And
opportunity to be at the forefront of this growing industry, and we shouldn't let it pass us
More:Expensive fight over slots-like 'gray machines' looms in Kentucky legislature, What it does:SB 150 bans gender-affirming care for trans youths; restricts lessons about sex, sexual orientation and gender identity; allows teachers to misgender their students and requires schools implement "bathroom bans.". and internet applications that can contract with those tracks," he said. HB 538
HB 82 would start requiring such policies, along with having teacher prep programs at colleges teach future educators about dyslexia. However, Herron voted "yes" on the legislation on Thursday and said she was "thankful" to see
This
security. One section of this bill
The raises are significant too. To take steps toward addressing this, HB 444 proposes a 6% raise for employees in all three branches, and a $2,000 increase for elected and unelected Judicial Branch employees (before the 6% increase is calculated). Family Services to establish regulations related to delta-8 THC by Aug. 1. The governor signed this
He said in a statement Tuesday that this had been his "No. or operating a
Among many other changes, the
Archives 2021, Release
charges in such cases. larger revamp. The legislature is forking over more than $64 million via a bill from the House and one from the Senate aimed at fixing the long-ailing Department of Juvenile Justice. Among the changes, the
special identification card. "We treat them differently throughout the statutes," he added. Sen. Stephen West, R-Paris, asked the KSU representatives if they have ample
Im married to finding safety for our workers in our work
was radically changed in the last day before the veto break. that pays for the regulation of the industry. None of them got a hearing. While lawmakers in other states battle over voting reforms, Kentucky may pass a bipartisan bill that would keep some of the policies put in place last year that expanded voting access during COVID-19. Public Employee Payroll Deductions: Senate Bill 7 will cease most automatic
value and what it offers us going forward, to make sure that this is a success story.. be finding a bet to place on the NCAA tournament. "The legalization of medical marijuana could be an economic boon to Kentucky," he said. injured or even killed by motorists who didnt pay attention to traffic cones,
Sponsor:Rep. Tina Bojanowski, D-Louisville. FRANKFORT Fish such as bass and blue gill are welcome in Kentuckys waters. or not, he said. What it does: HB 569 would add exceptions to Kentucky's abortion law, allowing abortions in cases of rape or incest, in situations where the fetus couldn't survive outside the womb and up to 15 weeks. "We know that quantitatively, and we know qualitatively because we hear the stories about
House Bill 551, sponsored by Rep. Michael Meredith, R-Oakland, and introduced on the
primary sponsor of HB 3, and Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Benton, is the primary sponsor of SB 162. is not as attractive in some areas of the state. muscle spasms, chronic nausea or post-traumatic stress disorder. Pre-pandemic, there was a nursing shortage. Other instruction on exploring gender
"We've been talking about this stuff for 23 years, at least. "Several courts have ruled, including the U.S. Supreme Court, that there is no constitutional
The next Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Aug.
and hadnt gotten here, so I kind of watched it as it came along, and I really thank
enhance access to mental health care and restorative justice programs, appropriate $13.2 million toward the renovation of the Jefferson County Youth Detention
changes on us that we have a say," Gooch added. And Im really just looking forward to working together in a bicameral,
The coalition also supports creating an educator stabilization fund to help
The
applies to a section of the bill that bans puberty blockers, hormones and gender-related
The
The tax bill would reduce the state's income tax from 5% to 4.5% in 2023 and lower it further in future years as long as tax revenues exceed expenses and the state has the equivalent of 10% of. to private plans so taxpayers arent covering their insurance. FRANKFORT While the 2023 legislative session may have opened to tempered expectations in
the regulation, but should this go to the Senate floor? Im
One coalition member, Jim Allen, vice chair of Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.,
Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, speaks on House Bill 551. this year. Hazing: Senate Bill 9, known as "Lofton's Law," would elevate reckless or
The Frankfort-based Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) convened
I likely will be looking at some other
Friday morning. provided to counties but cautioned that the number of cases varies between rural and urban
services. Gooch called the legislation a "consumer protection bill.". Medicaid recipients. regulator of sports wagering with exclusive jurisdiction over wagering and licensing, "We are a sports crazy state we love our sports in the Commonwealth," Thayer said. When you look
only have to cross a county line, which is a state border, or cross a river, and they can
There's been a lot of work involved in that on both sides, he said. here. prohibiting a person from having sexual intercourse with his or her parent, child, grandparent,
Rep. Mark Hart, R-Falmouth, said he is not in favor of recreational marijuana, but he is in
I hope that we can put more
Kentucky Nurses Association, and the Kentucky Medical Association testified. Utilities warn the bills regulatory filing requirements are structured in such a way as to make it difficult for them to retire coal-fired plants regardless of how inefficient and expensive theyve become, potentially driving up both their costs and the financial burden passed along to ratepayers. Doctors and nurse practitioners would also need a special license to prescribe, and
on Aug. 1. A high-res version
the states economy, state lawmakers heard Thursday. suggested they revisit the matter. Andy Beshear's vetoes. labeling along with prohibitions on the sale of delta-8 products to people under age 21. I understand you have a tall mountain to climb, and we will do what we can to support
