The Kentucky General Assembly has wrapped up the 10th legislative week of the 2024 Regular Session.
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 becomes law.
The pace quickened this week with several measures seeking Senate approval, including a school safety measure I am championing this session.
SB 2 represents the next phase in fortifying Kentucky’s nationally recognized school safety initiatives. This comprehensive bill focuses on reinforcing safety protocols and advancing trauma-informed care across all levels of education.
At its core, SB 2 establishes the Kentucky Guardians Program, allowing retired military veterans and law enforcement officers to bolster student safety alongside school resource officers (SROs), addressing workforce gaps. Guardians undergo rigorous training, including active shooter protocols, and may carry concealed weapons on school premises based on local school board discretion. The bill mandates cooperation between local boards and law enforcement for guardian identification and integrates a multidisciplinary team to support students’ mental health and well-being.
I’m thankful to my colleagues for their support in bolstering our school safety measures. As SB 2 transitions to the House, I remain confident we will stay focused on our shared goal of ensuring the safety and well-being of all our students.
SB 8, which I am proudly co-sponsoring, reforms the Kentucky Board of Education selection process, moving from gubernatorial appointments to voter elections across seven districts. The change promotes board balance, prevents unilateral political appointments, and promotes a more representative approach.
The following are other bills passed this week:
SB 27 addresses drug manufacturers’ restrictions in the 340B program, prohibiting discriminatory practices and empowering the attorney general to investigate violations. The bill ensures fair access to discounted drugs for health care providers.
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. Stipulates within the first year 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 142 grants Kentucky state employees up to four weeks of paid leave for childbirth or adoption, enhancing family support.
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 167 mandates cursive writing in elementary schools from 2025-26, aiming to enhance communication and motor skills.
SB 194 enables insurers to communicate electronically with individuals covered under employer-sponsored group health insurance. Employers can consent to electronic delivery, but individuals must have the option to opt-out annually. The provisions apply to contracts entered or renewed on or after the Act’s effective date.
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 202 enhances rehabilitation, allowing violence reduction program participation as parole or probation conditions.
SB 215 prevents the enforcement of California-like air emissions standards for electric vehicles in Kentucky.
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.
SB 265 modifies the Option 7 alternative teacher certification, removing GRE or CASE requirements and granting provisional certification.
SB 349 forms the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission which will develop a comprehensive strategy to meet Kentucky’s growing energy demands.
Senate Joint Resolution 149 directs the Energy and Environment Cabinet to guide entities on best practices for PFAS discharges into Kentucky’s water supply.
You can find the status of legislation like this and others by calling 866-840-2835 or receiving legislative meeting information at 800-633-9650. You can also watch and follow legislative activity at KET.org/legislature and Legislature.ky.gov.
Thank you for your continued interest and engagement in the 2024 Regular Session and it is a privilege to represent you in Frankfort. Please contact my office if I can assist you by emailing me at max.wise@lrc.ky.gov or calling my office toll-free at 1-800-372-7181.
Senator Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, represents the 16th Senate District, including Adair, Allen, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Taylor Counties and eastern Warren County. He is Senate Economic Development, Tourism and Labor Committee chair. Wise also serves as a Senate Education Committee member and is a member of the newly formed Families and Children Committee and Health Services Committee. Additionally, he is an Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee member.
(Angela Billings – Office of Senator Max Wise)