As we closed out the final full week of March, marking the 12th week of session and the last week operating under a typical legislative schedule, the pace in Frankfort reflected the urgency of the moment. Regardless of how you measure it, the week of March 23 was a particularly active and productive stretch, with both the House and Senate advancing a wide range of legislation that has steadily moved through the process over the past several months.
Looking ahead, when lawmakers reconvene on March 31, attention will shift to finalizing our work. This includes concurring with changes made by the Senate to House bills, and vice versa, as well as putting the finishing touches on priority legislation we intend to send to the governor for consideration. Following that, the General Assembly will recess on April 1 to allow time for the governor’s veto period. Members will then return to Frankfort on April 14 and 15 for the final days of session, when any vetoes issued by the governor may be considered for override.
Throughout the week, the House calendar reflected a strong focus on Senate legislation, while the Senate took up a number of House bills. Below are several examples of measures that received approval between March 24 and March 27:
HB 283 would create a framework to review and address certain transactions between foreign enterprises and residents of the Commonwealth if they have the potential to threaten economic security, critical infrastructure, or intellectual property.
SB 17 would formally recognize the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Network in statute, streamline local board requirements to reflect community needs, update program standards to align with state oversight, and make technical changes to clarify references to the Department for Community Based Services and ensure consistency in child fatality and near-fatality review laws.
SB 49 would establish a statewide battery stewardship program to promote the safe disposal of lithium and other hazardous batteries at no cost to consumers.
SB 57 would establish the Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program within the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority (KNEDA) to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear energy.
SB 59 would strengthen protections for taxpayers by clarifying enforcement of the ban on the use of public funds to influence ballot questions, including constitutional amendments and constitutional convention questions.
SB 69 would establish the Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund and create a framework to accept donations and award funding to support children, adults, families, and caregivers impacted by autism.
SB 100 would modernize the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission (EPIC) to strengthen its role in evaluating Kentucky’s energy resources, guiding smart energy planning, and crafting a long-term strategy to ensure the Commonwealth meets its future energy demands efficiently and sustainably.
SB 101 would require schools to report assaults and attempted assaults against teachers and school employees that take place on school grounds and bus stops, includes reporting requirements, and mandates a 12-month expulsion for students who intentionally assault staff.
SB 104, the HALO Act, would establish a 25-foot safety zone around first responders while they are lawfully performing their duties, preventing interference in high-risk situations while protecting lawful public activity.
SB 153 would update and expand Kentucky’s consumer protection laws by setting clearer rules for contractors tied to insurance claims, increasing transparency in service contracts, and strengthening enforcement to hold bad actors accountable.
SB 155 would establish a clear, structured framework to respond quickly and effectively to animal health emergencies, including disease outbreaks or other serious threats to livestock, poultry, and domesticated animals across the Commonwealth.
SB 158 would establish regulatory standards for optional financial products offered when a consumer leases a vehicle or uses one as collateral, including debt cancellation agreements and value protection plans, helping consumers manage financial risks from excessive wear, use, or damage.
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)