ADAMS HIGHLIGHTS KENTUCKY’S PROGRESS IN ENDING CHILD MARRIAGE, CALLS FOR STRONGER ENFORCEMENT

ADAMS HIGHLIGHTS KENTUCKY’S PROGRESS IN ENDING CHILD MARRIAGE, CALLS FOR STRONGER ENFORCEMENT

ADAMS HIGHLIGHTS KENTUCKY’S PROGRESS IN ENDING CHILD MARRIAGE, CALLS FOR STRONGER ENFORCEMENT

Sen. Julie Raque Adams joins advocates during Suicide 

Prevention Month to reaffirm commitment to child protection

ADAMS HIGHLIGHTS KENTUCKY’S PROGRESS IN ENDING CHILD MARRIAGE, CALLS FOR STRONGER ENFORCEMENT

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 4, 2025) —Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, joined advocates and civic leaders at the Center for Women & Families this morning to highlight Kentucky’s progress in protecting minors from coerced marriage and to call for stronger enforcement of existing safeguards.

In 2018, Adams sponsored Senate Bill 48, which prohibited marriage under age 17, required judicial approval for 17-year-olds, capped spousal age gaps at four years, and eased the process by which a married minor can end a marriage.

The law passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and has significantly reduced child marriages in Kentucky, according to advocate Donna Simmons, who cited data from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. On her Becoming Your Best Version podcast appearance in August, Simmons explained that Kentucky averaged close to 300 child marriages per year before the law changed in 2018. Since then, she said, the number has dropped dramatically to about 20 cases per year.

“That law was about one thing: protecting children,” Adams said. “Before the law, Kentucky averaged hundreds of child marriages every year. Since the law went into effect, that number has dropped to a handful of cases per year. Hundreds of young people are no longer being married off before they are ready. That is progress worth celebrating.”

Kentucky’s high rate of child marriage before 2018 shows the importance of those reforms. Research by the Human Trafficking Research Initiative at the University of Louisville documented 9,913 marriages between 2000 and 2015 that involved at least one minor. Ninety-three percent of those cases paired a minor with an adult, and 91 percent of the adults were men marrying underage girls.

Despite the success of the 2018 reforms, Simmons cautioned that some approvals still fall outside the law’s intent. She noted cases where judges signed off on marriages involving 16-year-olds, or where the age gap exceeded the four-year limit created by the law. Adams emphasized that consistent enforcement and transparency are critical to ensuring the protections legislators established are fully honored statewide.

“Progress does not mean the work is finished,” Adams said. “Reports show there have still been instances where approvals did not align with the law’s intent. Those are reminders that laws on paper are only as strong as their enforcement.”

Adams also tied the issue to Suicide Prevention Month, pointing to research linking early marriage to higher risks of abuse, depression, and suicidality.

“Protecting children from exploitation is suicide prevention,” Adams said. “It gives them safety, dignity, and the chance to grow up without trauma that could follow them for decades.”

Building on her record of leadership in child welfare policy, Adams reaffirmed her commitment to continue working with survivors, advocates, and colleagues to strengthen enforcement where gaps remain and to ensure Kentucky remains a leader in protecting vulnerable youth.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to be connected to immediate help. In addition to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, survivors of child marriage and other forms of exploitation can access confidential, 24/7 support through Kentucky’s network of regional domestic violence programs and rape crisis centers. These organizations provide shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and children’s services to help young people escape coercive situations and begin to rebuild their lives. A full list of programs is available at kcadv.org and kasap.org 

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Sen. Julie Raque Adams represents the 36th Senate District, which includes a portion of Jefferson County. She is co-chair of the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Committee. She also co-chairs the Interim Joint Committee (IJC) on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations. Additionally, Adams is a member of the IJCs on Banking and Insurance; Health Services; Local Government; and State Government. She serves on the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee, a statutory oversight body. In 2024, she served on the Kentucky Housing Task Force, which was established to study barriers to housing development and recommend solutions to support affordability and access across the commonwealth.

SEN. STEPHEN MEREDITH HONORED WITH KENTUCKY HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

SEN. STEPHEN MEREDITH HONORED WITH KENTUCKY HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept.02, 2025) — Sen. Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, was presented the Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) Award of Excellence, presented during a ceremony at Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center.

The Award of Excellence is one of KHA’s most prestigious honors, given to individuals who have made lasting contributions to health care in the commonwealth. Meredith was selected for his decades of service as a rural hospital CEO and for his ongoing leadership in the Kentucky General Assembly.

“Improving access to health care, particularly in rural Kentucky, has been one of the great callings of my life,” Meredith said. “This recognition is not about me. It reflects the hard work of our hospitals, providers, and community leaders who fight every day to make sure Kentuckians receive the care they need close to home.”

Meredith currently serves as the chair of the Senate Health Services Committee, and has been at the forefront of legislative reforms on Medicaid managed care, pharmacy benefit management, and the federal 340B program. His efforts have often meant standing up to powerful pharmaceutical and insurance interests to safeguard affordable care for Kentuckians.

A Grayson County native, Meredith has long championed rural hospitals, nursing homes, and health care workers. His work in Frankfort continues to reflect the values he carried into public service: fiscal responsibility, accountability, and protecting access to essential services.

The Kentucky Hospital Association noted that Meredith’s dedication has been instrumental in strengthening the state’s health care system and in ensuring patients, particularly in underserved areas, are not left behind.

For his lifetime of service and advocacy, KHA and Kentucky’s hospitals expressed gratitude for Meredith’s leadership and commitment to building a healthier commonwealth.

To learn more about the work of the Kentucky Hospital Association, please visit www.kyha.org.

More information on the Kentucky General Assembly can be found at www.kylegislature.gov.

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Sen. Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, represents the 5th Senate District, which includes Breckinridge, Butler, Grayson, Ohio, and Meade Counties. He serves as co-chair of the Interim Joint Committee on Health Services and also serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Education; Families and Children; and Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations. Additionally, he is a member of the Government Contract Review Committee. In 2024, he served on the Artificial Intelligence Task Force.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Meredith, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate105.jpg.

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members, legislative committees, and additional resources.

Lawmakers return to Frankfort on Tuesday, June 3, to start the 2025 Interim. During this period, committees will meet to study policy issues, review implementation of recently passed legislation, and begin evaluating proposals for the 2026 Regular Session, which begins Tuesday, Jan. 6.

The full 2025 Interim Calendar is available here. A weekly schedule with meeting times, topics, and agendas can be viewed at legislature.ky.gov/LegislativeCalendar.

Live coverage of interim legislative meetings is available at KET.org/legislature and on the LRC YouTube channel.

You can follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky. For additional member information and press releases, visit KYSenateRepublicans.com.

SENATOR MILLS HONORED WITH MAE STREET KIDD PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

SENATOR MILLS HONORED WITH MAE STREET KIDD PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

FRANKFORT, KY (Aug. 27, 2025) – Sen. Robby Mills, R-Henderson, was honored with the Mae Street Kidd Public Service Award at the Kentucky Affordable Housing Conference, August 20–21 at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center in Covington.

The award, presented by Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC), recognizes elected officials who demonstrate exceptional leadership in advancing affordable housing opportunities. Mills received the honor for his work as co-chair of the Kentucky Housing Task Force, which was created in 2024 to address Kentucky’s growing housing shortage.

The task force was formed after KHC released its Kentucky Housing Supply Gap Analysis showing the state needed more than 200,000 homes to meet current demand. Under Mills’s leadership, the committee brought together experts, gathered testimony, and produced a comprehensive report outlining strategies to expand housing supply and improve affordability. The committee reconvened this summer to continue its work.

