MWHEELER REACTS FOLLOWING SENATE BILL 71
CLEARING THE SENATE
FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 27, 2024) — The following is a statement issued by Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, following the passage of Senate Bill 71 (SB 71):
I am happy to see this proposal approved by my Senate colleagues,” said Wheeler. “It is about ensuring people who are in their most vulnerable state are safe—along with the community— the people who love them the most are kept informed. I hope to see this bill make its final passage before the close of session.”
ABOUT SB 71
This bill would require licensed drug rehab facilities to provide transportation to a resident who wishes to voluntarily leave the program when the resident's family member, guardian, or emergency contact does not agree to transport the resident within 24 hours. Additionally, the bill puts in place assurance that patients who are receiving treatment as a result of a court order, either complete the treatment or they will face consequences for violating the court order. SB 71 would require the facility to notify family members, the county attorney, local law enforcement, and the court that a patient left the treatment facility in violation of a court order.
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Senator Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, represents Kentucky’s 31st Senate District, including Elliott, Johnson, Lawrence, Martin, and Pike Counties. Wheeler is vice chair of the Senate Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor, and the Senate Judiciary committees. He is also Capital Planning Advisory Board co-chair. Additionally, Wheeler serves as a member of the Senate Transportation, Natural Resources and Energy, State and Local Government, and Transportation committees.
Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate131.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Wheeler.