retaliation. said. Moser said. What can we do in the meantime to come up with a short
"I can't take responsibility for everybody in this state on their wagering," he said. Herron said she has concerns about some aspects of the bill, like the provision to
Health Care Workers: House Bill 200 aims to address a shortage in health care
owns the machines would be subject to a $25,000 fine per device. Carroll said last week that SB 162 is based on the efforts of a legislative work group that
Here are some of the bills that received a final vote before the legislature adjourned on
Baker's amendment failed, and he urged his fellow lawmakers to vote against SB 47. They said that while the situation is improving, its vital to maintain momentum. Anyone who manages or
But the legislature will be able to override his veto when it returns for the final two days of the 2023 session on March 29 and 30. Sen. Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, co-chair of the committee, asked Friedlander about
from the list of conditions. mental wellbeing of juvenile offenders in the system. Delta-8 THC: House Bill 544 directs the state Cabinet for Health and Family
Bill advocates say its a move to protect coal, a declining but long-important source of energy and jobs for Kentucky, and the overall reliability of the states power grid. Juvenile Detention: House Bill 3 would require that juveniles charged a violent
committee on how it is difficult and costly. Kentucky mens basketball recruit makes college commitment. they can use the ATF," he said. "However,
for the events. many of them, and we have eight facilities. The governor signed this bill into law. This bill was signed into law by the
Child Murder: House Bill 249 makes the intentional killing of a child under age
ESG Investing: House Bill 236 would require that the state's public pension
They pondered the
Watching state after state do the pilot program, theyre showing they work. degrees of support. The committee approved the measure, and about 30 minutes later it was on the House floor. juvenile justice system safer for offenders and staff while also ensuring the physical and
do in this role, he said. of child abuse. Eastern Kentucky, will be put in a quote 'untenable situation.'". Around 8% of all complaints were filed against
that, most importantly, our quality educators are at the helm of every single
Harvey told lawmakers that the cabinet agreed with most of the committees recommendations
Sponsor: Rep. Emily Callaway, R-Louisville. The industry behind the machines waged a lobbying war with the states horse industry, which benefits from lack of competition for their own slot-like machines housed in Historical Horse Racing facilities. teachers, faculty and staff, including the right to engage in religious expression and prayer
I'm not the kind of guy who changes
Senate Bill 47 calls on the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services to implement,
from the 2023 session. attract and retain high-quality teachers in low-performing schools and for
gender services, education and dozens of other topics are set to take effect on Thursday
It passed the Senate with a 26-11 vote earlier this
communities. within 1,000 feet of schools, daycares, and public playgrounds or swimming pools. This increase is only enough to keep state employees from falling further behind. Who are we to say that the government can hide that from us? Schickel said. Taxes: House Bill 1 is part of a broad, multi-year effort to gradually reduce
Im looking through some of the data and it is just, I mean I dont even know what word
every Medicaid recipient has the opportunity to complete job training and they are connected to
governor directed the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education to complete a
the
and Administrative Regulations Committee. but lawmakers overrode the veto. biomarker testing for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer and other diseases. Franklin County and the surrounding counties to recruit those students who may
Let me put some historical perspective on this. Sponsor:Rep. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington. We have to have a strong, robust internal control system in place to prevent the
to every school district, establishing a statewide mentoring program and a tenure
an investment instead of an expense are good ideas. options for restorative justice. Why the hurry? Public Service Commission before retiring a fossil fuel-fired electric generating unit. Opportunities, Regular Session
What it does: SB 5 would require school districts to create a process to handle parent complaints about things like library books and educational materials. It also allows local governments to temporarily close roadways and waive traffic regulations
Lawmakers expect budget . But he said more work is
and amend regulations to try to assist the commercial fishermen to fish these
Legislative Research Commission
he said, adding that "this is a very complex issue and if passed, will be a work in progress.". property taxes on
SB 4, which the General Assembly passed Tuesday, doesn't go that far but does restrict their use to cases where a court determines there's "clear and convincing evidence" the alleged crime was violent and that giving notice before entering would put lives in danger or result in evidence being destroyed. that it has on the areas that get affected is devastating, he said. It comes from the taxpayers, it comes from the hard working people of Kentucky.. FRANKFORT The Budget Review Subcommittee on Education received an update
systems to track offenders, report incidents, or to collect and analyze data related
are met, the state would notify the individual they are eligible for expungement. major conclusions begins on page 4 of the document. This could especially impact transgender individuals' requests for gender-affirming care. KEES for Workforce Training: Senate Bill 54 allows students to use a Kentucky Educational Excellence
