilian review boards for police departments. The House acts on water bill late fees and school tax recall petitions.
The House votes to make some new voting options permanent, to rewrite the state’s Open Records Act, and to expand KEES-eligible institutions. The Senate approves unemployment overpayment relief, while a Senate committee discusses how U.S. Senate seat vacancies are filled.
The Senate votes to limit the use of no-knock search warrants. The House approves a proposed constitutional amendment on abortion and a bill to stabilize the state Board of Education. House committees consider reopening unemployment offices, purchases of personal protective equipment, and voting options in elections.
The Senate votes to create a commission on racial inequities, while Senate committees act on mental health parity, substance abuse counselors, and legislative session scheduling. A House panel discusses prosecution of protest-related crimes, while the full House passes a measure that would require schools return to in-person instruction, and a bill on unemployment insurance.
House panels act on U.S. Senate vacancies, paper ballots, broadband access, firefighter mental health, state Board of Education appointments, student financial aid, and school bus cameras. A Senate committee passes unemployment overpayment relief. The full House moves on insulin prices and on County Employees Retirement System severability.
The House updates guidelines for child support, increases the threshold for felony nonsupport, and approves a tax break for visiting utility workers. Lawmakers move to make permanent COVID-related measures on telehealth, sales of grocery items by restaurants, and cocktails to go. The Senate acts to eliminate Medicaid copayments. A conversation with freshman Rep. William Lawrence.
The House gives final approval to a legal fix for historical horse racing games. The Senate passes a police accountability measure and a bill on gun possession by youth offenders. A House panel considers a constitutional amendment on abortion, while a Senate committee acts to protect rights of conscience for health care providers. U.S. Sen. Rand Paul addresses lawmakers on election reform.
House committees advance measures on historical horse racing and live organ donors. The full House approves pension relief for quasi-governmental agencies, an increase to the felony threshold for theft and fraud, and protections for sports officials. The Senate moves to end solitary confinement for pregnant women, while a Senate panels act on several measures.
Senate Republicans split on historical horse racing legislation, while the House passes a mental health parity measure. A House panel votes to make convicted felons eligible for KEES money, and a Senate committee approves an alcohol-to-go measure. Transportation Sec. Jim Gray updates COVID vaccination efforts. House Democrats unveil a plan to modernize the state’s unemployment program.
A House committee discusses increasing the felony theft threshold, while a Senate panel approves an opt-out for vaccinations. Lawmakers also consider bills on state agricultural boards, tenants who intentionally damage rental property, and mental health parity. A conversation with new lawmakers Rep. Josh Branscum and Rep. Pamela Stevenson.
Lawmakers approve an updated bill for new courts to hear constitutional challenges. The impeachment committee meets. The Senate passes its versions of the budget bills while senators consider training for certain in-home care-givers. A conversation with freshman Rep. Jennifer Henson Decker.
House members discuss the impeachment petition against Gov. Andy Beshear. Senators review a plan for a judicial super circuit and discuss making intentional damage to residential rental property a felony. A conversation with freshman Rep. Josh Bray.
The House advances continuation budget bills to the Senate. Lawmakers send multiple measures to the governor that would limit executive powers. The House also creates an impeachment committee and passes a “born-alive” bill as well as liability protections for businesses.
In the first week of the 2021 General Assembly session, lawmakers move priority bills on reopening the state’s economy, executive authority, administrative regulations, a new "super-circuit court," the legislative calendar, abortion, and more.
Lawmakers override Gov. Andy Beshear’s vetoes of several bills, including the measure to require a photo ID to vote. The House approves Marsy’s Law, and the Senate passes a prisoner transfer bill. A House committee discusses creating an emergency preparedness task force.
The General Assembly approves an austere, one-year state budget, as well as spending plans for the judicial and legislative branches, and a revenue measure. Lawmakers also give pension relief to quasi-governmental agencies for another year, and allow for voting flexibility in the June primary election.
