REAL ID DEADLINE NEARS: HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

April 11, 2025

Kentuckians, it’s time for a reminder about the upcoming REAL ID deadline on May 7. This deadline has been talked about for years, but is finally nearing. As Senate Transportation chair, I’ve been involved in this process. I know it’s not been enjoyable for many people. Working with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Secretary Jim Gray, I know how important information is on this topic and driver's licensing services. So, before the deadline, I’m sharing helpful information you might consider.

If you plan to board a domestic flight, visit a U.S. military base, or enter certain federal facilities after May 7, you’ll need a federally accepted form of ID. The good news is you have options. A REAL ID is not required for everyone.

If you do not plan to fly commercially, enter a military installation like Fort Knox, or visit certain federal buildings such as the White House, you do not need a REAL ID. This federal—not state—requirement originated from national security efforts following 9/11. You do not need a REAL ID to access Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, enter a Social Security office, or visit a federal courthouse.

Many assume they must get a REAL ID driver’s license to comply with the federal rule, but that’s not the only way to meet the requirement. In fact, there are alternatives—such as a military ID or a regular U.S. passport—that already meet federal standards. For example, Military retirees who visit Fort Knox have a military ID, which serves as a REAL ID.

One lesser-known option is the passport card, which can be a great solution depending on your needs. I want to thank Sen. Lindsey Tichenor for recently sharing this information.

If you’re considering what works best for you, here’s a breakdown of what each ID option offers:

1. Passport card

Cost: $65 for first-time applicants, $30 for renewals
Validity: 10 years for adults, five years for minors
Perks: Also valid for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean
Where to get it: Available through many local post offices (ask yours first).

Note: A full U.S. Passport book is also REAL ID compliant and valid for international air travel. Nearly 30 percent of Kentuckians already have a passport.

2. Standard driver’s license/ID card (The one many of us already have)

Cost: $21.50 (four years) or $43 (eight years)
Validity: four or eight years
Limitations: Not REAL ID compliant—so after May 7, it can’t be used to board a domestic flight or enter restricted federal facilities
Still valid for everyday use in Kentucky

3. REAL ID driver’s license/ID card (The new federal standard)

Cost: $24 (four years) or $48 (eight years)
Validity: four or eight years
Where to get it: Regional driver’s licensing facilities (appointments may be required)

Many of you have contacted me about the inconvenience of renewing a driver’s license these days. The process has frustrated many between the new vision testing requirement and long wait times. That’s why I want to ensure everyone knows a passport or passport card is a valid alternative to a REAL ID for flying within the U.S.—and it can be easier to get in some cases.

If you don’t travel internationally but still need an ID that works at airports, a passport card could be the best solution. It’s affordable, lasts a decade, and doesn’t require a trip to a driver’s licensing office.

How to get a passport card or passport

Renewing? You can apply online at travel.state.gov
First time? Visit a local post office with:

proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport)
A government-issued photo ID
A completed DS-11 application form

I’ve always believed in keeping Kentuckians informed, especially about important deadlines and decisions that impact everyday life. With May 7 approaching, now is the time to review your options and pick the ID that makes the most sense for your travel and budget needs. Whether you choose a REAL ID, a passport card, or stick with a standard driver’s license, the goal is to make sure you’re prepared. If you have questions, visit drive.ky.gov for more details on REAL ID or travel.state.gov for passport card information.

Kentuckians like to be prepared—so let’s get ahead of this deadline.

Just to remind you, you can still renew online or by mail. Legislation passed during this session to help with the backlog at regional driver’s licensing offices. One of the most promising is a new law, taking effect in late June, that allows qualified third parties, such as AAA, to help with license renewals.

The federal government may push the compliance deadline back again. However, we should all operate as if the May 7 deadline will hold.

SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS APPLAUDS PRESIDENT TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDER

April 11, 2025

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 8, 2025)—The following is a statement from Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, regarding President Donald Trump’s executive order on Unleashing American Energy.

“America's energy demands are only increasing. I'm encouraged by President Donald Trump's executive order to expedite and streamline the permitting and processing of coal-fired plants in Kentucky once again.

“The incentive package now in place will allow Kentucky to take full advantage of an all-of-the-above energy approach once again, and provide for Kentucky's growing energy demands right here in the commonwealth. Kentucky is uniquely positioned to rejuvenate and refurbish our existing coal-fired plants, and get them operational quickly for maximum output.

“This is a ray of hope for our existing coal-fired plants, the eastern and western Kentucky minefields and the hard-working Kentuckians seeking a second chance at coal for their livelihood.

“I'm pleased President Trump invited me to participate in this significant announcement and change in policy. I'm excited about the potential to expand Kentucky's energy production and become a more aggressive energy exporter to states with even greater demand."

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Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, which includes 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 Senate President, Stivers chairs the Senate Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee and is co-chair of the Legislative Research Commission. He is also a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of President Stivers, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate125.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.

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.

SEN. MATT DENEEN PROVIDES FLOODING UPDATE FROM HARDIN COUNTY

April 11, 2025

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 6, 2025) – In response to widespread flooding across Hardin County, Sen. Matt Deneen issued an update Sunday afternoon after spending the past two days coordinating with local officials, mayors, and emergency response personnel. Deneen has described conditions in parts of the county as “ground zero,” pointing to extensive flooding in Colesburg, White Mills, and West Point.

“White Mills is underwater, Colesburg has been breached, farmland is flooded, and West Point is on high alert,” Deneen said. “This is one of the worst flooding events I’ve seen in our region, and I dare say it is a once-in-a-generation situation here in Hardin County. I’m incredibly grateful to our first responders who have stepped up in every direction. Their work has already saved lives, but the most effective way to save lives is for everyone to make smart and cautious decisions as floodwaters remain high.”

Deneen has been actively monitoring the evolving situation and is scheduled to meet with the Hardin County Emergency Management Director as tri-county response efforts continue. Emergency crews have responded to multiple water rescues recently, involving drivers who attempted to bypass barricades and drive through flooded roads.

“The biggest message we need to get out right now is simple: turn around, don’t drown,” Deneen said. “One foot of moving water can carry a vehicle off the road. We’ve had too many close calls because folks underestimated the danger. Check on your family, friends, and neighbors and tell them the travel risk right now is not worth it.”

At one point during the peak of the rainfall, floodwaters reached both emergency lanes of Interstate 65, a critical transportation corridor for the region. In addition to the structural damage, local governments have exhausted their supply of barricades and signage, prompting requests for additional resources to keep roads safely marked. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is helping with this.

As of the most recent update, the following roads remain closed in Hardin County due to high water.

· Akers School Road

· Amish Road

· Bacon Creek Road

· Boone Road

· Buckles Road

· Cave Road

· Cecilia Smith Mill Road

· Constantine Road

· Gaither Station Road

· Hall Road

· Horseshoe Bend Road

· Methodist Street

· Miller Road

· Nolin Road

· Payne Road

· South Black Branch Road

· Thomas Road

· Tunnel Hill Road

· Upper Colesburg Road

· Valley Creek Lane

· Webb Mill Road

· Wimp Lane

Residents are strongly urged to monitor updates through official sources.

· Hardin County Government: www.hardincountyky.gov

· Elizabethtown City Government: City Facebook Page

· National Weather Service Flood Safety Tips: weather.gov/safety/flood

Deneen pledged to remain in close communication with local officials as damage assessments continue and additional support is requested from state and federal agencies.

“This is when neighbors help neighbors,” he added. “We’ve been through tough times before, and we’ll get through this—but everyone needs to stay alert and safe.”