“I am humbled to receive this award and proud of the work our task force has accomplished,” said Mills. “Housing is the foundation of strong communities, and I will continue working to ensure Kentucky families have greater opportunities to find safe and affordable places to call home.”

The Mae Street Kidd Public Service Award is named in honor of the late Rep. Mae Street Kidd, a pioneering legislator and civil rights leader who championed housing, education, and economic opportunity in Kentucky.

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Sen. Robby Mills, R-Henderson, represents the 4th Senate District, including Henderson, Hopkins, Union, and Webster Counties. He serves as Senate majority caucus chair and serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Families and Children; Health Services; Local Government; Natural Resources and Energy; and State Government. As a member of Senate majority leadership, he serves on the Legislative Research Commission. He also serves as co-chair of the Kentucky Housing Task Force.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Mills, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate104.jpg

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the 2025 Legislative Session, including committees, membership, legislation, and more.

Live legislative coverage is available at KET.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. 

Access archived footage of legislative meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.

SEN. JIMMY HIGDON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AT THE CONCLUSION OF HIS CURRENT TERM

SEN. JIMMY HIGDON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT 

AT THE CONCLUSION OF HIS CURRENT TERM

Longtime legislator to complete service through 2026

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 2, 2025) — Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, announced on Tuesday he will not be seeking re-election for the 14th Senate District, and will retire at the conclusion of his current term on Dec. 31, 2026. 

Higdon, who first entered the legislature in 2003 as a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives before joining the Senate in 2009, says he is grateful for the trust his constituents have placed in him over the past two decades.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve the people of the 14th District,” Higdon said. “The greatest privilege of this job is getting to help people every single day. I’ve always tried to treat it as a calling, not just a position, and I am deeply thankful for the opportunity.”

A LEGISLATIVE LEGACY

“Jimmy Higdon has been a trusted colleague and a steady hand in the Senate,” said Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester. “Most of all, he’s been a friend. His leadership on transportation, pensions, judicial matters, veterans’ issues, and numerous other areas has made an undeniable difference for Kentucky, and he will leave a lasting legislative legacy deeply woven into the fabric of this commonwealth.

“What stands out most about Jimmy is the way he has always put people first. He approaches every challenge with humility and common sense. His voice will be deeply missed in our chamber by our caucus members and by our staff, who have enjoyed working with him. We are grateful to have one more session with him and to celebrate a career of service that he and Jane can be incredibly proud of.”

From January 2015 to January 2018, Higdon served as Senate majority whip, and from January 2018 to January 2019, he assumed the role of Senate president pro tempore.

“When our chamber needed Jimmy, he stepped up to serve in leadership, and I’m truly grateful to have had him by my side in the Senate for nearly 17 years,” Stivers continued. “We’ve traveled together, and along this journey I can say with certainty that he and Jane have become two of my greatest friends.” 

During his time in the Senate, Higdon has chaired key committees, most notably the Senate Transportation Committee, where he has been a consistent voice for Kentucky’s infrastructure. Under his leadership, the state advanced major projects, including the Brent Spence Bridge in northern Kentucky, the expansion of the Hal Rogers and Mountain  Parkways in eastern Kentucky, the effort to widen Interstate 75 from Covington to the Tennessee border, and progress on the I-69 bridge in Henderson. In the 2024–26 budget, Higdon championed the infusion of $450 million from the Budget Reserve Trust Fund, which boosted projects across the bluegrass. 

Higdon previously chaired, and remains a member of, the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee, where, at the request of a constituent in his district, he launched the now-beloved annual “Military Kids Day,” an event that honors the children of servicemembers.

As co-chair of the Public Pension Oversight Board, following the efforts and retirement of the late Sen. Joe Bowen, Higdon has played a central role in Kentucky’s pension turnaround. Once ranked the worst-funded pension systems in the nation, Kentucky’s eight retirement plans are now on a path of gradual improvement. 

Under his leadership, the legislature ended the practice of underfunding annual contributions, committed billions in surplus dollars above statutory requirements, and demanded greater transparency from pension managers.

During Higdon’s tenure, the largest state employee pension, which once hovered near insolvency, has nearly doubled its funded ratio. The Teachers’ Retirement System has experienced steady year-over-year gains, and all plans are projected to reach full funding within approximately the next two decades if current policies and funding support remain in place.

Higdon credits this progress to a legislature that prioritized long-term stability over short-term politics.

‘OWN VINE AND FIG TREE’ 

“I am at the peak of my legislative career, and I believe we are getting a lot done for Kentuckians,” Higdon said. “But I have seen too many colleagues stay too long. I would rather people say, ‘I hate to see you go,’ instead of being glad to see me go. Public service is about knowing when to pass the torch. The time has come for me to pass the torch.” 

Higdon cited his desire to spend more time with his family as a key factor in his decision. 

“I am 72 now. If I ran again, I’d be almost 78 at the end of another term,” he said. “It’s the right time. My wife Jane, who has been by my side in marriage for 51 years, and my family deserve more of me. We’ve made a lot of sacrifices together to make this work, and I could not have done any of it without them.”

Everyone will sit under their own vine and fig tree, and no one will make them afraid (Micah 4:4). It’s the right time for Jane and me to enjoy that season of our life together.”

ONE LAST TIME

Higdon stressed that he will remain active and engaged until his final day in office. 

“I want to be clear that I’m not leaving early," he said. "I have a year and a half left on my term, and I intend to finish strong. Every day until then, my focus will remain on helping people and representing our district. I’ll still be up before sunrise responding to emails.” 

A businessman by trade before entering politics, Higdon owned and operated Higdon’s Foodtown grocery in Lebanon for many years. His background in business and community service shaped his approach to policymaking and constituent service.

“My heart has always been with the people I serve,” Higdon said. “This job has allowed me to mentor outstanding young folks, to listen, and to work alongside people who love this commonwealth as much as I do. For that, I will always be grateful. Hopefully I’ve left a mark on some great folks who I know have left a mark on me.”

Higdon will enter his final legislative session beginning Jan. 6, 2026.

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Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including LaRue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. He serves as co-chair of the Interim Joint Committee on Transportation and the Public Pension Oversight Board. He also serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Education; Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and the Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation. He is a member of the Kentucky Housing Task Force.

SENATOR BOSWELL CUTS RIBBON ON WENDELL FOSTER AQUATIC THERAPY CENTER

SENATOR BOSWELL CUTS RIBBON ON WENDELL FOSTER AQUATIC THERAPY CENTER

FRANKFORT, KY (Aug. 27, 2025) – Sen. Gary Boswell helped cut the ribbon on Wendell Foster’s new Aquatic Therapy Center Tuesday and celebrated the completion of a one-of-a-kind facility that will provide life-changing therapy services for individuals with disabilities.

The $700,000 project was made possible through a combination of private donations and $450,000 in state funding secured in the 2024 legislative session through House Bill 1. Boswell sponsored the funding measure in the Senate.

“This is a shining example of how taxpayer dollars and private generosity can come together to transform lives,” said Boswell. “I want to thank Doug Hoyt, the board, donors, and staff of Wendell Foster for making this dream a reality. Together, we’ve created a facility that will serve as a model for the nation.”

The aquatic therapy center, located within the Latham Outpatient Therapy Facility, features a state-of-the-art accessible pool that will expand therapy services in the region. Wendell Foster, a non-profit agency, has been providing services to people with disabilities for over 75 years and is the only provider of aquatic therapy specifically for individuals with disabilities in Western Kentucky.

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Sen. Gary Boswell, R-Owensboro, represents the 8th Senate District, including Daviess, Hancock, and McLean Counties. Boswell serves as vice chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee and co-chair of the statutory Capital Planning Advisory Board. Additionally, Boswell is a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Revenue; Natural Resources and Energy; Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor; and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection. 