The House and Senate agree on a COVID-19 relief package for workers, businesses, and health care providers. Lawmakers also give final passage to bills on the direct shipment of alcoholic beverages to consumers, and separate governance for the County Employees Retirement System.
The Senate sends its version of the state budget to conference committee. Lawmakers help schools and businesses deal with coronavirus challenges, and give final passage to voter photo ID legislation. A House panel considers longer legislative sessions and a shift to paper ballots for elections.
Senate Republicans introduce their version of a new state budget. Lawmakers consider measures to encourage more transparency from Braidy Industries, tighten performance bonding requirements for mining companies, promote drug treatment, overhaul school accountability, change how driver’s licenses are issued, and give county employees their own pension board.
Gov. Beshear and Senate President Stivers discuss continuing the legislative session. A loan package for the University of Louisville gains final approval. Lawmakers also act on post-mortem tissue samples, federal student aid applications, insulin costs, leave for adoptive parents, and apprenticeships.
Lawmakers advance two mental health measures and a bill to help foster kids navigate new schools. The House moves to raise the threshold for felony theft, and a House panel discusses voting rights restoration, election recounts, and Supreme Court elections.
Gov. Andy Beshear and other state officials update the coronavirus situation. Lawmakers consider options for schools that close due to the epidemic. The House passes a bill to help regional universities with their pension costs. Medical marijuana advocates rally at the capitol.
The House passes two abortion bills. Senators debate standards for advertising by lawyers and wine shipments to consumers. House panels hear about pharmacy benefit managers and taxes paid by out-of-state emergency workers. Infrastructure advocates rally for a higher gas tax.
A House panel considers changing CERS management, while the full House moves to prevent human trafficking and open scholarship funding to some former felons. Senate President Robert Stivers pulls a pension-spiking bill. Gov. Andy Beshear gives a coronavirus update. Russellville honors pioneering political journalist Alice Dunnigan.
On the 42nd day of the session, the House passes a two-year state budget and modest revenue package, but hits a roadblock on a proposed constitutional amendment regarding local taxation.
House Republicans unveil their version of the state budget. A Senate committee advances a plan for state Board of Education appointments and a hospital funding measure for U of L. State officials discuss coronavirus preparations. Kentuckians for the Commonwealth rallies for voting rights.
The House considers police pursuit policies, while the Senate moves to end surprise medical billing and update school accountability measures. Committees act to protect sports officials, cut underage smoking, increase the felony theft threshold, respect fetal remains, prevent human trafficking, and encourage drug treatment. Gov. Andy Beshear discusses voting rights restoration.
The House passes a voter photo ID requirement. House committees consider a new way to issue driver’s licenses and funding for a cannabis research center. Legislators act on measures to prevent suicide among youth and farmers. Gov. Andy Beshear speaks on preexisting medical conditions, and college students rally for higher education funding.
The Senate passes a bill to protect minors from a type of online harassment known as doxing. A House panel considers changes to how Human Rights Commission members are appointed. Lawmakers discuss pension costs. A look at efforts to document Kentucky suffragists.
A review of the eighth week of the session, including bills on a governor’s pardoning power, local taxation, and Marsy's Law. Plus the House votes to help rural hospitals and gives final passage to new rules for childcare centers. A Senate panel considers measures to protect minors.
Proposed constitutional amendments on felon voting rights and local government taxation advance. Committees considers changes to the school accountability system, an exemption to the death penalty, and court-ordered mental health treatment. State health officials prepare for the coronavirus.
The Senate moves to limit gubernatorial pardons, and the House approves a vaping tax. Committees discuss addiction treatment coverage, local health department funding, and athletic trainers. Advocates for Kentuckians with disabilities rally at the capitol.
The proposed constitutional amendment known as Marsy's Law clears the Senate. Lawmakers discuss financial literacy for high school students, rules for ATVs and off-road vehicles, and tax options for cities. Gov. Andy Beshear honors social workers.