Media interested in connecting with Sen. Matt Deneen for updates from Hardin County should contact Dustin Isaacs at 502-682-2591.

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Sen. Matt Deneen, R-Elizabethtown, represents the 10th Senate District, including Hardin County and part of Jefferson County. Deneen serves as chair of the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee and co-chairs the Education Assessment and Accountability Review Committee. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Families and Children, and Judiciary. Additionally, Deneen serves on the 2024-26 Budget Preparation and Submission Committee.

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

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

SENATOR MAX WISE RIPS GOVERNOR’S VETO OF SCHOOL SAFETY PROVISION

April 11, 2025

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 4, 2025)—The following is a statement from Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, following Governor Andy Beshear's line-item veto of a school safety provision in House Bill (HB) 622 on Thursday.

“Governor Beshear’s line-item veto sends an unmistakable and deeply disturbing message to families across the commonwealth: If your child attends a private school, their safety matters less. As the primary sponsor of the 2019 School Safety and Resiliency Act, I’ve spent years working so that every Kentucky student, teacher, and staff member—regardless of ZIP code, income level, or school type—is protected from the threats facing our world today. The Governor’s decision doesn’t just fly in the face of a bipartisan mission—it politicizes it.

“It is especially appalling given that Governor Beshear once personally chose private education over public before conveniently shifting course when it became politically advantageous. That hypocrisy is now laid bare. In his commitment to appeasing special interests and institutions, he has vetoed funding that would go not to private schools, but to law enforcement—to put trained school resource officers in buildings where Kentucky children learn, grow, and deserve to feel safe.

“With the stroke of a pen, the Governor has chosen to punish Kentucky families for making a decision that was right for them. Mind you, these are parents who pay local taxes for services like public school operations, fire protection, and law enforcement. At a time when we should be standing together to protect every student, regardless of where they sit in the classroom, the Governor has once again chosen politics over people.

“The Kentucky General Assembly will not be silent in the face of this reckless decision. And I’ll say it clearly: the safety of all Kentucky kids is not negotiable.”

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BACKGROUND

HB 622 included a comprehensive investment in school safety, which directed tens of millions of dollars toward the hiring and reimbursing of school resource officers (SROs) for public and private schools across Kentucky.

Private (Nonpublic) Schools (VETOED): The bill would have allowed the Kentucky Department of Education to assist private schools in paying for school resource officers (SROs) by providing up to $20,000 directly to local law enforcement agencies or the Kentucky State Police for each full-time certified officer. The private school would have needed an agreement with law enforcement to provide SRO services to qualify. Up to $5 million per year could have been used from state surplus or reserve funds to support this effort, and private schools would have been charged the same rate for officer services as public schools, based on 2025 rates.

Public Schools (Section 16a): HB 622 provides $34.5 million over two years to help public school districts cover the cost of hiring full-time school resource officers (SROs). Districts can receive up to $20,000 per officer, with priority given to ensuring one SRO per campus before any additional support is offered.

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Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, represents the 16th Senate District, including Adair, Allen, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Taylor Counties and eastern Warren County. Wise serves as Senate majority floor leader. He is a member of the Senate Committees on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor; Education; and Families and Children. As part of Senate leadership, Wise also serves on the Legislative Research Commission, the Rules Committee, and the Committee on Committees. He co-chaired the Workforce Attraction and Retention Task Force during the 2024 Interim.

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

MOST 2025 LEGISLATION TO TAKE EFFECT JUNE 27

April 2, 2025

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 2, 2025)—Legislation passed during the 2025 Regular Session will become law on Friday, June 27.

This date, confirmed in a formal opinion issued by Attorney General Russell Coleman on Tuesday, aligns with Section 55 of the Kentucky Constitution, which states that bills—aside from general appropriations and those deemed emergencies—take effect 90 full days after the legislature adjourns.

“With the drop of the gavel on Friday, the General Assembly fulfilled its constitutional duty as the policymaking branch of government. It now falls to the Governor and his administration to faithfully execute the laws we’ve enacted,” Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, said. “Unfortunately, the Governor has made a habit of dodging that responsibility. Lacking meaningful policy accomplishments, he routinely invents excuses to avoid carrying out laws he disagrees with. If he continues to operate outside his constitutional role, the legislature stands ready to respond—using the full authority of our power of the purse when we return on Jan. 6, 2026.”

The 2025 Regular Session adjourned sine die on March 28, making March 29 the first day of the 90 days. The 90th day falls on Thursday, June 26, and the laws will officially take effect the following day.

This standard constitutional timeline applies to the majority of legislation passed during a regular session unless

· the bill includes an emergency clause, in which case it becomes law immediately upon the Governor’s signature, or

· the bill specifies a delayed effective date written directly into the legislation.

Kentuckians are encouraged to visit the General Assembly’s website at legislature.ky.gov to read full bill texts, track effective dates, and review legislative actions from the 2025 session.

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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.

SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS CELEBRATES APPROVAL OF $100 MILLION AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY FOR FLOOD RELIEF

April 2, 2025

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 31, 2025)—The following is a statement from Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, regarding final passage of House Bill (HB) 544:

"This effort is about delivering real help, not just passing legislation. When crises hit, families and local businesses can’t afford to be stuck in a web of delays. That’s why I was determined to drive making these funds available immediately, so eastern Kentucky gets the support it needs without unnecessary obstacles. Our region has had more than its fair share of adversity, and this measure reinforces our dedication to rebuilding more quickly and with full transparency.

"My focus remains on ensuring needed resources–$100 million–are made available to the communities counting on us. I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Senate and the House for coming together to make this happen."

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HB 544, now law, significantly expands and consolidates disaster relief funding mechanisms by creating the State Aid Funding for Emergencies (SAFE 4860) fund—named after the federal disaster declaration code for recent flooding in Kentucky. The bill doubles the overall funding cap from $50 million annually to $100 million over two years, giving the Governor immediate access to $100 million to deploy emergency relief.

Existing balances in the Eastern Kentucky SAFE and Western Kentucky SAFE funds—about $45 million—may now be transferred into the new SAFE 4860 fund. The legislation also outlines specific eligible uses, introduces accountability measures such as reporting from the state budget director and the Department of Education, and allows some funds to be structured as repayable, depending on their use.

The bill was signed into law Monday and took effect immediately.

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Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, which includes 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 Senate President, Stivers chairs the Senate Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee and is co-chair of the Legislative Research Commission. He is also a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of President Stivers, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate125.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.

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.

SENATE STRENGTHENS FLOOD RELIEF BILL, MAKES $100 MILLION AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY FOR DISASTER FUNDING

April 2, 2025

FRANKFORT, KY (March 31, 2025)—The Senate strengthened House Bill (HB) 544 in the closing days of the 2025 Legislative Session, thanks to strong leadership from eastern Kentucky delegates. Key lawmakers — Sen. Phillip Wheeler of Pikeville, Sen. Brandon Smith of Hazard, Sen. Scott Madon of Pineville and Senate President Robert Stivers of Manchester — represent counties designated for individual assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The bill provides greater financial support for communities recovering from recent flooding.

HB 544 establishes the State Aid Funding for Emergencies (SAFE) 4860 fund, providing direct financial assistance for disaster relief. The existing $45 million in the EKSAFE and WKSAFE funds is authorized to be transferred to the new fund, which is named after the federal disaster declaration code 4860.

In its original form from the House, the bill set clear eligibility criteria, specified allowable expenses, and, in some instances, required repayment to maintain accountability. It also required detailed reporting by the state budget director and the Department of Education to ensure transparency in how funds are used.