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Boswell, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate108.jpg.

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the 2025 Legislative Session, including committees, membership, legislation, and more.

Live legislative coverage is available at KET.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. 

Access archived footage of legislative meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.

SGT. MAJ. JIMMY THORNE HONORED AS DISTINGUISHED VETERAN BY KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SGT. MAJ. JIMMY THORNE HONORED AS DISTINGUISHED VETERAN BY KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 27, 2025) — Retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Jimmy Thorne was formally recognized on Wednesday before the Interim Joint Committee (IJC) on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection for his decades of decorated military service and his continued impact as a civic leader in the commonwealth.

Thorne, a Vietnam War veteran and longtime Williamstown resident, received a formal citation from the Kentucky General Assembly after being introduced by Sen. Matt Nunn, R-Sadieville, and Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge.

“I could think of no person more deserving of this recognition than Sergeant Major Thorne,” said Nunn. “I’ve gotten to know him over the last year and a half, and I found him to be a very kind man. When I learned about his history and how impressive it is, I knew this honor was more than earned.”

Thorne enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1965 and completed two tours in Vietnam before serving in Lebanon and Somalia. Thorne earned numerous military honors throughout his career, including the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, among others.

“I made two decisions in my life that I am proud I did,” Thorne said. “One, enlisting in the Marine Corps. Two: moving to the state of Kentucky.”

Maddox reflected on Thorne’s long-standing role in the community and her personal memory of his kindness.

“I’ve known him since I was just a teenager in high school, working my very first job at a local grocery store,” Maddox recalled. “Even back then, his kindness stood out in a way you don’t forget. Jimmy Thorne is the kind of person whose goodness runs deep. He is genuine, intentional, and unwavering in his dedication to both our community and our nation. That early memory has stayed with me all these years because it truly speaks to the essence of who he is. Jimmy carries a quiet humility, always choosing to lift others up rather than seek recognition for himself. His life is a reflection of service, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to putting others first. His heart for this community is, and always has been, something truly special.”

Thorne is the president of Volunteers In Community Events (VICE) and continues to support public safety programs in Grant County. 

Click here to find a clip of Nunn, Maddox, and the committee honoring Thorne via the KY Senate Republicans YouTube Channel.

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Sen. Matt Nunn represents the 17th Senate District, including Grant and Scott Counties, southern Kenton County, and northwestern Fayette County. He held a distinguished military career in the Kentucky Army National Guard as a Commissioned Officer and serves as a member of the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee.

Rep. Savannah Maddox represents the 61st House District, including Grant and Gallatin Counties and parts of Boone and Kenton Counties. She is a member of the House Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee.

As members of their respective chambers' Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committees, Nunn and Maddox serve on the interim joint committee that conducts business during the interim period. 

HIGDON ON THE DEATH OF RAYWICK VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER BRIAN HATT

HIGDON ON THE DEATH OF

RAYWICK



VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER BRIAN HATT

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 27, 2025) The following is a statement from Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, on the passing of Raywick volunteer firefighter Brian Hatt.

“Today, our community mourns the loss of a true hero, Brian Hatt, a brave volunteer firefighter who gave his life in service to others.

“Brian was more than a firefighter. He answered a sacred calling to protect and serve, no matter the risk. On Friday, when the alarm sounded, he did what he had always done—put aside his own safety to help others. In that moment, his courage spoke louder than words.

“Like all firefighters, Brian was the one who showed up in the middle of the night when a family was scared and hurting, the one who ran toward the flames while the rest of us sought safety. For more than a decade, he stood shoulder to shoulder with the men and women of the Raywick Fire Department, answering calls with courage, faith, and heart.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Brian embodied that love. His sacrifice is at the very heart of what makes Raywick and Marion County strong.

“Kentucky is home to more than 600 volunteer fire departments and nearly 13,000 men and women who give their time without asking for anything in return. That is service in its purest form. We feel the weight of Brian’s loss with his family, friends, and fellow firefighters.

“May God bless Brian, his loved ones, and every volunteer who serves in our fire departments. May He bless our community with healing, hope, and unity in this difficult hour.”

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Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including LaRue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. Higdon serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, overseeing efforts to craft biennial road plans, advance Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure, and improve public safety. He also serves as Senate co-chair of the Public Pension Oversight Board, focusing on stabilizing and strengthening Kentucky’s pension systems through reform and surplus investment. Additionally, Higdon is a member of the Senate Committees on Education; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and Licensing and Occupations. During the 2024 interim, he served as a Kentucky Housing Task Force member.

Visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate114.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Higdon. 

SENATORS HIGDON AND HERRON LEAD BIPARTISAN EFFORT ON RESTORATION OF VOTING RIGHTS

SENATORS HIGDON AND HERRON LEAD BIPARTISAN EFFORT ON RESTORATION OF VOTING RIGHTS

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 26, 2025) — Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, joined Sen. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville, before the Interim Joint Committee on Local Government on Tuesday to testify in support of a bipartisan constitutional amendment proposal that would restore voting rights to certain Kentuckians who have fully paid their debt to society.

If adopted by Kentucky voters, the proposed amendment would restore voting rights to individuals who have completed their prison, probation, and parole terms, while maintaining strict exclusions for the most serious crimes.

Higdon, who has worked on versions of this measure since 2020, emphasized that the proposal is about fairness, accountability, and constitutional clarity.

“This effort is not about being soft on crime. I’ve always been tough on crime, and we need to continue to be,” Higdon said. “But once someone has served their sentence, completed probation or parole, and paid their debt in full, I do believe it’s time to let them move forward with their lives when they’ve shown they have learned from the mistakes of their past.”

Herron noted the importance of making Kentuckians whole again once their time has been served.

“Restoring voting rights is about recognizing the humanity of people who have served their time and are ready to fully return to their communities,” Herron said. “No one should lose their voice in our democracy forever because of a mistake in their past. By making restoration permanent, we affirm the values of fairness, accountability, and second chances, and we strengthen Kentucky by ensuring every eligible voice can be heard at the ballot box.”

Last session, Higdon introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 89 (SCR 89), with Herron serving as the primary Senate co-sponsor. The resolution was a part of the ongoing effort to examine Kentucky’s voting rights restoration process. The intent was to make sure any constitutional or statutory changes were approached cautiously, with accountability and election integrity at the forefront. Although SCR 89 did not advance, it reflected their shared belief that Kentuckians who have paid their debt should have a fair and responsible path to redemption.

Before her election to the Kentucky General Assembly, Herron served as a policy strategist with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Kentucky, where she focused on expanding voting rights and advancing reforms in the criminal legal system. Since taking office, Herron has continued that work by filing and co-sponsoring legislation each year to restore voting rights, while also building bipartisan partnerships to move the issue forward.

Higdon also noted that Senate Bill 62, a similar proposal he introduced, passed the Senate 29–7 with bipartisan support in 2020. The bill stalled when the session was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic.

During testimony, Sen. Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, sought clarity on the difference between automatic expungement and the proposed constitutional reform. 

Higdon and Herron explained that expungement erases a conviction and restores all rights, including voting and firearm ownership, but applies only to certain lower-level offenses. The proposed amendment, by contrast, would not erase the conviction but would narrowly restore the right to vote once the sentence, probation, and parole are fully completed. 

Strict exclusions would apply for crimes such as treason, election fraud, sexual offenses, and crimes against children—language similar to Higdon’s 2020 bill, which also barred violent offenses and replaced outdated constitutional terms with modern definitions.

Senate Majority Caucus Chair Robby Mills, R-Henderson, noted the importance of ensuring election-related crimes are highly scrutinized in the proposal, and asked whether newer offenses, such as tampering with voting equipment, would be excluded. 