The House moves to eliminate child visitation and custody rights of certain felony offenders. Lawmakers discuss budget issues. State Auditor of Public Accounts Mike Harmon reviews recent audits conducted by his office. Students speak against a school safety measure.
A review of the seventh week of the session, including swift passage of a welfare reform package by the House. Also a look at actions on medical marijuana, transportation secretary selection, gubernatorial pardons, insulin prices, and other issues.
The House approves medical marijuana, and the Senate acts to diminish gubernatorial power in selecting transportation secretaries. Committees discuss a constitutional amendment on abortion, protections for medical professionals who act on their consciences, and a voter photo ID requirement.
The House acts to help diabetics afford insulin. Legislative committees tackle gubernatorial pardons, crime victims' rights, felon voting rights, and police chases. Rep. Samara Heavrin discusses her bill on parental leave for adoptive parents. Fairness advocates rally at the capitol.
The House moves to help communities find qualified EMS technicians. Gov. Andy Beshear endorses a measure to cap insulin prices. Rep. Lisa Willner discusses her tax bill, and Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles talks about hemp and other farm issues. The Girls Who Code computer programming group meets with lawmakers.
A recap of the sixth week of the session, including action on medical marijuana, insulin costs, and youth vaping. Lawmakers also debate pension relief for quasi-governmental agencies and how transportation secretaries are selected. Rep. Lisa Willner discusses her tax proposal.
Committees vote to make insulin more affordable and end surprise medical billing. Lawmakers also act to meet education needs of foster kids and give pension relief to quasi-governmental agencies. Gun control advocates rally at the capitol, while a celebration marks the centennial of women's suffrage.
House committees approve bills on medical marijuana and youth access to e-cigarettes. The House votes to help the University of Louisville purchase a hospital. The Senate acts on managed care organizations and debates changing selection of transportation secretaries.
Senators hear from the CEO of Braidy Industries. A House committee approves a vaping tax and hospital acquisition funding for the University of Louisville. A House bill aims to help foster children navigate new schools. Lawmakers commemorate Black History Month.
The House approves two criminal justice measures, while the Senate moves to address eating disorders. A Senate committee discusses immunity for veterinarians who report animal abuse. Budget Director John Hicks explains Gov. Beshear's funding plan for state pensions. Rep. Steven Rudy talks about the budget.
A recap of the fifth week of the session, including debate on school safety. The House approves a ban on corporal punishment, and the Senate considers a change to principal hiring. Lawmakers also act on legislator pensions, immigration enforcement, and a raise for state workers. Rep. Steven Rudy discusses the budget process.
A House committee approves a pay-raise plan for state workers and a measure to put lawmakers in the public employees' pension system. The House approves a school bus safety bill, while the Senate passes legislation on student IDs and the hiring of principals. The anti-abortion group Sisters for Life rallies at the capitol.
Senate committees pass two Medicaid-related bills and a measure on school principal selection. The full Senate approves a juvenile justice bill while a House committee discusses criminal expungement.
The Senate passes an immigration enforcement bill. Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles discusses the importance of migrant labor to farming. The House Education Committee debates school safety and corporal punishment.
The Senate passes new standards for child care centers. The Prichard Committee's Brigitte Blom Ramsey discusses education issues. House Minority Whip Angie Hatton talks about criminal justice reform. Plus, reports on hemp production and the history of dueling in Kentucky.
A look back at the fourth week of the session, including Gov. Beshear's budget address and reaction from legislators. Lawmakers act on pension-spiking, school safety, abortion, and immigration. Also discussion about scholarship tax credits and former felon voting rights.
Senators debate immigration enforcement and Kentucky Board of Education reorganization. Measures on hemp and medical marijuana research advance. Committees review student IDs, virtual education, and the time change. The Prichard Committee's Brigitte Blom Ramsey discusses education spending.