Thanks to Senate-led improvements, the bill doubles the available funding cap from $50 million to $100 million, which provides the executive branch immediate access to those funds. If additional funding is necessary, the General Assembly gavels back into session on Jan. 6, 2026, or is available at the call of a special session.

“With this bill, we’re making sure communities in crisis get the help they need—faster and with greater certainty,” said Senate Budget Chair Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights. “The Senate took a strong bill and made it even stronger, doubling the immediate resources available for flood recovery and future disasters. This is responsible governance, ensuring relief gets to where it’s needed while maintaining accountability. I want to give kudos to my colleagues from impacted areas for being so involved in this process.”

The governor signed HB 544 on Monday. It takes effect immediately, expediting support for counties hardest hit by flooding.

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

SENATOR BRANDON SMITH CELEBRATES SENATE’S DOUBLING OF FLOOD RELIEF PACKAGE IN CLOSING DAYS OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION

April 2, 2025

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 31, 2025)—The following is a statement from Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, regarding final passage of House Bill (HB) 544:

"This is more than just a policy win—it’s a lifeline. Floodwaters don’t wait on red tape, and now, neither does our response. I was proud to help push forward a solution, immediately opening the door to more relief for eastern Kentucky. Our communities have been tested repeatedly, but this bill reflects our resolve to rebuild stronger and faster, and with greater accountability to the people we serve.

“I’m going to remain an advocate for our people, and you can bet I’ll be keeping a close watch to make sure this funding reaches the communities that need it so desperately. I thank my colleagues for getting this final package over the finish line.”

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HB 544, now law, significantly expands and consolidates disaster relief funding mechanisms by creating the State Aid Funding for Emergencies (SAFE 4860) fund—named after the federal disaster declaration code for recent flooding in Kentucky. The bill doubles the overall funding cap from $50 million annually to $100 million over two years, giving the Governor immediate access to $100 million to deploy emergency relief.

Existing balances in the Eastern Kentucky SAFE and Western Kentucky SAFE funds—about $45 million—may now be transferred into the new SAFE 4860 fund. The legislation also outlines specific eligible uses, introduces accountability measures such as reporting from the state budget director and the Department of Education, and allows some funds to be structured as repayable, depending on their use.

The bill was signed into law Monday and took effect immediately.

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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. Smith serves as chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Transportation; Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection; and Banking and Insurance. Additionally, Smith serves on the Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, Natural Resources, and Environmental Protection. During the 2024 interim, he was a member of the Artificial Intelligence Task Force.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Sen. Smith, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate130.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.

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.

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.

HIGDON’S BILL PROMOTING FAIRNESS AND FINANCIAL STABILITY IN TEACHER PENSIONS GAINS FINAL PASSAGE

April 1, 2025

FRANKFORT, KY (March 28, 2025)—The Kentucky General Assembly has approved Senate Bill (SB) 9, sponsored by Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon. The bill aims to address rising costs in the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), standardize benefits across school districts, and improve transparency in how sick leave impacts pensions. It establishes uniform maternity leave policies, modifies pension calculations for sick leave, and increases accountability in TRS operations.

Under the legislation, and through a Senate amendment offered by Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, all school districts must provide up to 30 days of paid maternity leave annually by 2030. Teachers and employees who give birth will be required to use this leave before drawing from other accrued time off, and any unused maternity leave will not convert to sick leave or other leave types.

SB 9 also limits the amount of sick leave that can be counted toward pension calculations to 13 days per year—10 sick days and three personal days—while preserving previously accrued benefits. The state will cover actuarial costs for sick leave accrued as of June 30, 2025, plus up to 13 days accrued annually thereafter. If a district offers additional sick leave beyond this threshold, it must cover the pension liability itself, rather than passing the cost onto the state.

One key issue addressed in SB 9 is the disparity in how sick leave and retirement benefits are structured for teachers compared to school administrators. While teachers can only bank 10 sick days per year, some administrators hired before 2008 can accrue up to 60 days of annual leave, which is fully paid out at retirement—far more generous than the 30 percent payout teachers receive for unused sick leave. This creates a system where higher-level administrators accumulate significantly larger retirement benefits at a more significant cost to the state, despite teachers being the backbone of daily classroom instruction.

To increase transparency and oversight, TRS will be required to report sick leave liabilities in its annual actuarial valuations, and school district sick leave policies will be subject to audits. The bill also grants the Auditor of Public Accounts authority to conduct a special audit of TRS to determine the actual state costs associated with pension solvency.

Additionally, SB 9 improves oversight of the Teachers’ Retirement System by increasing transparency and tightening financial safeguards. It allows TRS to create a separate company to manage real estate investments, allowing more efficient handling of those assets. The bill also clarifies that certain investment agreements may be governed by laws outside Kentucky, which is common in large financial transactions.

Through revisions included by the House, the bill also expands TRS membership to include employees of WeLeadCS, a program that supports computer science education in Kentucky schools. It strengthens protections for retired teachers by making sure pension rules are applied fairly. If someone is convicted of a felony related to their job, they will no longer earn interest on their retirement account after the conviction. The bill also improves the appeals process for disability benefits, giving members and their attorneys full access to all documents used in TRS’ decision-making.

SB 9 further safeguards pension funds by making it easier to correct mistakes that could lead to pension overpayments or underpayments. Finally, it repeals an outdated law governing how past benefits were funded to ensure TRS operates under clearer, more modern regulations.

The legislation follows a review by the Public Pension Oversight Board, which found TRS’ sick leave liability exceeds $800 million, more than double previous estimates. Since 2017, the General Assembly has allocated $6.3 billion in additional TRS funding beyond statutory requirements, improving pension stability under Republican supermajority leadership.

With the Senate’s concurrence on House revisions, SB 9 has been delivered to the Governor for consideration. If the governor vetoes it, it will not qualify for a legislative override.

“I would like to believe the Governor will recognize the commonsense nature of this bill and how it plays a role in ensuring our teachers are treated the same way as administrators,” Higdon said. “We have to be serious about making sure our current teachers can trust they have the pension promised to them once they retire, and this bill is a piece of that puzzle. A veto of SB 9 would be very disappointing.”

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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 2025 Legislative Session, including committees, membership, legislation, and more.

SB 181 PASSES GENERAL ASSEMBLY HEADS TO GOVERNOR’S DESK AS ANOTHER MEASURE TO PROTECT KENTUCKY’S CHILDREN

April 1, 2025

FRANKFORT, KY (March 28, 2025)—Senate Bill 181 (SB 181), sponsored by Senator Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, has officially cleared both the Kentucky House and Senate unanimously, marking another major step in the legislature’s ongoing efforts to safeguard children across the commonwealth. The bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for final approval.

SB 181 establishes clear guidelines for electronic communication between school district employees, volunteers, and students, ensuring parental oversight and preventing unauthorized communication that could pose risks to student safety. The legislation enhances transparency, accountability, and safeguards against misconduct while reinforcing Kentucky’s commitment to protecting minors.

This bill is also about protecting the integrity of education, ensuring that communication in educational settings remains professional, secure, and conducive to a safe learning environment.

“This legislation is about putting our children first and ensuring they are protected from inappropriate or unauthorized communication,” said Tichenor. “SB 181 strengthens parental involvement, sets clear expectations for school-related communication, and ensures accountability for those entrusted with our students' well-being.”

Under SB 181, key definitions are established to clarify the roles and responsibilities of parents, school district employees, and volunteers, as well as to define what constitutes a traceable communication system and unauthorized electronic communication. The bill also mandates the use of a designated traceable communication system, which tracks all school-related communication and allows parental access.

