Legislative Update

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.