BILL INNOVATING SCHOOL DISTRICTS’ COMPLETION OF PROJECTS APPROVED BY SENATE

BILL INNOVATING SCHOOL DISTRICTS’ COMPLETION OF PROJECTS APPROVED BY SENATE

FRANKFORT, KY (March 2, 2023) - The Senate approved Senator Max Wise’s, R-Campbellsville, Senate Bill 169 on Thursday. If enacted, the bill would open the possibility for Public Private Partnerships (P3s) for Kentucky’s 171 public school districts.

P3s allow Kentucky government agencies to work with private sector partners on projects. Senate Bill 169 would authorize local boards of education to engage in P3s to complete work more quickly and efficiently, especially construction projects. Schools would enjoy the same opportunities cities and counties currently do.

“I am excited about this innovative way to provide schools with another, maybe even less expensive, means of getting additional space for classrooms, labs, auditoriums and gyms,” said Wise. “Senate Bill 169 will also provide our local school boards access to federal grant funds already available to city and county governments.”

The Kentucky General Assembly first implemented a framework for P3s in 2016 after Republicans secured control of the Kentucky House of Representatives for the first time in nearly a century.  House Bill 309 (16 RS) passed the Senate 29-9, with Wise among those in support.

Another provision of Senate Bill 169 makes necessary amendments to state law, adding "local school district" to the definition of a "local government” in statutes relevant to the delivery method of awarding contracts for capital construction projects—Kentucky Local Government Public-Private Partnership Board (KRS 65.028).

“I am excited about how this bill can bring additional financial flexibilities as school board members consider how they will utilize revenues, whether it’s for the capital projects this bill helps with or important considerations like teacher raises,” Wise said. 

Senate Bill 169 now qualifies for consideration by the state House of Representatives.

Click here to access Senate Bill 169. Visit legislature.ky.gov to find more details on Senator Max Wise and to follow the status of other legislation being considered during the ongoing 2023 Legislative Session.

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Senator Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, represents the 16th Senate District, including Adair, Allen, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Taylor Counties and eastern Warren County. He is Senate Economic Development, Tourism and Labor Committee chair. Wise also serves as a Senate Education Committee member and is a member of the newly formed Families and Children Committee and Health Services Committee. Additionally, he is an Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee member.

Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate116.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Wise.

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the ongoing 2023 30-day Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2022 Interim legislative meetings and 2023 Regular Session legislative activity at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and visit our website at KYSenateRepublicans.com.

A STATEMENT FROM SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS ON SB 47 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT

A STATEMENT FROM SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS ON SB 47 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT

FRANKFORT, KY (March 1, 2023) —The following is a statement from Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, following the bill's assignment to the Senate Standing Committee of Licensing and Occupation:

“I have no idea as to whether or not the measure will pass but the process is working.”

Click here to find Senate Bill 47. The next Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. EST Tuesday, March 7. Committee schedules and agendas are subject to change.

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Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, including Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties. As of January 1, 2023, Stivers will have served as Kentucky Senate president for nearly a decade, first assuming 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 Legislative Research Commission co-chair. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Senate standing committees on Education and Judiciary, and recently served as 2022 Interim Bourbon Barrel Taxation Task Force co-chair.
For a high-resolution .jpeg of President Stivers, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate125.jpg.

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the ongoing 2023 30-day Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2022 Interim legislative meetings and 2023 Regular Session legislative activity at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We also encourage you to visit KYSenateRepublicans.com to subscribe to receive new releases from our office and access additional information on caucus members.

Senator Max Wise Admonishes Governor Beshear’s Veto of SB 150 Beshear Puts Party over Kentuckians’ Wish to Eliminate Woke Ideologies in Our Children’s Schools

Senator Max Wise Admonishes Governor Beshear’s Veto of SB 150 Beshear Puts Party over Kentuckians’ Wish to Eliminate Woke Ideologies in Our Children’s Schools

FRANKFORT, KY (March 24, 2023) – Senator Max Wise, the sponsor of Senate Bill 150, admonished Governor Andy Beshear’s veto of this important piece of legislation. SB 150 was recently introduced in the Senate before the bill filing deadline of this year’s regular session.