Higdon said his past proposal addressed bribery in an election, but agreed there may be a need to broaden the language to ensure that all election-related crimes are disqualifying. 

Both senators emphasized that rights restored by executive order can be altered with changes in administration, whereas a constitutional amendment gives Kentuckians themselves the ultimate say.

If approved by three-fifths of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, the measure would then appear on the ballot for voters to decide in a statewide election. If adopted by a majority of voters, Section 145 of the Constitution of Kentucky would be amended.

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For more information on Sens. Jimmy Higdon and Keturah Herron, and to access high-resolution photos, please visit legislature.ky.gov.

SENATE TRANSPORTATION CHAIR REMINDS KENTUCKY DRIVERS OF TRAFFIC SAFETY STATISTICS AND LAWS AHEAD OF LABOR DAY WEEKEND

SENATE TRANSPORTATION CHAIR REMINDS KENTUCKY DRIVERS OF TRAFFIC SAFETY STATISTICS AND LAWS AHEAD OF LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Sen. Jimmy Higdon publishes survey seeking Kentuckians' input

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 26, 2025) — With Labor Day weekend fast approaching, Senate Transportation Chair Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, is urging Kentuckians to prioritize safety on the roadways. A new survey from Munley Law ranks Kentucky as the 17th most dangerous state to drive in during Labor Day, one of the deadliest weekends of the year for traffic fatalities.

Higdon has also published a public survey to gather input from Kentuckians on current traffic safety laws. The survey can be accessed by clicking here. 

“Labor Day should be a time to relax with family and friends, not one marked by tragedy,” said Higdon. “Unfortunately, we continue to see far too many crashes tied to impaired driving, speeding, and distraction. I ask everyone, please, do not drink and drive this weekend. Make plans to remain safely wherever you are, or have a designated driver.”

In 2023, 511 people were killed nationwide in car crashes during the Labor Day Weekend, over a third of those involved a drunk driver. With more cars on the road for vacations and celebrations, the risk of serious or fatal collisions increases significantly.

According to the recent analysis

  • Kentucky reported 15.56 traffic fatalities per 100,000 residents this year, ranking 39th nationwide,

  • DUI arrests stood at 286.59 per 100,000 residents,

  • fatal crashes involving drivers with a blood alcohol level above .08 totaled nearly 4 per 100,000, and

  • speed-related crashes accounted for 2.4 fatalities per 100,000 people, placing Kentucky 12th in the nation.

As of August 26, 397 people have died on Kentucky roadways, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety. That marks a drop in fatalities compared to the same point in each of the previous four years, with 472 deaths recorded by this time in 2024, and 516 in 2023.

Despite the decline, key safety concerns persist:

  • Nearly half of this year’s traffic fatalities involved unbelted occupants. Only 50.19 percent confirmed to be wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

  • Drunk driving remains a deadly risk, as 57 fatalities (14.36 percent) involved alcohol.

  • Motorcyclists continue to face high risks, especially when riding without protection. In 59 fatal motorcycle accidents, 31 of those killed were not wearing helmets.

  • Pedestrian and cyclist deaths are also a concern, with 58 non-motorized fatalities reported so far in 2025.

  • The most at-risk age groups are drivers and passengers between 35 and 64 years old, who together account for the majority of this year’s traffic deaths.

Higdon urges all Kentuckians to stay vigilant behind the wheel, especially as they head into high-traffic holiday weekends, such as Labor Day.

He is also reminding drivers of key Kentucky traffic safety laws:

  • Texting while driving is illegal for all drivers.

  • Drivers under 18 may not use a phone at all while behind the wheel.

  • Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.

  • Drivers must move over or slow down for any vehicle stopped with flashing lights—including emergency, tow, and maintenance vehicles.

  • Child safety seats and booster seats are required based on a child’s height and age.

  • Drunk and impaired driving laws are strictly enforced, and offenders face steep fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.

“We’ve got the laws on the books to keep people safe, but they only work if we follow them,” said Higdon. “Every driver has a role to play in protecting lives this holiday weekend. That means staying alert, driving sober, wearing your seat belt, and putting your phone down. As we look ahead, I’ll have more to say about how we can strengthen that shared responsibility.”

For more information on Kentucky traffic laws and driver safety, visit transportation.ky.gov.

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Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including LaRue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. Higdon serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, overseeing efforts to craft biennial road plans, advance Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure, and improve public safety. He also serves as Senate co-chair of the Public Pension Oversight Board, focusing on stabilizing and strengthening Kentucky’s pension systems through reform and surplus investment. Additionally, Higdon is a member of the Senate Committees on Education; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and Licensing and Occupations. During the 2024 interim, he served as a Kentucky Housing Task Force member.

Visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate114.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Higdon. 

NINE SENATE MEMBERS RECEIVE OUTSTANDING LEGISLATIVE SERVICE AWARD FROM KENTUCKY ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE

NINE SENATE MEMBERS RECEIVE OUTSTANDING LEGISLATIVE SERVICE AWARD FROM KENTUCKY ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE

FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 15, 2025) — The Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police (KACP) has recognized nine members of the Kentucky Senate with the 2025 Outstanding Legislative Service Award for their leadership and commitment to public safety.

This year’s Senate honorees include:

  • Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise, R-Campbellsville

  • Senate Majority Caucus Chair Robby Mills, R-Henderson

  • Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria

  • Sen. Michael Nemes, R-Shepherdsville

  • Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington

  • Sen. Scott Madon, R-Pineville

  • Sen. Matt Nunn, R-Georgetown

  • Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon

  • Sen. Matthew Deneen, R-Elizabethtown

The award is presented annually to legislators who demonstrate exceptional service in advancing policies that strengthen law enforcement and enhance public safety across Kentucky. KACP, working in partnership with the Kentucky League of Cities and police departments statewide, identified the 2025 legislative session as one of the most impactful in recent memory for the law enforcement community.

“This year’s awardees were instrumental in championing legislation that supports our officers, protects our communities, and addresses the needs of law enforcement agencies across the commonwealth,” said Chief Shawn Butler (Ret.), KACP executive director. “Their leadership reflects a strong, ongoing commitment to public safety.”

The honored senators played key roles in passing measures to modernize personnel policies, improve benefits for officers, enhance protections for sensitive information, and provide funding for essential equipment and training.

For more information about the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police and their legislative efforts, visit www.kypolicechiefs.org.

# # # 

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members, legislative committees, and additional resources.

Lawmakers returned to Frankfort in June to start the 2025 Interim. During this period, committees will meet to study policy issues, review implementation of recently passed legislation, and begin evaluating proposals for the 2026 Regular Session, which begins Tuesday, January. 6.

The full 2025 Interim Calendar is available here. A weekly schedule with meeting times, topics, and agendas can be viewed at legislature.ky.gov/LegislativeCalendar.

Live coverage of interim legislative meetings is available at KET.org/legislature and on the LRC YouTube channel.

You can follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky. For additional member information and press releases, visit KYSenateRepublicans.com.

STORM HIGHLIGHTS COPPER THEFT LEGISLATION AT GOVERNOR’S LOCAL ISSUES CONFERENCE

STORM HIGHLIGHTS COPPER THEFT LEGISLATION AT GOVERNOR’S LOCAL ISSUES CONFERENCE

FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 15, 2025) – Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and sponsor of 2025’s Senate Bill 64, participated in a breakout panel discussion on copper theft during the 2025 Governor’s Local Issues Conference (GLIC) held in Louisville this week. 

The annual conference is hosted by the Kentucky Department for Local Government and supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission. This year’s event brought together local government officials, community leaders, and stakeholders from across the commonwealth to address key issues impacting Kentucky communities. Participants include many local officials, including county judge/executives, magistrates, and area development districts.

