The Interim period continues pushing on as lawmakers prepare legislation for the 2026 Regular Session. Next year, we will meet for 60 days to address issues facing the commonwealth and craft the state’s biennium budget. In the mean time we must focus on issues that can be solved next session and hear concerns from constituents, state agencies, and local governments to find where we must focus our funding.
This week several committees met to discuss issues affecting our families, economy, and health care system. Here’s what happened in the committees I serve on and attended this week:
Local Government: Members continued work on proposals aimed at shaping Kentucky’s housing market, infrastructure, and local governance. Several bills discussed during the 2025 session are expected to be reintroduced when we convene the 2026 Regular Session. SB 50 would create Residential Infrastructure Development Districts to finance housing projects. HB 7 would establish development zones with grant-based incentives. With a projected housing shortage nearing 300,000 units, the need is urgent. HB 371 aims to close loopholes in industrial landfill permitting. HB 806 would allow up to six backyard hens statewide.
Health Services: Lawmakers discussed the state’s healthcare data systems, including the Kentucky Health Information Exchange, and how this data can be used by lawmakers to make targeted, informed decisions regarding healthcare policy. Members also received a presentation on public health data from officials from the University of Kentucky and discussed how this information can be used to improve health outcomes statewide. Finally, the committee reviewed the Unified Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Application for Federal Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Licensing, Occupation, and Administrative Regulations: Members discussed two pieces of legislation that were previously proposed during the 2025 Regular Session. The first measure would remove barriers to employment and occupational licensing for individuals with a criminal record, and the second measure would address the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology and licensing of psychologists in the state. Members also received an update on the Engineer and Land Surveyor Board. Then, members reviewed two proposed administrative regulations from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Lastly, members discussed the potential creation of a division within the ABC to regulate non-alcoholic intoxicating substances.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Amy.Neighbors@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
(HD21 – News From the Office of Rep. Neighbors)