“It should come as no surprise that Governor Beshear put his party’s politics over the people of Kentucky, as he has done his whole political career,” Wise said. “The goal of SB 150 is to strengthen parental engagement and communication in their children’s education. This bill, which passed the Senate with bipartisan support, reinforces a positive atmosphere in the classroom and removes unnecessary distractions, like woke ideology and mandating use of specific pronouns in our schools.

Parents should look at this veto as a slap in the face. It’s clear Governor Beshear cares more about woke ideologues and D.C. bureaucrats than parents and students here in Kentucky. I look forward to the legislature overriding this veto, and protecting children from the irreparable harm of gender transition surgeries by making SB 150 law.”

SB 150 resulted from conversations with educators, superintendents, and parents across the commonwealth. It is one of the largest omnibus bills in the country strengthening protections for Kentucky’s children. SB 150 bans transgender surgeries for those under the age of 18, bars any human sexuality curriculum for students in K-5th grade, provides expected privacy rights for restrooms, locker rooms and shower rooms that align with a child’s biological sex, and prohibits the Kentucky Department of Education and the Kentucky Board of Education from recommending or requiring policies to keep minor students’ information confidential from their parents.

Under the bill’s provisions, a school district must notify parents of health and mental health services offered and if their children seek those services through the school. Another tenet of the bill would empower parental engagement and awareness of school courses, curriculum programs, or instruction related to human sexuality by requiring a school district to provide parents with two weeks' prior notice and an opportunity to review materials before instruction begins.

Under SB 150, if a student’s parent objects to an assignment on human sexuality, the school must provide an alternate assignment. The bill also provides staff and students First Amendment protections by ensuring nobody is compelled or required to use pronouns that do not conform to a student's biological sex.

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Senator Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, represents the 16th Senate District, including Adair, Allen, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Taylor Counties and eastern Warren County. He is Senate Economic Development, Tourism and Labor Committee chair. Wise also serves as a Senate Education Committee member and is a member of the newly formed Families and Children Committee and Health Services Committee. Additionally, he is an Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee member.

Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate116.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Wise.

GIRDLER ISSUES STATEMENT UPON ENACTMENT OF HIS CONSUMER PROTECTION MEASURE Senate Bill 30 Provides Consumers with Greater Ability to End Pesky Automatic and Hard-To-Cancel Subscription Renewals

GIRDLER ISSUES STATEMENT UPON ENACTMENT OF HIS CONSUMER PROTECTION MEASURE Senate Bill 30

FRANKFORT, KY (March 23, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senator Rick Girdler, R-Somerset, upon Senate Bill 30—which provides consumers with more information on, and eases the process of, canceling, automatic renewals of service or product subscription—being signed into law:

“I’m glad to see this bill finally become law because we are seeing businesses increasingly move toward the model of subscription-based services and automatic renewals. Now, this is great for businesses and I’m happy they are able to better provide customers with the respective services they offer, but with all the things people have to keep up with, sometimes they lose track of subscriptions they’ve signed up for, especially on electronic devices like cell phones.

“This bill is going to make it easier for them to cancel some of those things and keep them from having to go in circles trying to do it. I appreciate everyone who worked to support this bill.”

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Senate Bill 30 requires a business that makes an automatic renewal offer to be more upfront on what a subscription includes and provide clear ways a customer can stop an automatic subscription.

Specifically, the bill requires the following:

• A list of renewal terms before the subscription begins.

• If the offer includes a gift or trial period, the offer must consist of the price charged after the trial period.

• An acknowledgment including the automatic renewal terms, cancellation policy, and information regarding how to cancel in an easily remembered manner.

• A toll-free contact number, electronic mail address, postal address, or another cost-effective, timely, and easy-to-use means of cancellation.

• The ability for consumers to terminate the automatic renewal exclusively online, which may include a termination email formatted and provided by the business the consumer can send without additional information.

• In the event of a material change in the automatic renewal, businesses must provide the consumer with clear and easily seen notice of the change and information on how to cancel.

Additionally, the bill would permit the Kentucky attorney general to recover penalties for each act violation.