measures, House Bill 3, on the House floor. reported that COVID-19 statistics have changed over time, and the information will be
you want to provide for the least of these. from Kerry Harvey, secretary of the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, and
The package includes a base pay bump for judicial branch workers both elected and non-elected. oversee and regulate a medicinal cannabis program, which would be clear to launch in
The bill has been sent to
by impassioned advocates who fought for the bill. personnel, such as
school policies related to gender and human sexuality. We were seeing a different type of juvenile now come through the system than we did
she said. Sponsor:Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge. I think we've just got to be realistic here,"
and provide recommendations to the legislature, Elliott said. Hazing: Senate Bill 9, known as Loftons Law, elevates reckless or dangerous acts of hazing to a
Child Murder: House Bill 249 would make the intentional killing of a child
credentials at no cost. deliberations. "I've heard all of you at one point or another on the floor and committee talking about how
I would say there are going to be millions that are going to
information and when committee members would receive audit findings. can be found
Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Rep. Jim Gooch Jr., R-Providence,
We provide this because its important for the community to know what is coming into the
Andy Beshear. More Opinion:'Our salaries are criminally low.' biomarker testing for
Joe Plunk, chief district engineer for the cabinets district 3, said the number
testing, packaging and labeling, along with prohibitions that prevent anyone under 21 from
The concerns are just
of fully
agencies under investigation to cooperate with authorities. authorities are properly notified and communicating in cases of child abuse. Director of Fisheries Dave Dreves said the departments invasive carp work seeks to
"Persons shall not operate cars, vessels or aircraft under the influence. It would use both public
time.. the governor. The governor signed HB 200 into law. Patients who are over 21 could vape the substance, but smoking would remain illegal. We also have started the process of improving the internal control system, he said. Kentuckys regional juvenile detention centers, which function as jails for juvenile
Kentucky's 2023 legislative session ended March 30. wellness and career fatigue programs without disclosing their participation to employers. education leaders and advocates on Tuesday about proposals to ease teacher
FRANKFORT A measure that would prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies and
A
Harvey said the department is already working on implementing the new requirements. Teacher Shortages: House Bill 319 aims to ease teacher shortages by cementing
SB 162 now heads to the governor's desk for his signature or veto. facilities.. to expelling students who pose a threat to the safety and wellbeing of others and disciplining
Rep. Michael Meredith, R-Oakland, speaks during Wednesday's meeting of the Senate Licensing and
Five bills on abortion were filed in the 2023 KY legislature. January 2025. Senate Minority Whip David Yates, D-Louisville, said he is in favor of Blantons
The next Juvenile Justice Oversight Council meeting will be a joint meeting with the Commission
upon becoming law. Senate floor by Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, would also
Lawmakers will return for the final two days of the legislative session on April 13 and 14 to consider overriding any vetoes. after receiving a nod from the Kentucky General Assembly earlier this year. It also prohibits conversation about sexual orientation or gender identity in school, requires districts to have bathroom policies and puts restrictions on human sexuality lessons. practices. Andy. Her question was not answered on the floor. Bray said the bill exempts law enforcement, fire and EMS
slow things down, he said. It will place sweeping new restrictions on abortion access in Kentucky. Moser said the potential legislation would not change the current expungement statute. The legislation pushed by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and local government advocates for years would have increased the gas tax by 10 cents per gallon while adding a new fee on hybrid and electric vehicles. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Kentucky
chronic nausea and post-traumatic stress disorder. executive and legislative branches from using the social media app TikTok on government-owned
But we would like for you to come back time and again and maybe give us updates
including one focused on teacher pay. handled, and said its now moving to an endemic stage. Patrick T. Padgett, executive vice president for the Kentucky Medical Association,
Act during a July 20 meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary. Tracking Devices: Senate Bill 199 would, with some exceptions, outlaw the
during the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee meeting on July 14. If ever a week in the General Assembly proved those sentiments correct, it was the one that
Unlike most legislation, Beshear cannot veto this bill because it involves a constitutional amendment. Here's a rundown of key proposals that passedbefore the clock hit midnight, as well as a couple of plans lawmakers left on the cutting room floor. Before accessing the product, patients would have to register and receive approval for a
What it does: HB 191 would change how vacancies on Louisville's Metro Council are filled. Republican leaders said the budget is fiscally responsible and leaves money aside for rainy days. To make those judgments in various and varying circumstances is really subjective to a
Maybe thatll grab some peoples attention.. "This is something that my constituents have been asking us for," she said. one of the states that already has a legal program, meaning the citizens in those 46 counties
House Bill 911 goes to the Senate for more debate after passing the House 155-3 on Friday. It's time that we give them the choice for free will,
SB 150 also calls for
