Legislative Update

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.