Storm’s Thursday panel included Clay County Attorney Joe White, local leaders from both rural and urban communities, and other experts focused on combating copper theft and protecting critical infrastructure.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with my longtime colleague, Joe White, esteemed local community leaders from across the bluegrass, and other stakeholders during this panel,” Storm said. “While recent news reports brought to the surface criminal activity in Louisville related to copper theft and protecting infrastructure our constituents rely on every day, these types of criminal acts are also faced by rural communities in eastern Kentucky. I’m grateful we were all able to work together to bring stronger penalties and enforcement to this portion of our state statutes.”

The panel discussion took place just days after Louisville authorities announced seven arrests for damage to communications infrastructure and theft of copper wiring. Those were the first charged under Kentucky’s newly strengthened first-degree criminal mischief statute enacted through Storm’s Senate Bill 64.  

The arrests followed a multi-agency investigation involving Louisville Metro Alcoholic Beverage Control, the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Third Division Detective Unit, LMPD Technology Operations, and the Critical Infrastructure Task Force. The investigation began after a tip from a scrap yard about sales of burnt wire consistent with telecommunications materials.

Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, whose office Storm works closely with as Senate Judiciary chair, commended Storm’s leadership on the legislation, noting that the law’s elevated penalties address crimes that “often result in life-threatening communication outages.”

About Senate Bill 64

Senate Bill 64 strengthens protections for critical infrastructure by expanding the scope of facilities covered under Kentucky’s criminal mischief statutes and elevating copper theft and related damage to a Class D felony. The law carried an emergency designation and became effective March 19.

The measure reflects the General Assembly’s recognition that critical infrastructure, from utilities and streetlights to telecommunications lines, is essential to public safety, emergency response, and community well-being, and that stronger penalties were necessary to deter the costly and dangerous crimes targeting these vital systems.

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Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London, represents the 21st Senate District, including Casey, Laurel, Lincoln, and Rockcastle Counties. He serves as co-chair of the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary and as non-voting co-chair of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Council. He also serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Banking and Insurance, and Transportation. Additionally, he is a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary. In 2024, he served on the Artificial Intelligence Task Force. 

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members, legislative committees, and additional resources.

Lawmakers returned to Frankfort in June to start the 2025 Interim. During this period, committees will meet to study policy issues, review implementation of recently passed legislation, and begin evaluating proposals for the 2026 Regular Session, which begins Tuesday, Jan. 6.

The full 2025 Interim Calendar is available here. A weekly schedule with meeting times, topics, and agendas can be viewed at legislature.ky.gov/LegislativeCalendar.

Live coverage of interim legislative meetings is available at KET.org/legislature and on the LRC YouTube channel.

You can follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky. For additional member information and press releases, visitKYSenateRepublicans.com.

HIGDON CONGRATULATES MARION COUNTY’S HARPER BLAKE ON APPOINTMENT TO KENTUCKY BOARD OF EDUCATION

HIGDON CONGRATULATES MARION COUNTY’S HARPER BLAKE ON APPOINTMENT TO KENTUCKY BOARD OF EDUCATION

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 15, 2025) — Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, today congratulated Marion County High School junior Harper Blake on her recent appointment as the newest non-voting student member of the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE).

Blake, the fifth student in Kentucky’s history to serve in this role, will bring a valuable student perspective to education policy discussions at the state level. According to the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), she follows previous student members Preston Graham of Woodford County, R.J. Osborne of Whitley County, Joud Daleh of Boone County, and Solyana Mesfin of Jefferson County.

“Harper’s selection to the Kentucky Board of Education is a real honor, not only for her but for all of Marion County,” said Higdon. “Her hard work, academic success, and commitment to serving her peers make her a fantastic choice for this position. I’m confident she will represent our community and Kentucky’s students with integrity and vision.”

Blake credited her teachers for supporting her application through letters of recommendation and guidance. Known for challenging herself academically, she takes advanced courses and participates in several extracurricular activities.

“I really love school, and I just think that it’s a great opportunity whenever we have challenging classes, so I try and take them,” Blake said in a release from KDE. “I thought it was amazing that our state gives these opportunities to students.”

Higdon noted that Blake’s achievement is an inspiration to other young leaders across the commonwealth and to others who will follow in her footsteps. 

“Ms. Blake is proof that dedication and passion can open doors for our youth to help shape the future of education in Kentucky,” he added.

For more on Harper Blake’s appointment, visit Kentucky Teacher.

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Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including LaRue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. He serves as co-chair of the Interim Joint Committee on Transportation and the Public Pension Oversight Board. He also serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Education; Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and the Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation. He is a member of the Kentucky Housing Task Force.

HIGDON COMMENDS ATTORNEY GENERAL’S INVESTIGATION INTO DRIVER’S LICENSE FRAUD

HIGDON COMMENDS ATTORNEY GENERAL’S INVESTIGATION INTO DRIVER’S LICENSE FRAUD

Senate Transportation Chair applauds Coleman’s efforts, welcomes state auditors' demand for answers

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 13, 2025) —Senate Transportation Chair Jimmy Higdon today praised Attorney General Russell Coleman for his office’s ongoing investigation into allegations of fraudulent issuance of Kentucky driver’s licenses. The Attorney General confirmed in a statement to Fox News on Tuesday that his team has been “aggressively investigating this potential fraud for some time now,” in coordination with federal law enforcement.

“These reports reflect troubling and unacceptable conduct,” Coleman said, noting that additional announcements regarding criminal charges are expected.

Higdon, who on Tuesday called for a full-scope investigation following media reports, expressed confidence in the Attorney General’s leadership.

“I’m grateful to know that Attorney General Russell Coleman and his excellent team are on the case,” Higdon said. “Their aggressive mentality is just what we need, and I know my legislative colleagues feel the same way. The Kentucky General Assembly remains committed to leading where we stand, just as his office is, to ensure accountability and transparency. We trust justice will prevail in the courtroom, and lawmakers will seek it for Kentucky residents in the committee room.”

Sen. Aaron Reed, R-Shelbyville, also reacted to the allegations, indicating he will introduce legislation in the 2026 Legislative Session. 

“I look forward to monitoring the Attorney General’s efforts and trust the legislature will keep all developments and findings in mind as we continue through the interim period and prepare for the legislative session,” he added.

State Auditor of Public Accounts Allison Ball weighed in on Wednesday, formally requesting an explanation from the administration regarding the alleged misconduct.

“I’m happy to see Auditor Ball step up to seek answers,” Higdon said. “She and her office have done an excellent job of fighting for accountability and transparency for Kentucky taxpayers. I’m eager to collaborate with both the Attorney General and the Auditor on the information they have, or may gather.”

BACKGROUND

According to reports from WDRB News and Fox News Digital, a whistleblower within the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet alleged that employees at a Louisville licensing center sold driver’s licenses—without proper documentation or testing—to individuals in the country illegally. The alleged activity reportedly occurred multiple times a day, with cash payments of $200 per license, over a two-year period.

Coleman stated his office had already begun investigating these claims before their appearance in the media and pledged continued coordination with federal partners to hold wrongdoers accountable.

In a letter released Wednesday and reported by FOX 56 News, Auditor Ball wrote:

“I’m troubled by the reports of an alleged black market within the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet that allows illegal noncitizens to pay cash to bypass not only Kentucky law, but also the law-abiding citizens waiting for long periods of time to obtain their drivers licenses the legal way,” Auditor Ball said. “Today, I am requesting a formal explanation from the Governor and the Transportation Secretary about their plan to address these reports. Kentuckians deserve to have confidence that their tax dollars are funding a government accountable to the people that serves them fairly and lawfully.”

Find the Auditor’s letter in full here. 