And people have asked me why because they know I'm a stubborn guy. services and other authorities are properly notified and communicating in cases of child abuse. However, Asian carp, also called invasive carp, have had a devastating effect on
the system, including salaries, automation, security, diversion programs, transportation
Across DJJ, investigators also found that detention centers lack fully automated
This process would involve the Administrative Office of the Courts and Kentucky
But can I promise you we could separate them? Livestreams of the committee meetings will be provided by Kentucky Educational Television (KET)
friends and classmates who went down the wrong path, and some never recovered. Reach reporter Morgan Watkins: 502-582-4502;mwatkins@courierjournal.com; Twitter:@morganwatkins26. can be found
More:State worker raises, new tax exemptions clear Kentucky House committee. detention facilities, more training for staff, better monitoring of staff grievances
The council will actively review the implementation of all juvenile justice reforms enacted
Sen. Stephen West, R-Paris, speaks on the Senate floor. aggravating circumstance. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville. electric grid. on the left side of each committee's page. That ensures that a person who is guilty of killing a child
When I hear the conversation about tax cuts for the wealthiest, I simply have to cringe at that misnomer because the income tax thats reflected in House Bill 8 is an equal reduction for all taxpayers, McDaniel said. conditions in which pharmaceuticals do not provide relief or cause serious side effects. And that's why I'm
The justice cabinet oversees DJJ in the state executive
The
said he was in favor of Baker's amendment and that SB 47 in its current form "has a lot of
HB
organizations for law enforcement. classroom and keep Kentucky on par with neighboring states who actively recruit
Student Discipline: Under House Bill 538, school boards are required to adopt
(The) legislature is complicit historically in what has
If cameras arent the answer, then give me something that is, he said. selling drugs, but "chills" Good Samaritan laws. Archives 2018, Release
Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, speaks on House Bill 153, a measure that would prohibit
there's all sorts of things we can do to try to be creative, but it's always going to
Despite maintenance to the dome, the Kentucky Capitol remained illuminated in Frankfort Thursday
Andy Beshear announced that the upcoming fiscal year 2022-2024 state budget passed by the General Assembly builds on the economic momentum the state is experiencing by making game-changing. Another big proposal floundered Tuesday: House Bill 309, which was meant to provide subpoena power to Louisville's new civilian review boardfor police oversight. machines" or "skill games," are illegal in Kentucky. advise claimants on educational and training opportunities. Kentuckians can research bills and resolutions
statistics. That includes regulations on product
in a pod together. To view materials such as info sheets, handouts and PowerPoint presentations that are
on drug paraphernalia unless the strips are used in the manufacture or selling of the drug. Kentucky. The devices are called gray machines
Those representing the states Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Kentucky
The legislature's GOP supermajorities can override any vetoes issued by the governor as long as the bills were passed before midnight on Wednesday. income taxes while also expanding the overall tax base. deduct union dues or dues from other organizations from their paychecks. What it does: HB 594 would ban "gray machines" or "skill games," which are video games resembling slot machines that offer cash payouts and are proliferating in stores and clubs in Kentucky. Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, speaks on House Bill 551. A high-res version can
The coalition of the horse industry, charitable gaming organizations and Kentucky Lottery are anticipating a similar bill to ban the games being filed by Rep. Killian Timoney, who led the bill through the House last session. Many provisions in the bill took effect
provides more flexibility to place students into alternative learning programs. $38,010, according to the group. of assessment, review and reporting of data on medicinal cannabis. center for research on
law. and mortar sportsbook wagers in our surrounding states," he said. House Bill 3 and Senate Bill 162 are the byproduct of multiple months of discussions between
Blanton, a former law enforcement officer, said he wished the law had been tougher in the 1990s. of gambling lottery, charitable gaming, and pari-mutuel. it cost them about $4.50 just to mitigate the other issues that occur as a result the
through the year, Im just estimating weve probably got about five million pounds
here.
But GOP lawmakers also passed a costly bill overhauling Kentuckys tax code that will cost the state almost $1.4 billion over the next two years, according to an official analysis. That increase was driven by the 8% across-the-board state worker raise and one-time additional raises provided to two cabinets with significant recruitment and retention difficulties Health and Family Services and Justice and Public Safety. "I have seen firsthand the harm and damage that the undue regulatory hardships passed down to my
One of the requirements of
by the General Assembly, collect and review performance measurement data, and continue to
Going forward to this year, were
News Releases are provided by the LRC Public Information Office. The governor's office says the legislature must approve the $200 million in raises this session for the next fiscal year supporting House Bill 90 to do so, filed by Democrats but Republicans have not yet filed legislation to approve and detail these raises. Big items in bills include lifting starting pay at juvenile detention facilities to $50,000, renovating and reopening a juvenile detention center in Louisville, and instructing the department to sign contracts with mental health professionals to provide necessary care to youths held in juvenile detention centers.