Seven interim joint committees (IJCs) and one task force met the week of September 15-21, with eyes on potential legislation for the upcoming session ranging from programs designed to educate future veterinarians and optometrists, to a new, more responsible approach to funding local road and bridge construction projects. Before I begin with committee summaries, I want to share that my email will be changing as the legislature moves to a new system. Going forward, please email me at amy.neighbors@kylegislature.gov.
IJC on Banking and Insurance: Lawmakers heard from the Insurance Institute of Kentucky about their support for strengthened consumer protection laws that specifically addresses misrepresenting the repair costs for any estimate, invoice, or proof of loss for a property insurance claim. Members also discussed the possibility of expanding Kentucky’s current distracted driving laws. Finally, the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions provided an update on the agency’s activities.
IJC on Education: Members met for a presentation from several public university presidents on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Presenters shared that they are working to redefine student success as they work to set records, welcome military families, and meet students with support personalized to them. Additionally, presenters shared that diversity training for faculty and diversity classes for students would no longer be required. Common goals of the public universities include: creating opportunities for students, reaching affordability, and employability upon graduation. Testimony also noted that 75-80% of jobs will require a college education in the coming years.
IJC on Transportation: Legislators first discussed the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC’s) use of recycled asphalt. Statewide, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) utilization is at 15%. Then, members heard updates on the County Priority Projects Program and the County and City Bridge Improvement Program, which fund county road projects and county and city bridge repairs and replacements. The County Priority Projects Program receives $20 million in funding each fiscal year, and the County and City Bridge Improvement Program receives $25 million in funding each fiscal year in accordance with HB 265.
IJC on Appropriations and Revenue: Lawmakers met to receive an update on the Capitol Building Construction Project, the Cyber Security Working Group, and the funding and outcomes for veterinary and optometry students. Presenter from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority shared about the Optometry Contract Spaces program. It allows Kentucky residents to enroll in a limited number of slots at participating institutions in other states while paying in-state tuition. Similarly, veterinary students in Kentucky are also applying for a set number of contract spaces. Presenters from the Finance and Administration Cabinet discussed the $219.5 million Capitol renovation project. The renovation is set to begin after the 2025 Regular Session with an estimated completion of winter 2028.
IJC on Agriculture: Members reviewed different legislation being introduced and enacted nationwide regarding carbon credits and their potential benefits and risks to our farmers. Moreover, the growing market of carbon credits presents opportunities for Kentucky to expand its agricultural reach by attracting more companies to invest in our state and bring their businesses here. Members also learned about “Farm-Ed,” a technology platform that combines AI-powered Grow Chambers (in-classroom devices for growing crops) with an engaging curriculum intended to foster hands-on learning experiences in agriculture, technology, and sustainability. This technology would cost roughly $4 million over a five-year period in order to serve every classroom in Kentucky. Kentucky State University opened a discussion on its extension program, exploring strategies to reach a broader farmer base and determining the university’s capabilities to effectively serve the state of Kentucky.
IJC on Judiciary: Legislators received an update from the Department of Criminal Justice Training and discuss the real-time crime index, caregivers and incarceration, and men of valor. Presenters from the Department of Criminal Justice shared about the construction of the new training facility in Madisonville. The current facility in Richmond has a waitlist up to five months. A representative of AH Datalystics discussed the real-time crime index, a database designed to show national crime trends with minimal delay by gathering data from hundreds of law enforcement agencies nationwide. Data is currently available from 350 plus agencies nationwide covering over 82 million people.
IJC on Natural Resources: Lawmakers heard testimony from Appalachian Hydro Associates who provided an overview of the current hydroelectric power plants in the state. Members also discussed the progress of six new plants that are undergoing construction and should be completed in early 2025. Finally, Appalachian Hydro Associates discussed their partnership with Berea College who fund and work on hydro plants across the state.
Effective and Efficient School District Governance Task Force: Members first discussed enrollment, attendance, and truancy trends in Kentucky schools. Membership trends statewide saw a percentage decrease, and attendance rates saw a slight percentage increase from 2016 to 2024. Additionally, statewide chronic absenteeism saw a significant percentage increase of 67.44% from 2018 to 2023. Members also discussed Jefferson County Public School’s (JCPS) Early Childhood Education Program, which focuses on preparing students for kindergarten, and the program’s student outcomes. Lastly, members discussed student discipline in JCPS from both the district and teacher perspective. Some of the issues that were addressed during the presentations included: school safety, mental health, and student behavior, and resources schools are using to address discipline-related issues.
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 e-mail at amy.neighbors@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
(Laura Leigh Goins, Deputy Chief of Staff for Media Relations – House Majority Leadership)