According to the Institute of Business Value, the subscription market has increased more than 300 percent in the past decade and expectations are that the subscription billing service model will nearly double by 2026. Market research firm C+R Research commissioned a 2022 survey indicating consumers do not realize how much they spend on subscription services, the average monthly spending being $219; 2.5 times more than consumers realized.

Click here to access Senate Bill 30 and learn more about Senator Rick Girdler.

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Senator Rick Girdler, R-Somerset, represents the 15th Senate District, including Clinton, Cumberland, Pulaski, Russell, and Wayne Counties. Girdler is chair of the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee and is vice chair of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. He also serves as Capital Projects and Bond Oversight co-chair. Additionally, Girdler is a member of the Senate Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee; and the newly formed Senate Families and Children Committee.

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

STATEMENT RELEASE WILSON REACTS TO BESHEAR’S VETO OF SENATE BILL 107

STATEMENT RELEASE WILSON REACTS TO BESHEAR’S VETO OF SENATE BILL 107

FRANKFORT, KY (March 24, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson upon the Governor’s veto of his Senate Bill 107—which mitigates political influence and provides legislative oversight on the confirmation of Kentucky’s education commissioner:

“The Governor would like to keep as much control as possible over the Kentucky Department of Education to continue indoctrinating students and causing gender confusion rather than caring for their ability to read, write, and learn arithmetic. Given the Governor’s and current commissioner’s abysmal failure regarding Kentucky students’ learning outcomes, we must ensure legislative oversight and confirmation of the next education commissioner. 

“We must not forget that only hours after Beshear’s inauguration, he dramatically politicized the Kentucky Department of Education by completely dissolving the Kentucky Board of Education, appointing Democrats to all 11 voting-member positions, and immediately paving the way for removing the state’s education chief with no just cause, then hiring a new one.

“Section 93 of the Constitution of Kentucky grants the Kentucky Senate authority to confirm a state officer. I look forward to adding Senate Bill 107 to the long list of bills vetoed by the Governor and overridden by the Kentucky General Assembly, and establishing necessary checks and balances for the selection of the Commonwealth’s Education Commissioner.” 

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Senate Bill 107 requires the state education commissioner to be subject to Senate confirmation before taking office. The bill also sets a four-year term for the position.

Click here to access Senate Bill 107 and learn more about Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson.  

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Senator Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, represents the 32nd Senate District, including Logan, Simpson, and Todd Counties and southern Warren County. He serves as the Senate majority whip and, as a Senate majority leadership member, serves on the Legislative Research Commission, the Committee on Committees, and the Rules Committee. Wilson is a member of the Senate Agriculture; Economic Development, Tourism and Labor; Education; Transportation; and Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection committees. He also serves as Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee and Public Pension Oversight Board member. Wilson recently served as a 2022 Interim Early Childhood Education Task Force member.

STATEMENT RELEASE: MILLS ON SENATE BILL 4 ENACTMENT WITHOUT BESHEAR’S SIGNATURE

STATEMENT RELEASE: MILLS ON SENATE BILL 4 ENACTMENT WITHOUT BESHEAR’S SIGNATURE

FRANKFORT, KY (March 27, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senator Robby Mills, R-Henderson, following the enactment of Senate Bill 4 without the Governor’s support:

Senate Bill 4 is a huge victory for citizens of our Commonwealth who have been hit hard by losing power in their homes and businesses for extended periods of time during storm events and natural disasters.  This bill is designed to prevent the premature retirement of coal-fired power generating plants that have abundant supplies of coal on-site to provide the power when we need it rather than rely upon other inherently unreliable so-called “green” energy sources that the Biden administration works so hard to impose upon us.  The bill also bolsters the coal industry and the coal miners who work so hard every day to keep our lights on. 

It is illuminating that Governor Beshear has chosen not to sign this bill that so clearly benefits every person and business in Kentucky.  Rather, in an election year the Governor has chosen the politically expedient middle ground.  By not signing Senate Bill 4, Governor Beshear avoids alienating his “green-at-all-cost” friends in the Biden administration.  By not vetoing the bill, he attempts to show nominal support for the bill in a disingenuous effort to avoid the political wrath of good people of Kentucky on election day.  But the citizens of the Commonwealth should not be fooled by the Governor’s refusal to demonstrate solidarity with and support for the people of Kentucky by refusing the sign this important  bill that is designed to protect us all from power outages and bolster our power grid.

