Legislative Update - Week 10, 2024
The Kentucky General Assembly has wrapped up the 10th legislative week of the 2024 Regular Session. We are at the peak of our budgeting efforts in the Senate. My colleagues and I are burning the midnight oil and formulating our biennial budget proposal. The final details of the proposal are near, and I will provide you with details in next week’s legislative update. The Senate is going to offer continued discipline in the use of your tax dollars, but I am excited to share with you transformational investments I am confident will help create a brighter future for all Kentuckians.
This week marked the session's inaugural veto with House Bill (HB) 18. Both House and Senate majorities swiftly united to override the veto, emphasizing their commitment to safeguard property owner rights. Now, with provisions from Senate Bill 25 and an emergency clause, HB 18 has become law.
Senate Budget Chair Chris McDaniel speaks with Senate Majority Caucus Chair Julie Raque Adams during a Senate committee meeting. March 5, 2024. Photo Credit: David Hargis, Photographer, Public Information Office, Legislative Research Commission.
The pace quickened this week with several measures seeking Senate approval:
I was happy to work with Attorney General Russell Coleman, Rep. Stephanie Dietz and 16th Circuit Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders on HB 207. This week I carried it to final passage and delivery to the governor’s desk. The bill would fix a legal loophole and allow law enforcement to use possession of a child sex doll as probable cause to search someone’s property for further evidence. It would outlaw child “sex dolls” and make computer-generated child pornography a felony in Kentucky. This provision addresses artificial intelligence-generated material. Sanders alerted us to the need for the bill following a Kentucky Court of Appeals ruling involving a 2019 sex crime case originating in Kenton County. In this case, a judge vacated the Kenton Circuit Court’s judgment denying a motion to suppress evidence in the case. In short, the possession of an anatomically correct child sex doll is currently not illegal in Kentucky and therefore cannot be used as probable cause to search any further for child pornography. This bill will correct that.
SB 2 strengthens Kentucky's school safety initiatives by creating the Kentucky Guardians Program, which allows veterans and retired law enforcement officials to enhance student defense. Guardians collaborate with school officers, wearing a unique uniform and carrying concealed weapons. Local boards decide their hiring, fostering cooperation with law enforcement. The initiative forms a comprehensive team of counselors, psychologists, and mental health providers, addressing trauma, mental health, and suicide awareness.
SB 58 simplifies the tax protest process, allowing any registered voter to file without forming a committee or including a Social Security number. Each petition sheet can now include names from multiple voting precincts.
SB 110 supports mothers and babies by allowing child support actions from conception. Within the first year, it may be retroactive nine months after birth.
SB 111 requires therapy coverage for stuttering in Medicaid and private health plans, prohibits limits, and allows telehealth services.
SB 147 establishes state-wide standards for adult-oriented businesses, ensures child safety, and prohibits explicit performances on government properties.
SB 153 exempts individuals 70 or older from jury service and simplifies the qualification process.
SB 164 streamlines professional licensing, recognizes equivalencies for trade jobs and increases workforce participation.
SB 199 aids the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet with the update of the Kentucky Automated Vehicle Information System (KAVIS) system, streamlines out-of-state commercial drivers licensing, and allows for a nationally accepted used car valuation for used cars.
SB 240 removes barriers for foster families in Kentucky by allowing them to qualify for child care benefits while working remotely. This addresses the current requirement that they work outside the home for at least 20 hours a week.
SB 244 changes ballot order determination to a draw, ensuring fairness for all candidates.
SB 249 requires sex offenders to display full names on social media, establishing penalties for non-compliance.
SB 255 modernizes social worker services with telehealth standards, ensuring client privacy and communication.
Find more on these bills online at Legislature.ky.gov and visit KYSenateRepublicans.com for news releases from the Senate Majority Caucus.
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 Legislature.ky.gov. You can learn more about these bills and others by visiting www.legislature.ky.gov. Thank you for staying engaged in the legislative process. It is an honor to serve you in Frankfort.