It’s official. House Bill 1 has been signed into law, marking another step forward in delivering tax relief to hardworking Kentuckians. This measure authorizes the next half-percentage reduction in the state’s individual income tax, bringing it down from 4 percent to 3.5 percent. As a result, an estimated $718 million will remain in the hands of Kentucky families, allowing them to save, invest, and spend as they see fit. This reduction will officially take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, and continue our commitment to a responsible tax policy that benefits individuals and the state’s economy.
With this priority completing the legislative process, several other priorities continued during week three of the 2025 Legislative Session ahead of bill filing deadlines next week. The last day to file legislation in the Senate is Tuesday, February 18. The state House of Representatives deadline is Wednesday, February 19.
In the meantime, lawmakers returned to Frankfort this past week. We convened for legislative business at the historic Old State Capitol and approved Senate Bill (SB) 313, officially designating June as Kentucky History Month.
Key movement of bills in the Senate this week included the passage of SB 2, which was approved in the Senate Judiciary Committee. We’ve designated this bill a top priority. It prohibits the Kentucky Department of Corrections from using taxpayer funds for gender transition surgeries or hormone therapy for inmates while ensuring continued care for legitimate medical conditions like thyroid or hormonal disorders.
The bill follows the discovery of a Beshear administration memo that quietly authorized these treatments without proper regulatory review, which left the policy unexamined for nearly three years. Upon discovery, the administration filed the regulation, prompting legislative oversight. During a December hearing, corrections officials failed to answer lawmakers’ questions, citing a last-minute request for a legal opinion filed just before the meeting. Attorney General Russell Coleman responded swiftly and clarified that Kentucky law does not require taxpayer dollars to fund gender-affirming surgeries, stating: “For most Kentuckians, the answer to the department’s question is self-evident.”
SB 2 draws a clear line between essential medical care and elective procedures, prioritizing fiscal responsibility and spending taxpayer resources appropriately. I’m proud that every member of our caucus has co-sponsored this bill.
Some measures won Senate approval during week three and are now moving to the House for consideration.
SB 14 prohibits pharmaceutical manufacturers from denying 340B drug pricing to Kentucky hospitals and pharmacies if they offer it in other states. The bill ensures fair access to discounted medications and empowers the attorney general to investigate violations.
SB 26 prohibits discrimination based solely on disability in adoption, foster care, or parental rights decisions. It requires individualized assessments, mandates documentation for transparency, and aligns with the ADA to protect children and support families.
SB 59 removes regulatory barriers for faith-based organizations to build affordable housing on their existing properties. It designates these projects as permitted uses in residential and commercial zones while maintaining local oversight. The institution must have owned eligible properties before Jan. 1, 2025.
SB 61 updates pool regulations for improved safety while clarifying that pools on single-family home properties remain exempt from public pool rules, even if rented to guests.
SB 64 expands protections for critical infrastructure by increasing penalties for copper theft, which has caused 911 outages and power failures. The bill includes cable, telephone, and broadband systems and takes effect immediately upon passage.
SB 73: Strengthens laws against sexual extortion by introducing clear penalties, civil remedies, and educational initiatives. The bill focuses on protecting minors, empowering victims, and equipping schools with tools to prevent and respond to these crimes.
SB 76 modernizes escrow retainage rules by raising the contract threshold from $500,000 to $2 million. It ensures timely payments, requires funds to be held in escrow, and prohibits contract waivers to protect contractors and subcontractors.
SB 85 expands the Auditor’s Office’s and Commonwealth Ombudsman’s authority to improve oversight of state agencies. It clarifies roles, enhances confidentiality protections, requires state agencies to provide software access, and ensures timely reporting of suspected child abuse while maintaining confidentiality. An emergency clause allows the bill to take immediate effect upon passage.
SB 89 refines the definition of “waters of the commonwealth” to align with federal standards, preventing regulatory overreach and permitting delays. Establishes clear bonding requirements for long-term water treatment permits. Includes an emergency clause.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you in the Kentucky Senate. Please contact my office at 502-564-2450 or Max.Wise@kylegislature.gov if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas.
PHOTO: Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise presides over floor activity during the Kentucky Senate’s annual visit to the historic Old State Capitol Building in Frankfort. February 11, 2025. Photo Credit: David Hargis, Photographer, Public Information Office, Legislative Research Commission.
(Dustin R. Isaacs – Office of Senator Max Wise)