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Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including LaRue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. Higdon serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, overseeing efforts to craft biennial road plans, advance Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure, and improve public safety. He also serves as Senate co-chair of the Public Pension Oversight Board, focusing on stabilizing and strengthening Kentucky’s pension systems through reform and surplus investment. Additionally, Higdon is a member of the Senate Committees on Education; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and Licensing and Occupations. During the 2024 interim, he served as a Kentucky Housing Task Force member.

Visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate114.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Higdon. 

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the recently concluded 2025 Legislative Session, including committees, membership, legislation, and more.

Live legislative coverage is available at KET.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. 

Access archived footage of legislative meetings and floor proceedings at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit KYSenateRepublicans.com for information on caucus members and to view press releases from our office.

HIGDON DEMANDS IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED FRAUD IN KENTUCKY DRIVER’S LICENSING SYSTEM

HIGDON DEMANDS IMMEDIATE INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED FRAUD IN KENTUCKY DRIVER’S LICENSING SYSTEM

Reports say illegal residents received licenses through cash bribes while Kentucky citizens endured long lines, poor service, and appointment shortage

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 12, 2025) — Senate Transportation Chair Jimmy Higdon today called for an immediate and exhaustive investigation following explosive allegations revealed by WDRB News and a whistleblower from within the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The whistleblower’s account, corroborated by internal communications, claims that non-citizens, including individuals reportedly in the country illegally, were granted Kentucky driver’s licenses after allegedly paying $200 in cash under the table to state workers.

“If these reports are accurate, this is fundamentally wrong on every level. It’s not just a breakdown in oversight but a betrayal of public trust.

“Kentuckians have been vocal about their frustrations with driver's license services and appointments. To now learn that illegal residents may have been fraudulently provided licenses and IDs, documents that could enable participation in our elections, is simply unacceptable. It’s an affront to good governance. 

“The Kentucky General Assembly will raise concerns and take every action within our authority to correct this wrong and ensure it never happens again. I’m currently working with my colleagues to address driver's licensing issues. One time is too many, and now we must find out exactly how many times it has happened.

“The people of Kentucky deserve to know how widespread this revelation is, who allowed it, and what steps will be taken to prevent it in the future. I appreciate the press for bringing this story forward and to the attention of the public.” 

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BACKGROUND

According to a WDRB News report, a former DMV clerk and whistleblower reported witnessing multiple incidents per day in which driver’s licenses were issued to individuals in the country illegally after they paid $200 in cash to state workers. WDRB reports that the Governor’s Office and Cabinet officials declined to comment on the allegations, and that prior statements from the Governor regarding fraud made no mention of issues involving illegal immigrants. The same whistleblower claims the fraudulent activity persisted despite repeated warnings to supervisors.

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Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including LaRue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. Higdon serves as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, overseeing efforts to craft biennial road plans, advance Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure, and improve public safety. He also serves as Senate co-chair of the Public Pension Oversight Board, focusing on stabilizing and strengthening Kentucky’s pension systems through reform and surplus investment. Additionally, Higdon is a member of the Senate Committees on Education; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and Licensing and Occupations. During the 2024 interim, he served as a Kentucky Housing Task Force member.

Visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate114.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Higdon. 

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the recently concluded 2025 Legislative Session, including committees, membership, legislation, and more.

Live legislative coverage is available at KET.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. 

Access archived footage of legislative meetings and floor proceedings at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Visit KYSenateRepublicans.com for information on caucus members and to view press releases from our office.

DRIVER’S LICENSE FRAUD SCANDAL SHOWS FAILURE OF BESHEAR LEADERSHIP, NEED FOR BORDER SECURITY

DRIVER’S LICENSE FRAUD SCANDAL SHOWS FAILURE OF BESHEAR LEADERSHIP, NEED FOR BORDER SECURITY

Senator calls for independent investigation, stronger oversight and transparency; promises legislation to return licensing services to counties

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 12, 2025) — The following is a statement from Sen. Aaron Reed, R-Shelbyville, regarding recent reports of Kentucky driver’s licenses being sold to illegal aliens. 

“When the integrity of our driver’s licensing system is compromised, public safety is at risk. Allowing illegal aliens to obtain driver’s licenses, whether through negligence or willful disregard, creates vulnerabilities that no Kentuckian should accept. This went on for years without decisive action, and that is unacceptable.

“In the SEAL Teams, if a system is compromised, you fix it and make it stronger than before. Kentucky must do the same. We need legislation that restores licensing authority to the county level, where accountability is local, direct and responsive. That is how you close security gaps and protect the people.

“On day one of the 2026 session, I will introduce a bill to make that happen. And right now, I am calling for a full, independent investigation, completely separate from the executive branch, to identify every failure, gap and individual who violated the law. Our mission should be clear: Immediately secure Kentucky's drivers license system, restore trust and hold the line for Kentucky.”

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BACKGROUND

According to a WDRB News report, a former DMV clerk and whistleblower reported witnessing multiple incidents per day in which driver’s licenses were issued to individuals in the country illegally after they paid $200 in cash to state workers. WDRB reports that the Governor’s Office and Cabinet officials declined to comment on the allegations, and that prior statements from the Governor regarding fraud made no mention of issues involving illegal aliens. The same whistleblower claims the fraudulent activity persisted despite repeated warnings to supervisors.

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Sen. Aaron Reed represents the 7th Senate District, including Anderson, Henry, and Shelby Counties, along with a portion of Jefferson County. He serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Agriculture; Education; Judiciary; and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection. He is also a member of the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee and the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee. Reed is currently serving on the Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force during the Interim.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Sen. Reed, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/Pages/Legislator-Profile.aspx?DistrictNumber=107

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the 2025 Legislative Session, including committees, membership, legislation, and more.

Live legislative coverage is available at KET.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. 

Access archived footage of legislative meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.

KENTUCKY LEADERS CELEBRATE I-75 WIDENING IN LAUREL AND WHITLEY COUNTIES

Press event in London highlights next phase of six-lane expansion from Tennessee to Lexington, funded through federal highway dollars with state match secured by Sen. Storm, President Stivers, and fellow lawmakers

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 13, 2025) — State and local leaders gathered in London on Tuesday morning at Martins' Peterbilt to celebrate the next segment of the long-anticipated Interstate 75 widening between Laurel and Whitley counties.

Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, led the ceremonies and welcomed Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester; Senate Transportation Chair Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon; U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers’ chief of staff Karen Kelly; Rep. Ken Upchurch, R-Monticello; and county and municipal officials, along with dozens of business and organization leaders from across the region.

“The widening of I-75 between Whitley and Laurel counties is about far more than new pavement,” Storm said. “It’s a long-term investment in safety, economic growth and quality of life for the people of southern and southeastern Kentucky. When completed, this section will connect with the rest of our six-lane expansion to the Tennessee border, a wide-open gateway to new opportunities. 

The project will widen the interstate from mile point 24.0 in Whitley County to just north of the U.S. 25 East interchange in Corbin, improving a heavily traveled freight and tourism route. It is part of a larger effort to modernize the corridor from the Tennessee state line to Lexington.

Higdon noted the teamwork required to bring the project from a designed concept to the construction site.

“Projects like this don’t just happen,” he said. “They come from a long, thoughtful process, building a road plan, securing funding, and working closely with our federal, state, and local partners. Today is proof that collaboration works, and that investments like this will keep Kentucky moving forward.”

The project is funded entirely through Kentucky’s share of federal National Highway System formula dollars, which require a 20 percent state match. Lawmakers, led by Storm, Stivers, Higdon, and other members of the General Assembly, secured the state’s share during recent budget cycles to ensure construction of the project’s next section. An originally budgeted amount of $110 million allowed for each phase of the project, including right-of-way and utility work in 2024, with construction scheduled through 2029.