Senators act on new standards for child care centers, background checks, and pension spiking. Lawmakers also consider transportation secretary selection and a new student safety option. States' rights advocates rally at the capitol. Rep. Angie Hatton reacts to Gov. Beshear's budget plan.
Gov. Andy Beshear delivers his budget address. Legislative leaders react to the plan, and House and Senate budget chairs voice their concerns. Lawmakers act on search warrants in DUI cases, due process rights for school personnel, and hemp concerns.
The Senate passes a new school safety measure and the so-called born-alive bill. The House approves legislation to turn direct sellers into independent contractors. Sen. Whitney Westerfield discusses criminal justice reform. Scholarship tax credit advocates rally at the capitol.
A look back at the third week of the session, including action on photo IDs for voters, cigarette and e-cigarette purchases, school safety, and abortion. Also, a conversation with Attorney General Daniel Cameron, and highlights of Children's Advocacy Day and Muslim Day at the capitol.
The Senate passes a voter ID bill and a measure to increase the legal age to purchase tobacco and vaping products. Senate committees consider school safety and abortion bills. Sen. Whitney Westerfield discusses judicial issues. Children's advocates rally at the capitol.
A Senate committee approves a photo identification requirement for voters. UK law professor Joshua Douglas reviews photo ID measures. Lawmakers act on bills regarding child abuse, female genital mutilation, and sex offenders. Legislators mark the first Muslim Day at the capitol.
The House passes hemp legislation. Sen. Max Wise details school safety issues. Pro-life advocates rally at the capitol. Ben Chandler of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky discusses smoking cessation. The University of Louisville seeks hospital purchase funding.
A look back at the second week of the session with highlights of Gov. Andy Beshear's State of the Commonwealth address. Lawmakers act on sports betting, immigration, youth tobacco and e-cigarette use, and elections for constitutional officers. Sen. Max Wise discusses school safety.
The Senate approves a plan to reschedule elections for statewide constitutional offices. Secretary of State Michael Adams discusses voter ID legislation. Committees hear updates on school safety, and consider measures on search warrants in DUI cases and mental health first aid training.
House committees advance legislation on sports betting and hemp. Senate panels approve bills to increase the age for tobacco and e-cigarette purchases and to move election of statewide constitutional officers to even-numbered years. Lawmakers in both chambers introduce measures to ban conversion therapy.
A look at highlights of the State of the Commonwealth address from Gov. Andy Beshear, including his comments on education, gaming, criminal justice, health care, and jobs. Legislative leaders react to the speech. Sen. Damon Thayer speaks against pension spiking. Health advocates rally to limit youth tobacco use.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer discusses priority bills concerning election of statewide constitutional officers, selection of Transportation Cabinet secretaries, and taxes levied by special purpose entities. Sen. Max Wise outlines a new school safety bill. The League of Women Voters of Kentucky proposes a new redistricting process.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer talks about legislation on pensions, immigration, and voter identification, and about 20 years of GOP leadership in the chamber. Sen. Danny Carroll, Attorney General Daniel Cameron, and Rep. Nima Kulkarni share their views on Senate Bill 1.
Senate President Robert Stivers explains the need for immigration legislation. Planned Parenthood rallies for reproductive rights issues. State officials mark Human Trafficking Awareness Month. House and Senate leaders discuss their policy priorities.
Sen. Danny Carroll, a former police officer, discusses his bill to crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Rep. Nima. Kulkarni, an immigration attorney, offers her views on the legislation. Secretary of State Michael Adams explains a proposed voter ID law.
On the first day of the session, gun advocates rally for Second Amendment rights, Gov. Andy Beshear waives GED testing fees, and House Minority Floor Leader Joni Jenkins outlines priorities for her caucus. Also, highlights of the swearing-in ceremony for constitutional officers.