To ensure proper oversight, each local board of education is required to designate an official traceable electronic communication system for all school-related messaging. Parents must be notified within the first ten days of the school year about this system and provided with instructions on how to access it. School employees and volunteers are strictly prohibited from using personal email, text messaging, or social media to communicate with students unless prior written parental consent is given.

By increasing transparency and accountability in student-staff communication, SB 181 strengthens parental involvement and ensures that clear consequences are in place for unauthorized contact. The legislation prioritizes student safety while also maintaining confidentiality and a structured process for handling sensitive complaints.

With final approval from the Governor, SB 181 will officially become law, reinforcing the General Assembly's commitment to protecting our most precious resource—our children.

For further updates on SB 181 and other legislative initiatives, visit Legislature.ky.gov.

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Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, represents the 6th Senate District, including Oldham and Trimble Counties and part of Jefferson County. Tichenor serves as vice chair of the Senate Education Committee. She is a member of the Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity statutory committee. She is also a member of the Senate Committees on Health Services; State and Local Government; and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection. Additionally, Tichenor serves as a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Health and Family Services and as a member of the Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee.

For a high-resolution JPEG file of Tichenor please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate106.jpg

SENATE OVERRIDES GOVERNOR’S VETOES IN FINAL STRETCH OF SESSION

March 28, 2025

FRANKFORT, KY (March 27, 2025)—The Kentucky Senate has once again voted to override Gov. Andy Beshear's vetoes, continuing a trend that has surpassed 100 veto overrides during his time in office. The measures at the center of the overrides aim to reduce bureaucratic overreach, enhance government transparency, and reassert constitutional checks and balances.

The vetoed Senate bills (SB) address various policy priorities—from education and economic development to regulatory oversight and judicial independence. Each bill was overridden with the support of Republican supermajorities in both legislative chambers.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise Reacts

“In overriding these vetoes, the legislature continues its strong precedent of upholding Kentucky’s values—values the executive branch increasingly contradicts.

“What’s most concerning in the Governor’s veto messages is the pattern of laying the groundwork to later ignore his constitutional duty to faithfully execute laws duly enacted by the legislature.

“As we near the end of the 2025 Session and head into the interim, when many of these new laws will take effect, Kentuckians and the press should remain alert. This administration’s selective enforcement and contradictory positions have become as routine as our overriding of his misguided and misleading vetoes.

“Kentucky deserves an executive branch that respects its constitutional responsibilities above the Governor’s political ambitions.”

The following are summaries of SB vetoes overridden by the legislature on Thursday, along with rebuttals to the Governor's veto messages.

SB 19

Sponsor: Sen. Rick Girdler, R-Somerset

SB 19 allows Kentucky students to quietly reflect, pray, or meditate at the start of each public school day. It also outlines a framework for local school boards to approve off-campus moral instruction, with transparency and safety requirements.

Senate Rebuttal: The Governor’s veto overlooks the legislation’s practical and constitutional design. A brief, seated silence allows students to reflect or pray privately without drawing attention to personal beliefs. Beshear objected to the requirement that students be seated, arguing it could conflict with religious practices. However, SB 19 is neutral in language and intent. No major religion universally mandates standing prayer or prohibits seated prayer. Additionally, despite the Governor’s concerns, the Senate believes in the ability of Kentucky’s teachers to oversee this maximum two minutes of silence. The Governor also expressed confusion over the term “moral instruction,” a concern the Senate believes most Kentuckians do not share.

SB 25

Sponsor: Sen. Robby Mills, R-Henderson

This comprehensive accountability package creates a Medicaid Oversight Board, defines the role of the Commonwealth Office of the Ombudsman, improves transparency in government technology, and adds safeguards to child welfare oversight.

Senate Rebuttal: The Governor’s line-item vetoes targeting the Ombudsman and Auditor reflect reluctance toward independent oversight and disregard for legislative authority. SB 25 clarifies and strengthens the roles of these offices, ensuring they have access to necessary records and operate with greater transparency. Section 91 of the Kentucky Constitution affirms that the duties of constitutional officers, including the Auditor, are prescribed by law—Beshear’s veto attempts to bypass that authority. The bill also included a $750,000 appropriation for an independent audit of the Kentucky Communications Network Authority, which oversees the KentuckyWired broadband project. Beshear vetoed the funding, calling it a misuse of the Budget Reserve Trust Fund. Yet the audit aims to provide long-overdue transparency into a project that has ballooned to over $1.5 billion and will cost the state nearly $211 million in bond obligations by fiscal year 2025–26. The Senate did concur with one element of Beshear’s veto: logistical clarification regarding delivery of legislation during State Capitol renovations. The legislature sought guidance from the executive branch weeks earlier, but no response was provided until the Governor’s veto message.

SB 28

Sponsor: Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray

SB 28 creates a new fund and board to support innovative agriculture projects and rural job growth. It reorganizes the Department of Agriculture to prioritize rural health and economic opportunity. The law takes effect immediately under an emergency clause.

Senate Rebuttal: The Governor’s veto reflects ongoing resistance to collaborative efforts in rural development. The bill encourages cooperation between the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Agriculture Commissioner without violating confidentiality or the Constitution. Framing this coordination as a constitutional crisis suggests a desire to protect executive turf at the expense of rural progress.

SB 65

Sponsor: Sen. Steve West, R-Paris, and co-chair of the Administrative Regulations and Review Subcommittee

SB 65 nullifies certain administrative regulations related to Medicaid services after legislative review committees find them deficient. The bill includes an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

Senate Rebuttal: The Governor’s veto represents an annual pattern of resisting legislative oversight. SB 65 operates fully within the General Assembly’s authority, targeting regulations that failed to meet established standards. Rather than violating the Constitution, the bill reinforces accountability, ensuring that executive agencies cannot implement deficient policies without legislative consent. This bill has been passed annually and has never been challenged by the courts.

SB 84

Sponsor: Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington

This bill requires Kentucky courts to interpret laws independently of agency interpretations by adopting a de novo standard of review. It reflects the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine.

Senate Rebuttal: SB 84 aligns Kentucky with a national legal shift that reaffirms the judiciary’s role in interpreting statutes. The bill does not weaken governance—it strengthens separation of powers by removing undue deference to regulatory agencies and restoring courts’ neutrality in legal interpretation.

SB 89

Sponsor: Sen. Scott Madon, R-Pineville

SB 89 updates legal definitions of “waters of the Commonwealth” to be consistent with federal law and protects springs, sinkholes, and wellhead areas. It also codifies post-mining water treatment bonding requirements.

Senate Rebuttal: Contrary to the Governor’s claim, SB 89 does not weaken water protections. It broadens them to include non-navigable water sources. The bill maintains environmental safeguards while preventing overregulation that could harm key industries like Kentucky’s agriculture and energy sectors.

SB 183

Sponsor: Sen. Matt Nunn, R-Sadieville

This bill requires investment decisions for Kentucky’s state-administered retirement systems to focus solely on financial interests, not political or social agendas.

Senate Rebuttal: The Governor’s veto of SB 183 reflects either a fundamental misunderstanding of the legislation or an intentional defense of the very practices the bill aims to reform. SB 183 does not restrict fiduciary discretion; it reinforces it by requiring proxy advisory firms to justify votes against corporate boards with clear, demonstrable financial benefit to Kentucky’s public pension systems. This is not a limitation—it is a safeguard designed to provide transparency and accountability for state employees and retirees.

Proxy firms such as ISS and Glass Lewis, which are not subject to fiduciary standards, have increasingly advanced political agendas—including ESG and DEI mandates—within decisions that should be driven solely by financial considerations—SB 183 re-centers pension governance on fiscal responsibility rather than ideological influence.

