The General Assembly remains hard at work as we draw near the end of the 2024 Regular Session. Almost 200 bills have passed the House, while several remain in the legislative process. With the veto period just around the corner, the remaining legislative days are critical to ensuring that important legislation is passed into law. Our top priority this session, the state’s two-year spending plan, is coming closer to being approved, we have also prioritized legislative matters that are important to the people of our districts.
Here are some summaries of legislation that cleared the House this week:
Limiting foreign ownership of Kentucky land: Kentucky is joining many other states in restricting the ownership of land by foreign entities. HB 575 prohibits the purchase of Kentucky’s agricultural land by countries that the federal government has identified as countries with which we do not share friendly relations. This legislation does not hinder previous foreign operations and provides exemptions for research opportunities.
Ensuring our children are Kindergarten ready: Over 50% of Kentucky’s children are not Kindergarten ready on their first day of school. HB 695 establishes the Adaptive Kindergarten Readiness Pilot Program, which will provide 400 preschool-aged children with a computer-based Kindergarten readiness program rooted in family engagement. Forty percent of the slots available in this program will be reserved for low-income families, and the program will run for two years with the possibility of extension with the use of federal funds.
Providing economic relief for local communities: HB 723 would provide economic relief for local communities through a federal grant program with a local match component.
Building and construction trade opportunities in Kentucky schools: HB 605 allows the Kentucky Department of Education to enter into an agreement with building and construction trade organizations to develop training programs for school counselors on building and construction trades. This measure allows school counselors to receive professional development credits for trainings in this field.
Continuing education for students in inpatient facilities: Currently, for schools to receive funding for home/hospital instruction the student stay must be at least six days. HB 799 allows for schools to receive funding effective on the day of admittance of a student into an inpatient care facility.
Allowing for a change of venue for constitutional challenges: Legal challenges to government actions are currently heard in the Franklin Circuit Court. HB 804 allows individuals to request a change of venue for challenges against the actions of statute; executive order, administrative regulation, or order of any cabinet, program cabinet, or department in the state government.
Establishing a teacher induction and mentorship program: Newly certified teachers need the support and mentorship of veterans in the field. HB 828 establishes a statewide mentorship program for young educators, and removes the requirement for a teaching internship after new teachers receive their certification. This program will support these young professionals as they grow into strong educators.
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@lrc.ky.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
(Laura Leigh Goin, Deputy Chief of Staff for Media Relations – House Majority Leadership)