Just two days – April 14 and 15 – are left in this year’s legislative session and many of the bills delivered to the governor before we adjourned on April have now been acted upon and sent to the Secretary of State. In Kentucky, the Secretary of State receives and files all bills approved by the General Assembly, including legislation signed by the governor, bills that will become law without a governor’s signature, legislation vetoed and overridden by lawmakers, and appropriations legislation that was line-item vetoed.
One of the most interesting bills this session may take a small step, but it is the perfect example of how ideas for legislation can come about and how our legislative process welcomes public input. Ideas for legislation often begin with everyday Kentuckians who identify a way to recognize or improve something meaningful in their communities and bring those ideas to their elected officials. A great example is SB 19, which would symbolically designate the indigo milk cap, a mushroom native to Kentucky forests, as the official state mushroom. The bill was inspired by students from Letcher County Central High School, whose advocacy demonstrates how civic engagement, even at a young age, can help shape policy while promoting pride in our state’s natural heritage.
SB 19 is also a great example of legislation that will become law without a governor’s signature as the governor chose not to sign it before his ten-day window expired. Other bills filed with the Secretary of State as law this week include:
HB 281 would streamline how churches and nonprofits donate prepared food to homeless shelters and individuals displaced by natural disasters. The legislation removes barriers for churches and nonprofits like requiring the food be made in an industrial kitchen.
HB 307 would create a proactive postsecondary admissions program requiring KDE to share all incoming seniors with state universities. Colleges and universities must adopt a common application with minimum admission standards and notify every Kentucky senior of their KEES award, eligible institutions, and application instructions. CPE, KDE, and the Kentucky Center for Statistics would track academic and workforce outcomes.
HB 333 would remove unnecessary regulatory barriers for faith-based organizations seeking to develop housing and shelter services.
HB 436 would allow free greens fees at state park golf courses to veterans who graduate from the PGA HOPE program and one guest.
HB 448 would allow Kentucky criminal justice agencies to share criminal history records with authorized federal agencies for employment background checks while aligning state law with federal requirements and avoiding additional costs to the Commonwealth.
HB 510 would establish a standardized “pause in procedure” process that must be followed when concerns arise during organ procurement that could affect a patient’s medical status or eligibility. Importantly, HB 510 would not conflict with existing end-of-life laws, interfere with federally designated organ procurement organizations, or discourage ethical organ donation.
HB 529 would update statutes relating to the appointment, service, and operation of the Kentucky Parole Board, ensuring consistency, transparency, and functionality in parole decision-making while maintaining a strong focus on public safety and victims’ rights.
HB 562 would expand educational and workforce opportunities for students with disabilities by creating an additional high school diploma option for eligible students who currently receive only a certificate of completion.
HB 781 would expand the education and training requirements within Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to promote stronger workforce participation and employment outcomes.
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 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 343 would restructure Kentucky’s Department of Workers’ Claims by making it an independent agency under the Governor’s Office, led by a Senate-confirmed commissioner with significant legal experience in workers’ compensation law. It also strengthens oversight by clearly defining the department’s internal offices and divisions, including legal, administrative, and claims management functions.
Dozens of bills remain to be considered before we return to Frankfort to override any vetoes and take up any remaining legislation. As of the end of business on April 9, we have six vetoes to act upon when we return to Frankfort on April 14 and 15.
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)