SB 207

Sponsor: Sen. Steve West, R-Paris, and Senate Education Committee Chair

SB 207 creates a waiver process allowing public schools to adopt innovative instructional strategies, especially in struggling districts. All waivers require approval and oversight by the Kentucky Board of Education.

Senate Rebuttal: The Governor’s veto dismisses a carefully structured tool for school improvement, demonstrating his lack of faith in his own board of education to authorize the waiver of statutes that could promote innovation. SB 207 empowers districts to pursue customized solutions without compromising accountability. It responds to workforce shortages and educational challenges with a responsible framework that mirrors successful initiatives in other states.

SB 245

Sponsor: Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard

SB 245 closes a loophole in the confirmation process for Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife commissioner nominees, requiring affirmative Senate approval for appointments.

Senate Rebuttal: The Governor’s veto misrepresents the constitutional checks the legislature holds over Kentucky’s various boards and commissions and his executive appointments. SB 245 assures that nominees cannot indefinitely serve without Senate confirmation. The legislature has full authority to establish, revise, or dissolve departments and commissions—authority first exercised when it created the Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1944. This bill reinforces that principle by safeguarding transparency and accountability in regulatory leadership.

House Bill Vetoes Overridden

The state House of Representatives took final action on the SB overrides above. The Senate took final action on numerous gubernatorial vetoes of House bills (HB), including HBs 2, 4, 6, 90, 136, 216, 240, 346, 398, 399, 424, 495, 546, 552, 566, 684, 694, 695 and House Joint Resolutions 30 and 46.

Bills not officially reaching enrollment will be acted upon on Friday morning.

Additional Bills Delivered to the Governor

Senate passage was given on Thursday to House Bills 430, 493, 555, and House Joint Resolution 5, and they were returned to the House for concurrence with Senate revisions.

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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.

GIRDLER APPLAUDS VOTE TO OVERRIDE SB 19 VETO AND SECURE DAILY MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR KENTUCKY STUDENTS

March 28, 2025

FRANKFORT, KY (March 27, 2025)— The following is a statement from Sen. Rick Girdler, R-Somerset, on the Senate override of the Governor's Veto of Senate Bill (SB) 19, relating to a moment of silence in Kentucky public schools and parental involvement in moral instruction:

“Governor Beshear’s objections to the moment of silence and the seating requirement are misguided. We trust Kentucky’s teachers to maintain their classrooms appropriately for students at all grade levels, and a seated moment of silence ensures that all students, regardless of their individual beliefs, can reflect or pray as they see fit, without the influence or judgment of others. Requiring students to stand or perform specific actions could create pressure for students to conform, especially those who do not wish to participate in prayer. A simple, silent moment allows students to engage in a way that is personal and private.

“As for the Governor’s concerns about ‘moral’ instruction, Kentuckians understand that these are values taught by parents and society, which provide students with the ethical foundation they need. Senate Bill 19 ensures that students don’t miss instruction while allowing for moral development that aligns with family and community values.”

For more information about SB 19 and the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly, visit www.legislature.ky.gov.

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Sen. Rick Girdler, R-Somerset, represents the 15th Senate District, including Clinton, Cumberland, Pulaski, Russell, and Wayne Counties. Girdler serves as vice chair of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor; Families and Children; and Natural Resources and Energy. Additionally, Girdler serves on the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee.

Please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate115.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Girdler.

SEN. SCOTT MADON RESPONDS TO VETO OVERRIDE OF SENATE BILL 89

March 28, 2025

FRANKFORT, KY. (March 27, 2025) – Sen. Scott Madon, R-Pineville, released the following statement after the Kentucky General Assembly voted to override the Governor’s veto of Senate Bill (SB) 89, legislation he sponsored to clarify how Kentucky defines and regulates its waters:

“Today’s vote to override the Governor’s veto of SB 89 is a commonsense step forward that provides much-needed clarity to landowners, farmers, and communities across Kentucky without compromising environmental protections. The final version of the bill goes beyond federal definitions by specifically including Kentucky’s unique features like springs, wellhead protection areas, and sinkholes. Claims that it weakens water quality standards are simply false.

“This law ensures that Kentucky maintains authority over how we regulate and protect our water while aligning our statutes with longstanding federal standards. It does not diminish safeguards for drinking water, groundwater, or floodplains, which will remain fully protected under state and federal law. I’m proud to see this legislation become law, and I’m confident it will serve Kentuckians well by reducing regulatory confusion while continuing to protect one of our most vital natural resources.”

More information on SB 89 can be found at www.legislature.ky.gov.

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Sen. Scott Madon, R-Pineville, represents the 29th Senate District, which includes Bell, Floyd, Harlan, Knott, and Letcher Counties. Madon serves as co-chair of the Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance, and Public Protection. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Revenue; Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor; Natural Resources and Energy; and State and Local Government. Additionally, Madon serves on the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee.

For a high resolution .jpeg of Madon, please visit:https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate129.jpg

LATE SENS. JOHNNIE L. TURNER AND ALBERT ROBINSON HONORED IN ANNUAL ROAD NAMING RESOLUTION

March 28, 2025

FRANKFORT, KY (March 27, 2025)—The Kentucky Senate adopted House Joint Resolution 5 (HJR 5) on Thursday, memorializing distinguished Kentuckians by naming highways, bridges, and roadways in their honor. The resolution includes Senate and House joint resolutions sponsored by lawmakers, which recognize individuals whose service and dedication had a lasting impact on their communities and the commonwealth.

Honoring the late Johnnie L. Turner

At the forefront of this year’s Senate honorees is the dedication of the Johnnie L. Turner Memorial Highway, named in honor of the late Sen. Johnnie L. Turner, who represented Bell, Floyd, Harlan, Knott, and Letcher Counties in the 29th Senate District. Sponsored by Sen. Scott Madon, R-Pineville, who now represents the district, the resolution designates a portion of KY Highway 221 in Harlan County, from mile point 8.9 to mile point 18.4, in Turner’s honor.

Turner was a steadfast advocate for eastern Kentucky who dedicated his life to public service as an attorney and a legislator. Born and raised in Harlan County, he overcame hardships and worked to pay for his education at Pine Mountain Settlement School and Red Bird Mission School before serving in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969. After earning his law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1977, Turner practiced law for 46 years. He served as the Harlan County School Board attorney for over two decades and as legal counsel for the City of Cumberland.

Turner represented District 88 in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002 before being elected to the Kentucky Senate in 2020, where he championed efforts to improve the quality of life in his region. He passed away in October 2024 following an accident. He left a legacy of leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to his community. Sen. Scott Madon, R-Pineville, sponsored the road naming dedication.

Honoring the late Albert Robinson

Another key recognition in this year’s resolution is the Albert Robinson Memorial Highway in Laurel County, designated in honor of the late Sen. Albert Robinson. He was a dedicated public servant whose career spanned more than 50 years in the Kentucky General Assembly.

Born in Clay County in 1938, Robinson was raised in East Bernstadt in Laurel County, a region he would go on to represent with unwavering commitment. After earning a degree from Cumberland College, now the University of the Cumberlands, he built a successful career as a businessman, entrepreneur, and lawmaker. He embodied the values of hard work and service that defined his life.