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Senate Bill 4 strengthens electric grid reliability in the Commonwealth and diminishes the chances that Kentucky’s residents will face dangerous and sometimes deadly consequences of power outages commonly referred to as “brown-outs,” or “black-outs” as a result of the premature retirement of coal-fired power generating plantsThe bill would prohibit the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) from authorizing the retirement of a fossil-fuel-fired electric power generating unit unless the utility can demonstrate that:

• The utility will replace the retired unit with a new electric generating capacity that is dispatchable; maintains or improves the reliability and resilience of the electric transmission grid; and maintains the adequate minimum reserve capacity;

• The retirement of the unit will not harm the utility’s ratepayers by causing the utility to incur costs to be recovered from the ratepayers that could be avoided by continuing to operate the unit.

• The decision to retire the unit is not the result of any financial incentives or benefits offered by any federal agency.

Additional bill provisions would require the PSC to submit an annual report by December 1 to the Legislative Research Commission on the retirement of electric generating units.

Senate Bill 4 carries an emergency designation, which means it became effective state law today upon filing with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office.

Click here to access Senate Bill 4 and learn more about Senator Robby Mills.

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Senator Robby Mills, R-Henderson, represents the 4th Senate District, including Henderson, Hopkins, Union, and Webster Counties. He serves as Senate State and Local Government Committee chair and is a Senate Economic Development, Tourism and Labor; Natural Resources; and Energy and Transportation committee member. Additionally, he is a Public Pension Oversight Board member and a member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, Finance and Public Protection.

GIRDLER CHAMPIONS SENATE CONSUMER PROTECTION MEASURE Senate Bill 30 Targets Frustrating, Difficult to Cancel Automatic Subscription Renewals

GIRDLER CHAMPIONS SENATE CONSUMER PROTECTION MEASURE Senate Bill 30 Targets Frustrating, Difficult to Cancel Automatic Subscription Renewals

FRANKFORT, KY (March 1, 2023)  - The Senate approved a consumer protection measure on Wednesday that, if enacted, would provide consumers with more information on, and ease the process of canceling, automatic renewals of service or product subscriptions.

Senate Bill 30, sponsored by Senator Rick Girdler, R-Somerset, would require a business that makes an automatic renewal offer to be more upfront on what a subscription includes and provide straightforward ways a customer can stop an automatic subscription.

Specifically, the bill would require the following:

• A list of renewal terms before the subscription begins.

• If the offer includes a gift or trial period, the offer must consist of the price charged after the trial period.

• An acknowledgment including the automatic renewal terms, cancellation policy, and information regarding how to cancel in an easily remembered manner.

• A toll-free contact number, electronic mail address, postal address, or another cost-effective, timely, and easy-to-use means of cancellation.

• The ability for consumers to terminate the automatic renewal exclusively online, which may include a termination email formatted and provided by the business, the consumer can send without additional information.

• In the event of a material change in the automatic renewal, businesses must provide the consumer with clear and easily seen notice of the change and information on how to cancel.

Additionally, the bill would permit the Kentucky attorney general to recover penalties for each act violation.

“We’re starting to see more and more businesses move toward subscription-based services,” Girdler said. “You see at almost every turn, whether it is a food subscription service like DoorDash, gym memberships and social media. Consumers are getting subscription fatigue and what I’m hoping to do is make sure everyone is getting front-end awareness of what they are signing up for. Most importantly, though, an easier way to get out of it, especially when families are pinching pennies as it is.”

According to the Institute of Business Value, the subscription market has increased more than 300 percent in the past decade, and expectations are that the subscription billing service model will nearly double by 2026. Market research firm C+R Research commissioned a 2022 survey indicating consumers do not realize how much they spend on subscription services, the average monthly spending being $219; 2.5 times more than consumers realized.