On the final day of the 2019 General Assembly, lawmakers conference on pension relief for regional universities and quasi-governmental agencies. They also pass a tobacco-free schools bill, additional fixes to the state tax code, workplace accommodations for pregnant women, updates to the school accountability system, and changes to alcohol service in dry locations. Advocates for sexual assault survivors rally at the capitol.
Lawmakers give final approval to bills regarding changes to the biennial state budget, campus free speech, limits on a Secretary of State's access to voter rolls, ignition interlock devices for DUI offenders, felony expungement, and net metering. A public retiree advocate discusses the proposed plan for universities and quasi-governmental agencies to exit KERS. Teachers tell why they've rallied at the capitol this week.
The House and Senate agree on fixes to last year's tax bill. The Senate approves pension relief for universities and quasi-governmental agencies, and a measure to make arbitration agreements a condition of employment. The House approves regulation of midwives, while both chambers approve separate bills on abortion. Advocates for voting rights restoration for former felons rally at the capitol.
The House approves a measure to give the Jefferson County schools' superintendent greater latitude to hire and fire certain personnel. The chamber also passes bills on tobacco-free schools, campus free speech, employee arbitration agreements, and automatic election recounts. The Senate advances a bill that includes limits on the Secretary of State's access to voter information.
The Senate approves a bill to protect minors from internet harassment. Ben Chandler of the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky discusses anti-smoking and anti-vaping bills. Pro-life advocates rally at the capitol, while some lawmakers oppose the rhetoric in the abortion debate. A House panel advances automatic election recounts. Freshmen lawmakers from Brandenburg and Louisville discuss their priorities.
The House Judiciary Committee advances a bill to legalize medical marijuana. The House gives final passage to measures changing teacher termination tribunals and creating a foster child bill of rights. A Senate panel approves supports for fictive kin care-givers as well as protections for minors from internet threats. Legislation to control access to the state's voter registration database gets new life. Advocates for Kentuckians with disabilities rally at the capitol.
Public education advocates and school choice supporters pack a hearing on scholarship tax credits. The House budget panel moves to raise the pension income exclusion. The Senate approves reopening the current executive branch budget, and a bill to help limit vaping by students. Also, a look at medical marijuana, in vitro animal cell meat, and the 2020 census.
The Senate passes a tax clean-up measure. A bill to limit the Kentucky Secretary of State's access to voter registration information and to change the makeup of the state board of elections fails to pass a House Committee. Freshman lawmakers from Richmond, Paris, and Owensboro discuss their backgrounds and priorities.
The House debates and then gives final passage to a bill that allows concealed carry of deadly weapons without a permit. The School Safety and Resiliency Act heads to Gov. Bevin's desk. Three abortion measures advance through the legislature, as does a bill to have schools display the national motto. Activists rally for a statewide fairness law.
The Senate gives final passage to a school safety bill and approves a pro-life measure as well as a bill to change court venues in cases against a state government entity. Amid teacher protests, a House panel advances legislation to change the make-up of the KTRS board. The House considers kindergarten truancy and steps to improve math and reading instruction.
The House passes bills on school safety, displaying the national motto in Kentucky schools, and state universities seeking to leave KERS. A House panel considers concealed carry without a permit, while Senate committees hear about fetal heartbeat abortions, a foster child bill of rights, and e-cigarettes. The Senate passes a felony expungement measure.
The House votes to ban abortions in certain circumstances, but a tobacco-free schools bill remains in limbo. A House panel considers a bill to improve instruction in math and reading. The Senate approves measures on school resource officers and principal hiring in Jefferson County. The chamber also advances a plan to create special panels to hear legislative redistricting challenges.
The Senate Judiciary Committee considers a bill to allow lawsuits involving state government to be heard in courts other than Franklin Circuit Court, and a measure on minority youth in the criminal justice system. The Senate acts to control executive branch lobbying, update school accountability, and give the Finance Secretary approval of state contracts and legal settlements. A House panel approves changes to the tribunals that review teacher terminations.