Robinson’s service to the commonwealth began in 1972 when he was first elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives, where he served until 1985. He returned for another term from 1987 to 1989. He was later elected to the Kentucky Senate and represented District 21 from 1994 to 2005 and from 2013 to 2021. Over his decades in public office, he played a key role in shaping state policy by serving on the Banking and Insurance, State and Local Government, Transportation, and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committees. He also chaired the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee from 2015 to 2021. Beyond politics, Robinson was a successful entrepreneur who built businesses, developed land, and created jobs without seeking recognition for himself. His farm in Laurel County was his "earthly paradise,” where he spent his later years hunting, fishing, and improving the land he loved. A man of deep faith and conviction, Robinson’s Christian principles guided both his personal and professional life.

When he passed away in December of 2024, Robinson was surrounded by his wife of 62 years, Lucille, their three children, six grandchildren, two brothers, and many extended family members and friends.

KY Highway 30, from its intersection with Ulrich Lane to mile marker 9.5 in Laurel County, has been designated the "Albert Robinson Memorial Highway," honoring his life and legacy. Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, sponsored the designation.

Trooper Chris Carter Memorial Highway – Lawrence County

Through the efforts of Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, a portion of US Highway 23 from mile marker 27 to mile marker 28 in Lawrence County has been designated as the Trooper Chris Carter Memorial Highway. It honors Kentucky State Police (KSP) Sgt. Chris Carter, a 19-year veteran of the agency, whose dedication to public safety left a lasting impact on the commonwealth.

Carter served with honor, courage, and commitment and earned the respect of his fellow troopers and the communities he protected. Assigned to KSP Post 14 in Ashland, he was widely known as a mentor, leader, and advocate for his colleagues. Beyond law enforcement, he was a compassionate public servant whose integrity and dedication to doing what was right set him apart.

Carter passed away on Nov. 10, 2024, at the age of 42, following a sudden medical condition. He is survived by his wife, Brittney Carter; his mother, Ruby; and his sisters, Jessica and Renee; and extended family. His loss was deeply felt across the law enforcement community, where he was remembered for his work ethic, kindness, and unwavering commitment to service.

This highway designation ensures his legacy of service and sacrifice is permanently honored in Lawrence County and throughout Kentucky.

Preece Brothers WWII Veterans Memorial Highway – Martin County

The Preece Brothers WWII Veterans Memorial Highway has been designated along KY Highway 908 from mile marker 0.7 to mile marker 0.9 in Martin County to honor Timoth, Lorenz (Babe), and Harrison H. Preece, three brothers from Preece, Kentucky, who bravely served in World War II.

· Construction Mechanic Second Class Timoth Preece served in the US Navy aboard the USS Magoffin and earned the World War II Victory Medal.

· Private First Class Lorenz (Babe) Preece, an Army machine gunner, fought in major European campaigns and earned the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five bronze service stars.

· Staff Sgt. Harrison H. Preece served as an infantryman in North Africa and Sicily. He received the Bronze Star for Valor.

The Coldwater Road stretch of KY Highway 908, running past their family home, is a lasting tribute to their service and sacrifice. Wheeler also sponsored this designation.

Additional Senate-sponsored designations

· Coach Philip Haywood Memorial Highway along US Highway 119 from mile marker 20.9 to 23.7 in Pike County – Sponsored by Wheeler

· Kentucky National Guard Memorial Highway along US Highway 127 in Franklin County, from its intersection with US Highway 60 to its intersection with KY Highway 1005 – Sponsored by Sen. Gex Williams, R-Verona

· Stephen “Trey” Coleman III Memorial Overpass on KY Highway 841 over Stonestreet Road at mile point 3 in Jefferson County – Sponsored by Senate Minority Floor Leader Gerald Neal, D-Louisville

· Mary Alice Howard Burton and John Burton Memorial Bridge on Interstate 264 Highway in Jefferson County at mile point 2.7 over Virginia Avenue – Sponsored by Neal

· Heartland Parkway designation along KY Highway 55 in Adair, Taylor, Marion, and Washington Counties – Sponsored by Senate Transportation Chair Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon

· Faye Cain Sears Memorial Highway along KY Highway 914 in Pulaski County, from its intersection with KY Highway 1577 to its intersection with KY Highway 1247 – Sponsored by Sen. Rick Girdler, R-Somerset

HJR 5 also includes numerous honorary highway namings sponsored by House members to commemorate fallen law enforcement officers, military veterans, civic leaders, and community advocates. Among those honored are:

· Deputy Sheriff Joshua Phipps Memorial Highway on US Highway 127 in Russell County

· Rep. Brent Yonts Memorial Highway on KY Highway 176 in Muhlenberg County

· Capt. Samuel A. Manley Memorial Highway on US Highway 25 in Madison County

· Nelson County Veterans Bridge spanning the Beech Fork River on US Highway 31 East in Nelson County

For more information on HJR 5 and its designations, visit Legislature.ky.gov.

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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.

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.

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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.

NUNN ISSUES STATEMENT ON SENATE'S OVERRIDE OF BESHEAR’S VETO OF SENATE BILL 183

March 28, 2025

FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 27, 2025)—The following is a statement from bill sponsor Sen. Matt Nunn, R-Sadieville, regarding the legislature overriding the Governor’s veto of Senate Bill (SB) 183, which requires investment decisions for Kentucky’s state-administered retirement systems to focus solely on financial interests—not political or social agendas:

“The Governor’s veto reflects either a fundamental misunderstanding of the bill or a willful defense of the abuses it seeks to correct. I sincerely hope it is just a misunderstanding.

“SB 183 doesn’t strip fiduciary discretion—it strengthens it. The law doesn’t require blind agreement with corporate boards; it simply says that if proxy advisers recommend a vote against those boards on behalf of our retirees, they need to prove it benefits Kentuckians financially. That’s not a restriction—it’s accountability.

“Proxy firms like ISS and Glass Lewis are not regulated and do not have a fiduciary responsibility to shareholders. They routinely inject political ideology, such as ESG and DEI mandates, into decisions that should be based solely on returns. Our public employees and retirees deserve a pension system focused on financial stability, free from political ideology and agendas.

“If the Governor is content to let unaccountable firms gamble with the retirements of teachers, state troopers, and public employees, he’s not defending fiduciary duty—he’s abdicating it.”

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SB 183 responds to growing concern over the outsized influence of proxy firms like ISS and Glass Lewis, which control 90 percent of the market and often push political agendas over financial performance. The law requires these firms to justify any vote against a company’s board with an economic analysis, protecting Kentucky’s pensions from ESG activism and conflicts of interest that put retirees’ savings at risk.

Additional information on the topic can be found here in a Wall Street Journal editorial.

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Sen. Matt Nunn represents the 17th Senate District, including Grant and Scott Counties, southern Kenton County, and northwestern Fayette County. Elected to the Senate in November, Nunn succeeded Kentucky’s longest-serving Senate majority floor leader, Sen. Damon Thayer. Nunn is co-chair of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Natural Resources, and Environmental Protection. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor; Appropriations and Revenue; Licensing and Occupations; Agriculture; and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection. Additionally, Nunn serves on the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee.

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.

WILSONS SENATE BILL 2 DELIVERED WITHOUT GOVERNOR’S TO SECRETARY OF STATE SIGNATURE

March 28, 2025

FRANKFORT, KY (March 27, 2025)—Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), a priority piece of legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, has officially been delivered to the Secretary of State’s Office without the signature of Governor Andy Beshear. The bill prohibits the Department of Corrections from using taxpayer dollars to fund elective transgender surgeries or hormone replacement therapy for inmates. SB 2 ensures inmates continue receiving necessary medical care for conditions like thyroid or hormonal disorders, while clearly distinguishing between essential health care and elective gender transition procedures.