“Businesses are finding the subscription model to be a great success, and that’s a good thing for businesses,” Girdler said. “They will keep being successful even with us putting consumer protection in place and giving their customers better ways of keeping up with their subscriptions.”

With the Senate’s unanimous approval of Senate Bill 30, it moves to the state House of Representatives for consideration.
Click here to access Senate Bill 30 and learn more about Senator Rick Girdler. The status of other legislation being considered by the Kentucky General Assembly in the ongoing 30-day Legislative Session can be found at legislature.ky.gov.

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Senator Rick Girdler, R-Somerset, represents the 15th Senate District, including Clinton, Cumberland, Pulaski, Russell, and Wayne Counties. Girdler is chair of the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee and is vice chair of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. He also serves as Capital Projects and Bond Oversight co-chair. Additionally, Girdler is a member of the Senate Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee; and the newly formed Senate Families and Children Committee.

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

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the ongoing 2023 30-day Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2022 Interim legislative meetings and 2023 Regular Session legislative activity at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We also encourage you to visit KYSenateRepublicans.com to subscribe to receive new releases from our office and access additional information on caucus members.

SENS. GIVENS AND CARROLL BRING FORWARD LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS DJJ CRISIS

SENS. GIVENS AND CARROLL BRING FORWARD LEGISLATION TO ADDRESS DJJ CRISIS

FRANKFORT, KY (March 1, 2023) – The Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee approved two bills addressing Kentucky's Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) crisis on Wednesday. Senate Bills 158, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem David Givens, R-Greensburg, and Senate Bill 162 with a Senate Committee Substitute, sponsored by Senator Danny Carroll, R- Benton, would push to solidify needed action by the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet and DJJ to ensure the safety of the state's detained youth and those working within the facilities.

Senate Bill 158 would officially direct the Kentucky auditor of public accounts office to enter into a contract with a third party to conduct a thorough performance review of DJJ. The measure defines the authority of the third-party entity and the scope of the review and would provide the necessary funding, $500,000, in the current fiscal year, for the audit.

Senate Bill 162 is the start of a long-term reformation of DJJ and a commitment to finally address the needs of juveniles with serious mental illness. The bill carries an emergency designation (section 14), meaning it would take effect immediately upon filing with the Kentucky Secretary of State's Office.

Major provisions of Senate Bill 162 include:

• Investment of over $55 million in the next two years to support comprehensive reforms within the system. (Sections 7-12)

• Transitioning DJJ back to a regional model while continuing to segregate males and females, and violent and non-violent offenders. (section 5)

• Section one reorganizes DJJ, including:

  o   Creating a Division of Compliance and an Office of Detention and requiring the eight DJJ centers to be under one person's supervision who reports directly to the DJJ commissioner. This office will house the Division of Transportation.

  o   Moving the Division of Professional Development under the Office of Support Services.

• Requiring the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet to maintain a comprehensive, centralized data tracking system for DJJ. (section 2)

• Reforms membership and responsibilities of the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council. (section 3)

• Setting requirements for DJJ facilities and requiring DJJ to enter into sufficient contracts to ensure the availability of institutional treatment for children with severe emotional disturbance or mental illness as soon as practical. (section 4)

  o   Requires the Kentucky Department of Medicaid to take steps to provide benefits to eligible detained children. (section 6)

• Establishing staff retention measures and addressing workforce needs by implementing a Youth Worker-R program to bring retired workers back into facilities (section 5) and providing employee professional development opportunities.

• Implementing a limited duration program to allow previously resigned staff to return to previous employment classifications with the department's approval.

The substantial appropriations in the legislation demonstrate the seriousness of the crisis and the Senate's commitment to finding short and long-term solutions.

Senate Bills 158 and 162 are a direct result of the work group efforts.                                       

"We are pleased with the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee's approval and support of these two bills," Givens and Carroll said in a joint statement. "The issues within DJJ will not be solved in a single 30-day session, but we believe it is incumbent upon us and this legislative body to do what we can today. Senate Bills 158 and 162 are two proposals from the Senate, and our House counterparts from the DJJ work group have worked on measures from their chamber. We look forward to continued communication throughout the session to help remedy the DJJ crisis."

