Advertise on podcast: Legislative Update

On the final day of the 2022 General Assembly session, lawmakers race to add a correction to an already passed education bill, allow excused absences for students for mental health reasons, give local officials control over library boards, make some convicted felons eligible for KEES scholarships, create a pilot program for diversion from incarceration, and address so-called SLAPP lawsuits.

In the penultimate day of the General Assembly session, lawmakers override gubernatorial vetoes of legislation on tax policy, abortion restrictions, public assistance benefits, charter school funding, transgender student athletes, and public school curricula and principal hiring. The Senate approves a ban on unregulated slot-like games. Pro-choice advocates rally at the capitol.

In the last day before the veto period, the House and Senate give final passage to the executive, legislative, and judicial branch budgets as well as an overhaul of public assistance benefits, broadband infrastructure funding, and a ban on governors using public funds to challenge the constitutionality of bills. Lawmakers also approve the state road plan.

On day 57 of the General Assembly session, lawmakers announce their compromise state budget and give final passage to a new tax plan, charter school funding, requirements for school safety officers, an omnibus abortion bill, and penalties for “porch pirates.” Reproductive freedom advocates rally at the capitol.

The Senate votes to exclude certain mentally ill criminals from the death penalty and to update constable training and duties. Lawmakers act this week on transgender athletes in girls’ sports, principal hiring and school curricula selection, charter school funding, and making churches essential services. They also override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Senate gives final approval to a measure on principal selection and teaching history as well as a bill to ban transgender athletes in girls’ sports. House panels consider death notification training for coroners and energy company boycotts. Senate committees vote on stop-arm video cameras for school buses and an expedited teacher certification program.

A Senate committee advances the omnibus abortion bill and rural hospital loan funding. The House approves legislation on the nursing shortage, child abuse and neglect, and a moment of silence in schools. The Senate debates designating churches as essential services, private bourbon barrel selections, and parental rights. A House panel moves to protect personal information of public officers.

The House and Senate override Gov. Beshear’s vetoes of a resolution that ends the COVID state of emergency and a measure to overhaul unemployment benefits. The House also votes on a consistent tax rate for parimutuel bets and funds to treat gambling addiction. Lawmakers discuss their budget priorities.

The House approves sports wagering and bans unregulated “gray” gaming machines. Gov. Beshear vetoes a bill that sets new rules for unemployment benefits and a resolution that would end the pandemic emergency. This week lawmakers also advanced welfare reforms and medical marijuana legislation.

The Senate votes to ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy and provide scholarship options for some felons. A House committee acts on unregulated gaming machines, sports wagering, and tax rates for parimutuel bets. Senate panels consider Ukrainian refugee resettlement, the judicial branch budget, water project funding, and the process for prefiling legislation.

While meeting at the Old State Capitol, the House passes an increase to the historic preservation tax credit and a resolution to create a Kentucky History Caucus. House committees consider the Read to Succeed Act and measures on school breakfasts, financial disclosures by colleges and universities, and catalytic converter theft. A Senate panel approves a resolution on nuclear power feasibility.

The House votes to allow new cities in Jefferson County, increase penalties for trafficking fentanyl, require a new board at Kentucky State University, improve access to mental health treatment, and protect genetic data. The Senate approves tougher punishments for child abuse, a review process for executive orders, and regulations for solar farms.