Stivers spoke to the broad benefits of strategic transportation investments.

“Fifty million dollars of payroll in Whitley and Laurel counties. What does that mean to this area?” he asked. “Highway workers are gonna buy cars, washers and dryers, eat at local restaurants, and fill up with gas. It’s gonna have an economic multiplier that this community hasn’t seen in a while. This ripples to multiple counties. Let’s think about the positive impacts coming together in a regional project and how it impacts everyone in nearly a 10-county area.”

Kelly, representing Congressman Rogers, shared his long-standing commitment to securing resources for southern and eastern Kentucky.

“It’s time to make American infrastructure the envy of the world, starting right here in rural Kentucky, right here in Laurel and Whitley counties, where our blue-collar workers, our truck drivers, and the hardest working Americans are fueling the economy across the country,” she said. “We celebrate today not just for a wider road, not just for more jobs, but for a stronger connection between communities, fostering progress and opportunity for generations to come.”

Upchurch, who serves as chair of the House Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation, emphasized the deliberate decisions by Kentucky lawmakers to invest in the I-75 widening project.

“This widening is about adding capacity for economic growth, tourism, safer travel, and building a stronger connection between our communities and the rest of the commonwealth,” he said. “We made a deliberate choice to invest in I-75 and did so not just because it’s a major transportation artery, but because we know what it means to this region. We put dollars behind our commitment, and today’s milestone proves we are seeing that commitment come to life.”

The widening will improve safety, ease congestion, and open the door to new economic opportunities in eastern and southern Kentucky.

In June, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet awarded a $147.6 million contract to complete the 5.9-mile segment. Chris Jones, Chief District Engineer for KYTC District 11, said the project has been a shared effort since 2020. It is the latest step in transforming I-75 into a continuous six-lane highway from the Tennessee line to Lexington.

Tuesday’s event celebrated the progress made and the partnerships that brought the project to this point. In recent budget cycles, Kentucky Senate and House supermajorities have prioritized infrastructure statewide, including a $450 million transfer from the budget reserve trust fund to support high-growth areas like London, as well as transformative investments in megaprojects like the Brent Spence Bridge in northern Kentucky, which, like the I-75 project, received significant federal support thanks to the commonwealth’s federal delegation.

When the I-75 widening from Lexington to the Tennessee border is complete—along with the new Brent Spence Bridge in Covington—Kentucky will have a fully modernized, high-capacity transportation artery stretching from the Ohio River to the Tennessee state line. This will strengthen the commonwealth’s role as a central corridor for commerce and travel.

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Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London, represents the 21st Senate District, including Casey, Laurel, Lincoln, and Rockcastle Counties. Before being named chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he served as vice chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, notably during the 2024-2026 budget cycle. 

Sen. Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, including Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties. As of January 1, Stivers has served as Kentucky Senate president for over a decade. He first assumed the position in 2013, succeeding former Senate President David Williams. As the Senate President, he is co-chair of the Legislative Research Commission. Stivers is also a member of the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary. 

Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including LaRue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. He serves as co-chair of the Interim Joint Committee on Transportation and the Public Pension Oversight Board. He also serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Education; Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and the Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation. He is a member of the Kentucky Housing Task Force.

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members, legislative committees, and additional resources.

Lawmakers returned to Frankfort on June 3 to start the 2025 Interim. During this period, committees will meet to study policy issues, review implementation of recently passed legislation, and begin evaluating proposals for the 2026 Regular Session, which begins Tuesday, January. 6.

The full 2025 Interim Calendar is available here. A weekly schedule with meeting times, topics, and agendas can be viewed at legislature.ky.gov/LegislativeCalendar.

Live coverage of interim legislative meetings is available at KET.org/legislature and on the LRC YouTube channel. 

You can follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky. For additional member information and press releases, visitKYSenateRepublicans.com.

PFC RODGER E. FIELDS REMAINS RETURNED TO KENTUCKY NEARLY 75 YEARS AFTER DEATH

PFC RODGER E. FIELDS REMAINS RETURNED

TO KENTUCKY NEARLY 75 YEARS AFTER DEATH

Sen. Brandon Smith’s early outreach helped connect eastern Kentuckians’ DNA submissions to the soldier's identification

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 13, 2025) — Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, is calling on Kentuckians to join in honoring United States Army Private First Class Rodger E. Fields of Busy, Ky., whose remains will be laid to rest nearly 75 years after he died at the age of 20 in service to the nation during the Korean War.

More than two decades ago, Smith made a public appeal for eastern Kentuckians to submit DNA samples to help identify the remains of American service members killed in past conflicts. That appeal led the Fields family to participate, and their submission ultimately confirmed the identity of PFC Fields.

“Probably 20 years ago, it was just a wild dream to match the unidentified remains of fallen soldiers to their homeplace in eastern Kentucky,” Smith said. “When the Fields family answered the call to send DNA swabs for potential matches, the chain of events began that would bring PFC Rodger Fields home. Yesterday was an emotional day as I accompanied the funeral procession to remember PFC Fields. It was an honor that I was proud to take part in. This repatriation brought not only PFC Fields's family together, but our community members too.”

A funeral procession accompanied Fields from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport on Tuesday. Smith and communities along the Mountain Parkway paid tribute.

Fields, born January 16, 1930, to the late Eligah and Nancy Fields, enlisted in the U.S. Army on Nov. 17, 1948, and served in D Company, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. On Dec. 2, 1950, he was reported missing in action during a major battle near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. Witness accounts later confirmed he had been killed in action on Dec. 1, 1950.

In January 1956, the Army determined his remains were non-recoverable, and he was memorialized at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. Through DNA and anthropological analysis, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency identified his remains and officially accounted for him on May 15, 2025.

A graveside service with full military honors will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday, August 14, at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Southeast in Hyden.

Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered flags at all state buildings lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on August 14 in honor of PFC Fields. All individuals, businesses, organizations, and government agencies are asked to join in the tribute.

“Our respect is the very least we can do for his ultimate sacrifice,” Smith said. “I encourage everyone who can participate in Thursday’s procession or service, or to pause and reflect in their own way. This is a rare and solemn opportunity to welcome home a hero who gave everything for our country.”

Fields is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family across Kentucky and the United States.

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Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, represents the 30th Senate District, which includes Breathitt, Estill, Lee, Leslie, Magoffin, Morgan, Perry, Powell, and Wolfe Counties. He serves as co-chair of the Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. He also serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Banking and Insurance; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and Transportation. Smith is a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Protection. In 2024, he served on the Artificial Intelligence Task Force. Additionally, he is a member of the Blockchain Working Group and the Housing Policy Advisory Committee.

SEN. BRANDON SMITH ON DEVELOPMENTS SURROUNDING THE JAYDEN SPICER CASE

SEN. BRANDON SMITH ON DEVELOPMENTS SURROUNDING THE JAYDEN SPICER CASE

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 12, 2025)Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, released the following statement regarding the discovery of 10-year-old Jayden Spicer of Breathitt County.

“Tonight, our hearts are heavy as we grieve the loss of young Jayden Spicer. My deepest prayers are with all who loved Jayden and with our communities that came together in hope, now united in sorrow. While few details are available regarding this innocent child’s death, we will be committed to ensuring he receives justice if the facts demand it. My prayers and support are with KSP Post 13 and those who will oversee this investigation and prosecution.

“Over the past week, I witnessed firsthand the outpouring of compassion from volunteers, neighbors, and total strangers who stepped forward to search for Jayden. That spirit of service and love will echo long after today and into heaven, serving as a powerful reminder of what it means to stand together in times of trial.

