Legislative Update

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.

Lawmakers override Gov. Andy Beshear’s vetoes of several bills, including the measure to require a photo ID to vote. The House approves Marsy’s Law, and the Senate passes a prisoner transfer bill. A House committee discusses creating an emergency preparedness task force.

The General Assembly approves an austere, one-year state budget, as well as spending plans for the judicial and legislative branches, and a revenue measure. Lawmakers also give pension relief to quasi-governmental agencies for another year, and allow for voting flexibility in the June primary election.

The House and Senate agree on a COVID-19 relief package for workers, businesses, and health care providers. Lawmakers also give final passage to bills on the direct shipment of alcoholic beverages to consumers, and separate governance for the County Employees Retirement System.

The Senate sends its version of the state budget to conference committee. Lawmakers help schools and businesses deal with coronavirus challenges, and give final passage to voter photo ID legislation. A House panel considers longer legislative sessions and a shift to paper ballots for elections.

Senate Republicans introduce their version of a new state budget. Lawmakers consider measures to encourage more transparency from Braidy Industries, tighten performance bonding requirements for mining companies, promote drug treatment, overhaul school accountability, change how driver’s licenses are issued, and give county employees their own pension board.

Gov. Beshear and Senate President Stivers discuss continuing the legislative session. A loan package for the University of Louisville gains final approval. Lawmakers also act on post-mortem tissue samples, federal student aid applications, insulin costs, leave for adoptive parents, and apprenticeships.

Lawmakers advance two mental health measures and a bill to help foster kids navigate new schools. The House moves to raise the threshold for felony theft, and a House panel discusses voting rights restoration, election recounts, and Supreme Court elections.

Gov. Andy Beshear and other state officials update the coronavirus situation. Lawmakers consider options for schools that close due to the epidemic. The House passes a bill to help regional universities with their pension costs. Medical marijuana advocates rally at the capitol.