For nearly three years, an internal memo from the Beshear administration authorized taxpayer-funded gender transition treatments for inmates, bypassing legislative review and avoiding public scrutiny. The administration never filed the policy as an official regulation, which kept it hidden from oversight until it was exposed. Only then did the administration belatedly file an official regulation which triggered the required legislative review process. During a December Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee hearing, Department of Corrections officials refused to answer legislative questions, claiming they had requested a legal opinion from the attorney general. However, records reveal that the request was deliberately delayed until the Friday before the Monday hearing—an apparent attempt to avoid scrutiny and prevent an opinion from being available in time for the meeting. Despite this effort, Attorney General Russell Coleman responded swiftly and said Kentucky has no legal obligation to use taxpayer funds for gender-affirming treatments.

SB 2 codifies into law the administration’s eventual decision to remove these procedures from regulations after the attorney general’s opinion. Despite this, Governor Beshear has now chosen to distance himself from his own administration’s policy rather than reaffirm it in law.

“The Beshear administration has repeatedly failed to uphold the law with transparency and accountability,” said Wilson. “In this case, after being exposed, they finally removed these procedures from their regulations following the attorney general’s opinion. Yet now, the governor refuses to affirm that decision in law. SB 2 ensures taxpayer funds are not used for elective gender transition treatments while guaranteeing necessary medical care for legitimate conditions. The governor’s refusal to sign this bill raises serious concerns about his commitment to consistent and responsible governance.”

The passage of SB 2 underscores the legislature’s dedication to protecting taxpayer dollars, ensuring government transparency, and preventing executive overreach. By refusing to sign, Governor Beshear has chosen to avoid reaffirming a policy his own administration previously put in place and demonstrated a lack of leadership on the matter.

For further updates on SB 2 and other legislative initiatives, visit Legislature.ky.gov.

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Sen. Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, represents the 32nd Senate District, including Logan, Simpson, and Todd Counties and southern Warren County. Wilson serves as the Senate majority whip. As a Senate majority leadership member, he serves on the Legislative Research Commission, the Committee on Committees, and the Rules Committee. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Agriculture; Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor; Education; Transportation; and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection. Additionally, Wilson serves on the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee and the Public Pension Oversight Board.

Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate132.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Wilson.

SB 202 SIGNED INTO LAW TO REGULATE CANNABIS-INFUSED BEVERAGES IN KENTUCKY

March 28, 2025

FRANKFORT, KY (March 26, 2025)— Senate Bill (SB) 202, sponsored by Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, has been signed into law to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for cannabis-infused beverages in Kentucky.

The new law, which passed with bipartisan support, clarifies product labeling, defines agency oversight responsibilities, and institutes fee structures for cannabis-infused beverage licensees. Importantly, it also directs continued study of the impact of cannabinoid beverages on public health and commerce in Kentucky.

“This legislation ensures that as this emerging industry takes shape, Kentucky leads with a balanced approach that protects public health, supports responsible business practices, and promotes transparency,” said Adams. “I’m grateful to my colleagues and the administration for recognizing the importance of thoughtful regulation in this space.”

Under SB 202, the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will regulate the cannabis-infused beverage industry, including licensing, enforcement, and product standards. The law sets limits on intoxicating ingredients, establishes license types and associated fees, and outlines a timeline for the ABC to develop and adopt regulations.

To support informed policymaking, the University of Kentucky Cannabis Center will conduct a study on cannabinoid beverages, with findings due in 2026. The law also temporarily extends certain sales permissions while the regulatory framework is finalized.

“This is a fast-evolving area, and SB 202 positions Kentucky to approach it with clarity, caution, and a commitment to smart policy,” Adams said.

For more information on SB 202 and the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly, visit www.Legislature.ky.gov.

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Sen. Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, represents Kentucky’s 36th Senate District in eastern Jefferson County. Adams chairs the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee. She also serves as a member of the Senate Committees on Banking and Insurance, Health Services, and State and Local Government. Adams is an Administrative Regulations Review Subcommittee member and recently served as a 2024 Kentucky Housing Task Force Member.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Sen. Raque Adams, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate136.jpg.

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.

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.

RAWLINGS’S BILL TO ENHANCE SCHOOL-BASED DECISION MAKING HAS BEEN SIGNED INTO LAW

March 28, 2025

FRANKFORT, KY (March 26, 2025)—In a significant step toward strengthening local control in education, Senate Bill 68 (SB 68) has been signed into law. Sponsored by Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, the legislation enhances school-based decision-making by increasing collaboration between educators, parents, and communities to improve student outcomes.

SB 68 updates key sections of KRS Chapter 158 to empower local school councils with greater authority over curriculum design, staffing, student assignment, and wellness policies. The bill also modernizes budget transparency and ensures annual progress reviews to align with state educational goals.

“Our goal has always been to put decisions in the hands of those who know our students best—our local educators and school leaders,” said Rawlings. “This law strengthens our commitment to academic excellence by ensuring communities have a direct role in shaping the future of their schools.”

The passage of SB 68 reaffirms the General Assembly’s dedication to advancing education policy that prioritizes student success and local engagement. By equipping schools with the necessary tools they need to adapt to their unique challenges, Kentucky continues its tradition of fostering innovative and responsive education policies.

For more information on SB 68 and other legislative initiatives, visit Legislature.ky.gov.

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Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, represents the 11th Senate District in northern and central Boone County. Rawlings serves as co-chair of the Senate Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Revenue; Banking and Insurance; Education; Health Services; and State and Local Government. Additionally, Rawlings serves on the Capital Planning Advisory Board.

For a high-resolution .jpeg file of Rawlings, please visit:

https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate111.jpg

KENTUCKY’S $300,000 INVESTMENT IN RESEARCH PULLS DOWN $3.1 MILLION FROM NASA

March 28, 2025

FRANKFORT, KY (March 26, 2025) – The National Stem Cell Foundation (NSCF), a leading funder of space-based research on brain cells to fight neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s, progressive multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s, announced today a $3.1 million award from NASA today to continue its breakthrough studies on brain cell behavior in microgravity.

The Commonwealth of Kentucky has a growing presence in the rapidly expanding space economy. The Kentucky General Assembly made the NASA grant possible through a 10 percent match valued at $300,000 in 2024 through Senate Bill 91. The NASA award will fund additional ground research and another three missions to the International Space Station (ISS) through 2027.

“This matching NASA grant shows Kentucky's commitment to investing not just in this generation, but in the ones to come,” said Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester. “Our state faces serious health challenges, and investing $300,000 now reinforces our dedication to improving health outcomes, enhancing quality of life, and increasing longevity. By helping people live longer, healthier, and more productive lives, we are strengthening families, communities, and the future of the commonwealth.”

The announcement was made during a press conference in Kentucky’s capital hosted by Stivers and senior officials from NSCF. The team’s patent-pending method for the long-duration in-space culturing of organoids (tiny 3D replicas of an organ that mimic cell behavior) has already been widely adopted by the space community.

NSCF has conducted six missions on the ISS since 2019 and sent 3D organoid models of the human brain to the orbiting laboratory. Organoids for the first six flights have been made from the cells of people with Parkinson’s disease and primary progressive MS. The next flights will also include organoids made from the cells of people with Alzheimer’s. Findings from the research have been recently published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine.

In the last round of highly competitive In Space Production Application (InSPA) awards, NSCF was NASA’s first and top priority selection for alignment with NASA strategic goals of developing applications that will significantly improve the quality of life for people on Earth, strengthen U.S. technological leadership, and create high-quality jobs. These missions continue NASA’s commercial development partnership with Axiom Space, the leading provider of human spaceflight services and operating end-to-end missions to the ISS while developing its successor, Axiom Station.