The Senate discusses work accommodations for pregnant employees and incentives for teachers serving in low-performing schools. Some House members oppose a resolution on Pres. Trump's national emergency declaration. Rep. Adam Koenig explains his sports betting bill. Freshmen lawmakers from Cartersville and Louisville discuss their legislative priorities.
The full House approves fixes to last year's tax code overhaul and biennial budget, while a House committee considers a plan for regional universities to exit KERS. Senate panels advance measures on school accountability and felony expungement. The full Senate approves bills regarding employee arbitration agreements, licensing of midwives, and genetic testing for cancers.
House committees discuss school safety, sports betting, and abortion, while the full House approves a student day of prayer. A Senate panel debates personal service contracts, and the full Senate passes animal welfare bills and an ignition interlock measure. Freshmen lawmakers from Paducah and Bowling Green share their legislative priorities.
The Senate votes to limit powers of the Kentucky Secretary of State, and the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee hears fixes to last year's tax law changes. Freshmen representatives from Louisa and Bowling Green discuss their priorities. The Legislative Black Caucus celebrates Black History Month, and lawmakers convene in the Old State Capitol.
Renee Shaw recaps the day's activities in the Kentucky General Assembly, including the House passing the Human Life Protection Act, legislation banning abortion in Kentucky should Roe v. Wade be overturned in the Supreme Court, along with amended legislation on solar energy net metering. Both measures now go to the Senate for consideration.
The fetal heartbeat bill (SB 9) advances to the House, a permitless gun carry measure is moving quickly through the legislature and so is a utility net metering bill. Except in the case of an emergency, SB 9 outlaws abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, typically around six weeks. The bill passed in the Senate and now moves to the House.
A recap of the day's significant activities in the Kentucky General Assembly, including committee testimony and actions, and debate and votes on the floor of the state Senate and House of Representatives.
The House Education Committee advances a bill for a student day of prayer, and a Senate panel explores wine deliveries by mail. Lawmakers form a bipartisan caucus to address the needs of individuals with disabilities Physician assistants lobby for greater latitude in prescribing drugs, and lawmakers discuss genetic testing for cancer. Freshman senators from Henderson and Owensboro discuss their legislative priorities.
Josh Crawford of the Pegasus Institute discusses bail reform legislation embodied in House Bill 94. Then a state judge and a prosecutor tell the House Judiciary Committee their concerns about the proposed reforms. Pro-choice advocates rally at the Capitol. Freshmen lawmakers from Brandenburg and Louisville share their legislative priorities.
After floor discussion, the Senate unanimously approves a wide-ranging school safety measure. A dispute over a state House seat in Daviess County gets an unexpected resolution. Freshmen lawmakers from Versailles, Covington, and Lexington discuss their legislative priorities.
Gov. Matt Bevin delivers his State of the Commonwealth address to the General Assembly. The Senate Education Committee hears emotional testimony about school safety. Lawmakers also review legislation to ban tobacco and e-cigarettes on school grounds and to prevent someone with a mental illness from facing the death penalty.
Legislators discuss bills to grant visitation rights to siblings in state custody, regulate smoking, and allow scholarship tax credits. The Senate Health and Welfare Committee hears testimony from Passport Health Care, while marijuana activists rally in the Rotunda. Freshman lawmakers from Louisville and Catlettsburg outline their legislative priorities.
The Public Pension Working Group hears from employer, employee, and retiree groups. Lawmakers discuss school safety and executive branch lobbying bills. Host Renee Shaw visits Marshall County High School one year after the fatal shooting there. And freshmen lawmakers from Henderson, Jackson, and Hebron discuss their legislative priorities.
Renee Shaw reports on the opening of the 2019 General Assembly, including the introduction of bills on abortion, medical marijuana, school safety, and a constitutional amendment to move elections for state constitutional officers to even-numbered years. She also interviews Gov. Matt Bevin about his reelection campaign plans and goals for a potential second term.