“As Jayden now rests in the arms of our Lord and Savior, may we hold close the example of unity and care shown by so many. Let us continue to lift one another in prayer, and may the peace of God’s love bring comfort to every heart that is broken.”

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Find a news conference including Trooper Gayheart of Kentucky State Police Post 13 by clicking here.

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Sen. Brandon Smith resides in Hazard, Ky. He represents the state's largest and most rural state Senate district, which includes Breathitt, Estill, Lee, Leslie, Magoffin, Morgan, Perry, Powell, and Wolfe Counties.

STIVERS: $2 BILLION LOUISVILLE INVESTMENT SHOWS KENTUCKY REAPING THE REWARDS OF GOOD POLICY

STIVERS: $2 BILLION LOUISVILLE INVESTMENT SHOWS KENTUCKY REAPING THE REWARDS OF GOOD POLICY

Pro-growth policies and an all-of-the-above energy strategy are driving transformative investments, securing Kentucky’s place in powering America’s future

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 11, 2025) — The following is a statement from Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, regarding Ford Motor Company’s announcement of a $2 billion investment at its Louisville Assembly Plant to produce a new mid-size electric pickup truck and secure thousands of Kentucky jobs.

“We’re excited and appreciate this investment by Ford. The company's commitment to Louisville is more than an investment in a plant. It is an investment in our state’s economic engine and in Kentucky’s future. 

“This announcement, along with transformative projects in Harrodsburg and Paducah, proves our commonwealth is competing and winning on a national and global stage. These aren't isolated events. After nearly a decade of record growth, we know this is no coincidence, but just the next step. Good policy is like good farming. You prepare the field, plant with care, nurture, and in due time, reap a harvest.

"Whether it's maintaining the strength of our baseload power fleet, advancing nuclear innovation in Paducah, or producing Ford’s next generation of innovative designs, these investments are the direct result of a conducive climate that the General Assembly's supermajorities have worked hard to create. In collaboration with federal policy reforms that make them possible, it's a climate that rewards innovation, attracts industry, and empowers our workforce.

“The message to the world is clear: Kentucky is open for business, and we'll continue to power our nation into the future.”

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BACKGROUND

According to a release by Ford Motor Company on Monday, the company is investing approximately $5 billion across two facilities: nearly $2 billion at the Louisville Assembly Plant in Kentucky and $3 billion at BlueOval Battery Park in Michigan. The investment will launch Ford’s new Universal EV Platform and Universal EV Production System. The Louisville project will assemble an all-new mid-size, four-door electric pickup truck, the first vehicle to use the new platform. With a targeted starting price of about $30,000, production is scheduled to begin in 2027. Ford stated that the Louisville investment will secure 2,200 hourly jobs. Combined with the Michigan investment, it will create or secure nearly 4,000 direct jobs.

The Louisville Assembly Plant will expand by 52,000 square feet to improve material flow and receive major digital infrastructure upgrades to create the fastest network with the most quality-control scan access points of any Ford plant worldwide. The new “assembly tree” process, in which three sub-assemblies are built in parallel and then joined, is designed to improve ergonomics, reduce parts, and accelerate production by up to 40 percent compared to current Louisville models.

This investment comes amid a series of major economic wins for Kentucky. In Harrodsburg, Apple recently announced a $2.5 billion advanced manufacturing project. In Paducah, General Matter has committed $1.5 billion to construct a uranium enrichment facility, alongside the U.S. Department of Energy’s designation of the city as a strategic site for AI and clean-energy infrastructure. 

This string of announcements reflects Kentucky’s growing role as a destination for high-value, high-wage industries. Over the past decade, the Kentucky General Assembly has advanced pro-growth policies, strengthened workforce training, and implemented targeted incentives, creating the environment that makes these game-changing investments possible.

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Sen. Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, including Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties. As of January 1, Stivers has served as Kentucky Senate president for over a decade. He first assumed the position in 2013, succeeding former Senate President David Williams. As the Senate President, he is co-chair of the Legislative Research Commission. Stivers is also a member of the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary. 

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members, legislative committees, and additional resources.

Lawmakers returned to Frankfort on June 3 to start the 2025 Interim. During this period, committees will meet to study policy issues, review implementation of recently passed legislation, and begin evaluating proposals for the 2026 Regular Session, which begins Tuesday, January. 6.

The full 2025 Interim Calendar is available here. A weekly schedule with meeting times, topics, and agendas can be viewed at legislature.ky.gov/LegislativeCalendar.

Live coverage of interim legislative meetings is available at KET.org/legislature and on the LRC YouTube channel.

You can follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky. For additional member information and press releases, visitKYSenateRepublicans.com.

SEN. BRANDON STORM RECOGNIZED AS ‘MAN OF THE YEAR’ IN LAUREL COUNTY

SEN. BRANDON STORM RECOGNIZED AS 

‘MAN OF THE YEAR’ IN LAUREL COUNTY

Senator recognized for his legislative leadership, community service, and work on legacy projects to strengthen Laurel County’s economy, infrastructure, and future

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 11, 2025) – The Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus proudly congratulates Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, and its Senate Judiciary Chair, on being named Man of the Year at the 90th Annual Laurel County Homecoming Honorees Reception. As reported by the Sentinel Echo in London, Kentucky, the honor recognizes Storm’s long-standing dedication to public service, his leadership in the Senate, and his tireless advocacy for the people of Laurel County and the commonwealth.

Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, praised Storm’s contributions, noting his strong voice within the caucus and his focus on delivering meaningful results with the state’s judicial system and on behalf of Kentucky families.

“Brandon is a tremendous asset to the Senate Majority Caucus and the people of Kentucky,” Stivers said. “His work ethic, integrity, and commitment to his constituents reflect the best of public service. From advancing legacy infrastructure projects to securing vital resources for eastern Kentucky, his leadership has made a lasting difference. This recognition is well-deserved.”

Since his election to the Senate, Storm has championed economic growth initiatives, supported disaster relief efforts, and fought for infrastructure improvements that will benefit generations to come. His role in bringing jobs and investment to the region has strengthened the local economy while preserving the character and traditions of Laurel County.

“I’m deeply honored to be named Man of the Year, but I know this recognition is as much about the people and partnerships that make our community strong as it is about me,” Storm said in accepting the award. “From Judy Nicholson’s compassion and leadership, to Delford McKnight’s decades of dedication, to the generosity of Terry Martin, Dylan and Kristian Carpenter, and so many others, we’re truly blessed with neighbors who step up when it matters most. I am proud to serve Laurel County and to work alongside so many who inspire me every day.”

The Man of the Year award is presented annually by the Laurel County Homecoming Committee to individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to the community.

For more information on Storm’s work in the General Assembly, visit legislature.ky.gov.

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Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London, represents the 21st Senate District, including Casey, Laurel, Lincoln, and Rockcastle Counties. He serves as co-chair of the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary and as non-voting co-chair of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Council. Storm is co-chair of the 2025 Air Mobility and Aviation Economic Development Task Force. He also serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Banking and Insurance, and Transportation. Additionally, he is a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary. In 2024, he served on the Artificial Intelligence Task Force.

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members, legislative committees, and additional resources.

Lawmakers returned to Frankfort in June to start the 2025 Interim. During this period, committees will meet to study policy issues, review implementation of recently passed legislation, and begin evaluating proposals for the 2026 Regular Session, which begins Tuesday, January. 6.

The full 2025 Interim Calendar is available here. A weekly schedule with meeting times, topics, and agendas can be viewed at legislature.ky.gov/LegislativeCalendar.

Live coverage of interim legislative meetings is available at KET.org/legislature and on the LRC YouTube channel. 

You can follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky. For additional member information and press releases, visitKYSenateRepublicans.com.