Modeling diseases in space

The ability to observe cell interactions in a way not possible on Earth is opening the door to new cell, drug, and gene therapies for neurodegenerative diseases that affect thousands of Kentuckians and tens of millions worldwide.

“We’re looking for new treatments and curative therapies for Parkinson’s, MS, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases leveraging the accelerated environment of microgravity,” says Dr. Paula Grisanti, CEO of NSCF. “Solving the puzzle of these diseases will have a knock-on effect for these and other neurodegenerative diseases that include ALS and a number of rare childhood disorders.

The World Health Organization estimates that over 65 million people worldwide suffer from neurodegenerative diseases, including various forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and MS. The cost of care for these diseases in the U.S. is expected to reach well over $2 trillion in the next two decades and increase steadily as the population ages. According to a report from Alzheimer's Disease International, the number of people living with dementia alone is expected to double every 20 years, it is projected to reach 78 million in 2030 and 139 million in 2050.

“When we began this mission, we had no idea what was going to happen,” recalls Dr. Jeanne Loring, NSCF’s senior scientific ddvisor and founder of the Center of Regenerative Medicine at Scripps Research. A key discovery was that microgravity accelerated cell development which provided insights to help identify and develop therapeutic interventions more rapidly.

NSCF researchers can make brain organoids from anyone, including people who have mutations for these diseases. The ultimate goal is to provide flight-proven, validated models of these diseases to industry, academic institutions, and foundations for the accelerated development of new diagnostics and novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. These models can also help NASA develop countermeasures for the effects of space flight on astronauts participating in long-duration missions.

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About the National Stem Cell Foundation

The National Stem Cell Foundation is a non-profit organization that funds adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research, underwrites a professional development program for middle school science teachers inspiring the next generation of STEM pioneers nationwide, and covers co-pays and deductibles for children participating in clinical trials for rare diseases when those out-of-pocket costs are beyond a family’s means. For more information, visit www.nationalstemcellfoundation.org.

About the Legislative Research Commission

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.

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.

Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, which includes 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 Senate president, Stivers chairs the Senate Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee and is co-chair of the Legislative Research Commission. He is also a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of President Stivers, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate125.jpg.

BRANDON STORM’S PARKINSON’S DISEASE RESEARCH REGISTRY SIGNED INTO LAW

March 28, 2025

FRANKFORT KY (March 26, 2025)—The Kentucky General Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the state’s most vulnerable citizens with the passage of Senate Bill 27 (SB 27), a landmark measure championed by Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London. The bill, now signed into law by the Governor, establishes the Kentucky Parkinson’s Disease Research Registry, a crucial initiative aimed at advancing research, improving treatment, and informing policy decisions for those affected by the disease.

"This is about Kentucky leading the way in understanding and fighting Parkinson’s disease," said Storm. "By creating this registry, we are ensuring that our researchers and medical professionals have the data they need to develop better treatments and, ultimately, improve the lives of thousands of Kentuckians with the hope to find a cure to this debilitating disease."

The registry, overseen by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, will collect and analyze vital data on Parkinson’s disease to aid researchers, clinicians, and policymakers. An advisory committee will guide its development, ensuring meaningful and effective data collection.

The General Assembly’s support of SB 27 underscores Kentucky’s dedication to addressing the health challenges faced by its aging population and those suffering from chronic neurological conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 548 Kentuckians lost their lives due to Parkinson’s disease in 2022. This initiative is a critical step toward reducing that toll and advancing patient-centered research.

Statewide registries like Kentucky’s offer numerous benefits, including:

Identifying high-risk populations and expanding research focused on patient needs
Determining accurate state-specific incidence and prevalence rates
Studying patterns of disease progression over time
Investigating potential links between Parkinson’s and environmental factors, including pesticide exposure and military service

The bill aligns with national efforts led by The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), which has successfully advocated for expanded Parkinson’s research registries across multiple states. Kentucky now joins 14 other states in establishing such a registry, further strengthening national efforts to combat the disease.

"The collaboration with MJFF and organizations like Parkinson’s In Motion has been instrumental in making this registry a reality," Storm added. "I am incredibly grateful to Jane Williams and all the advocates who have worked tirelessly to support this effort. This is a significant step forward in ensuring that Kentucky does its part in finding better treatments—and hopefully, one day, a cure for Parkinson’s."

With SB 27 now law, the Kentucky General Assembly has demonstrated its steadfast commitment to improving the lives of its citizens, particularly those battling chronic illnesses. This initiative is a major milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to promote innovative healthcare solutions and provide hope for thousands of families affected by Parkinson’s disease.

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Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London, represents the 21st Senate District, including Casey, Lincoln, Laurel, and Rockcastle Counties. He serves as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and as Senate co-chair of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Council. Storm is also a member of the Senate Committees on Transportation and on Banking and Insurance. He serves as a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice. A 2023 esteemed Henry Toll Fellowship graduate, Storm was the only Kentuckian to participate in the program.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Storm, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/Pages/Legislator-Profile.aspx?DistrictNumber=121.

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.

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.

Press Releases

REAL ID DEADLINE NEARS: HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS APPLAUDS PRESIDENT TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDER

SEN. MATT DENEEN PROVIDES FLOODING UPDATE FROM HARDIN COUNTY

SENATOR MAX WISE RIPS GOVERNOR’S VETO OF SCHOOL SAFETY PROVISION

MOST 2025 LEGISLATION TO TAKE EFFECT JUNE 27

SENATE PRESIDENT STIVERS CELEBRATES APPROVAL OF $100 MILLION AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY FOR FLOOD RELIEF

SENATE STRENGTHENS FLOOD RELIEF BILL, MAKES $100 MILLION AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY FOR DISASTER FUNDING

SENATOR BRANDON SMITH CELEBRATES SENATE’S DOUBLING OF FLOOD RELIEF PACKAGE IN CLOSING DAYS OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION

HIGDON’S BILL PROMOTING FAIRNESS AND FINANCIAL STABILITY IN TEACHER PENSIONS GAINS FINAL PASSAGE

SB 181 PASSES GENERAL ASSEMBLY HEADS TO GOVERNOR’S DESK AS ANOTHER MEASURE TO PROTECT KENTUCKY’S CHILDREN

SENATE OVERRIDES GOVERNOR’S VETOES IN FINAL STRETCH OF SESSION

GIRDLER APPLAUDS VOTE TO OVERRIDE SB 19 VETO AND SECURE DAILY MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR KENTUCKY STUDENTS

SEN. SCOTT MADON RESPONDS TO VETO OVERRIDE OF SENATE BILL 89

LATE SENS. JOHNNIE L. TURNER AND ALBERT ROBINSON HONORED IN ANNUAL ROAD NAMING RESOLUTION

NUNN ISSUES STATEMENT ON SENATE'S OVERRIDE OF BESHEAR’S VETO OF SENATE BILL 183

WILSONS SENATE BILL 2 DELIVERED WITHOUT GOVERNOR’S TO SECRETARY OF STATE SIGNATURE

SB 202 SIGNED INTO LAW TO REGULATE CANNABIS-INFUSED BEVERAGES IN KENTUCKY

RAWLINGS’S BILL TO ENHANCE SCHOOL-BASED DECISION MAKING HAS BEEN SIGNED INTO LAW

KENTUCKY’S $300,000 INVESTMENT IN RESEARCH PULLS DOWN $3.1 MILLION FROM NASA

BRANDON STORM’S PARKINSON’S DISEASE RESEARCH REGISTRY SIGNED INTO LAW

Kentucky Senate Republican Majority Caucus, 700 Capital Avenue Frankfort, Ky 40601