Legislative Update

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 recipe of day 36 of the 2022 Kentucky General Assembly.

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.

A breakdown of the day's action in the Kentucky General Assembly.

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.

Renee Shaw recaps the last day of the 2021 Kentucky General Assembly.

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.