Legislative Update

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.