Week 12 of the 2024 Legislative Session
Spring has arrived here in the Bluegrass State, and we find ourselves in the final stages of the 2024 Regular Session. With only a few legislative days remaining and sine die nearing, the Kentucky General Assembly remains fully committed to the important work of shaping the future of our commonwealth.
As the final touches are being put on the biennial state budget, I am disappointed to say the Horizons Act, my comprehensive early childhood education proposal, will not be passed this session. However, I continue to advocate for funding within the state budget to support our early childhood education centers. On a brighter note, I am happy to say that with the approval of my Senate Bill (SB) 198 and Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 140, Kentucky is one step closer to the day when nuclear energy will take its place in Kentucky’s all-of-the-above energy portfolio. It is my belief that in the future nuclear energy will be the primary source of base load energy in our country, and it is critical that the commonwealth begin preparations for that future, as we continue to utilize coal, gas and renewables. In addition, I am diligently working to push Senate Bill (SB) 242 through the House. This bill in addition to other provisions, addresses the highest acuity youth within the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) system by establishing a standard procedure for assessment and placement and it calls for the construction of a DJJ mental health detention center that would focus on treatment for the most violent mentally ill children within the system.
The following measures were approved in the Senate this week and will still have time to be approved by the state House of Representatives before the veto period:
Senate Bill 344 is a bill I was happy to co-sponsor that introduces measures to oversee the sale and advertising of vapor products in Kentucky by mandating the creation of a directory listing approved vapor product manufacturers and products and requiring annual certification for compliance. Provisions include advertising restrictions to prevent the use of certain terms and depictions appealing to minors with fines for violations and seizure of non-compliant products. Additionally, the bill establishes a dedicated enforcement fund, funded by fees, penalties, and enforcement actions, to support monitoring and regulatory efforts.
SJR 58 served as our annual resolution designating roadways, highways and bridges in honor of Kentuckians who are no longer with us. The measure, which I co-sponsored, notably honors the memory of Chief Deputy Jody Wayne Cash by designating the Chief Deputy Jody Wayne Cash Highway in Caldwell County. Cash dedicated his life to serving the community as a law enforcement officer. Tragically, he was killed in the line of duty on May 16, 2022. The resolution commemorates his sacrifice and service to the community and includes numerous other provisions making road naming designations across the state.
SB 101 expands the definition of agritourism to allow the public to view and participate in activities where animals are used to provide entertainment.
SB 239, known as the “Health Care Rights Protection Act, aims to safeguard the conscience rights of medical practitioners, health care institutions, and payers by granting them the right to refuse participation in or payment for health care services that contradict their sincerely held beliefs. While upholding federal laws on emergency care and sexual assault, this provision shields individuals from legal repercussions and discrimination. However, they must still fulfill their obligations to perform other medical duties.
The following House Bills (HB) were also delivered to the Governor’s desk after approval by the Senate:
HB 22 seeks to eliminate the unnecessary burdensome task of requiring a physician to oversee the automated external defibrillators (AED) program for any entity that requires an AED.
HB 30 establishes the Kentucky Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Suicide Prevention Program.
HB 86 expands interment eligibility in Kentucky state veterans’ cemeteries to include eligible National Guard and Reserve service members and their families.
HB 88 relates to unlawful trade practices and aims to strengthen consumer protections, enhance transparency in financial transactions, and improve regulatory oversight in the financial and real estate sectors.
HB 159 establishes that health care providers are immune from criminal liability for harm arising from a health services-related act or omission other than gross negligence or wanton, willful, malicious, or intentional misconduct.
HB 274 seeks to permit pharmacists to administer vaccines to children 5 years of age or older under prescriber-approved protocols with the consent of a parent or guardian.
HB 478 seeks to authorize the Energy and Environment Cabinet to allow the expansion of construction or demolition waste sites from one to two acres, contingent upon compliance with existing permit requirements and meeting additional conditions, including posting a $10,000 bond for the expanded area’s compliance assurance.
HB 492 defines “qualified local government” and requires employees with access to federal tax information to undergo criminal background checks by both the Kentucky State Police and the FBI. The fee for these checks is limited to processing costs, and the Kentucky State Police can establish necessary regulations.
HB 581 aims to prohibit local governments from using zoning processes or measures that unfairly hinder retail filling stations from locating in areas where similar businesses operate. It ensures that retail filling stations are treated equitably compared to electric vehicle charging stations and other businesses in zoning processes and measures.
Find more on these bills online at Legislature.ky.gov and visit KYSenateRepublicans.com for news releases from the Senate Majority Caucus.
Find the status of legislation by calling 866-840-2835, legislative meeting information at 800-633-9650, or leaving a message for lawmakers at 800-372-7181. You can watch and follow legislative activity at KET/org/legislature and Legislature.ky.gov.
Thank you for your continued engagement in the 2024 Regular Session. It is a privilege to represent you in Frankfort. Find the status of legislation by calling 866-840-2835, legislative meeting information at 800-633-9650, or leaving a message for lawmakers at 800-372-7181. You can watch and follow legislative activity at KET/org/legislature and the LRC YouTube Channel. If you have any questions or comments about these or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me Danny.Carroll@LRC.ky.gov.