BACKGROUND:

Before the General Assembly's constitutionally required session break in week one of the 2023 Legislative Session, Givens carried Senate Concurrent Resolution 31 to Senate passage, which initiated the efforts of a work group. Carroll, a retired law enforcement officer and former vice-chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, served as the work group's co-chair. Carroll, alongside his House counterpart Representative Kevin Bratcher, led several meetings throughout the session break. The meetings engaged a bipartisan group of lawmakers and received information from various stakeholders within the DJJ system.

Givens, Carroll and other lawmakers held a press conference on February 2, updating the public on the work group's findings and articulating clear recommendations Governor Andy Beshear's administration should take action on.

Only after what has been described as a gang rape of a minor in the Adair County Detention Center did the Beshear administration take necessary action to get control of the DJJ system. First, it implemented two recommendations made by lawmakers during the 2022 interim, separating juveniles based on gender and severity of the alleged crime. Additionally, Beshear was prompted to heed the work group's recommendation to use Kentucky State Police to provide around-the-clock support at the Adair, Fayette and Warren detention centers.

Unmet Needs:

Many initial recommendations remain unmet and Senate Bill 162 seeks to address them through legislative reforms aiming to repair the existing toxic culture in DJJ. However, some require executive action from the Governor. Notably, Beshear has refused to hold those who have failed in leadership positions within DJJ accountable. Members of the DJJ work group had called for the DJJ commissioner's replacement and the appointment of an independent individual with a vision to repair the culture within DJJ. The Governor has taken neither action.

Givens' and Carroll's measures are two significant steps in remedying the DJJ crisis.

Visit legislature.ky.gov for more information on Sens. David Givens and Danny Carroll and CLICK HERE to find Senate Bills 158 and 162.

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Senator Danny Carroll, R-Benton, represents the 2nd Senate District, including Ballard, Carlisle, Livingston, Marshall, and McCracken Counties. He serves as Senate Families and Children Committee chair. He is also a Senate Education, Health Services and Judiciary committee member. Additionally, Carroll is a member of the Public Pension Oversight Board and the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Carroll, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate102.jpg.

Senator David Givens, R-Greensburg, represents the 9th Senate District, including Barren, Edmondson, Green, and Hart Counties as well as northwestern Warren County. He serves as Senate president pro tempore and is Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity co-chair. Givens is a Senate Agriculture, Appropriations and Revenue, and Education committee member.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Givens, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate109.jpg.

Visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the ongoing 2023 30-day Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2022 Interim legislative meetings and 2023 Regular Session legislative activity at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We also encourage you to visit KYSenateRepublicans.com to subscribe to receive new releases from our office and access additional information on members of the Senate Majority Caucus.

A STATEMENT FROM SEN. STEVE WEST ON SB 47 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT

A STATEMENT FROM SEN. STEVE WEST ON SB 47 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT

FRANKFORT, KY (March 1, 2023) —The following is a statement from Senator Steve West, R-Paris, sponsor of Senate Bill 47, following the bill's assignment to the Senate Standing Committee of Licensing and Occupation:

“My support of medical marijuana has come from a long process of listening to constituents, doing a lot of research, learning from professionals and then thinking through this complex issue. I’ve concluded that medical marijuana is inherently safe and effective in treating many disorders. In the end, I look at this issue through the lens of liberty. I believe in giving Kentuckians as many safe options for their personal health care choices as possible. I appreciate this bill’s committee assignment and look forward to working with my colleagues in moving SB 47 through the next step in the legislative process.”

Click here to find Senate Bill 47. The next Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. EST Tuesday, March 7. Committee schedules and agendas are subject to change.

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Senator Steve West, R-Paris, represents the 27th Senate District, including Bourbon, Fleming, Harrison, Mason, Nicholas, Robertson, and Rowan Counties and part of northern Fayette County. He serves as Senate Education Committee chair and Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee chair. West is also a member of the Senate standing committees on Agriculture and a Budget Review Subcommittee on Education member.

Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate127.jpg  for a high-resolution .jpeg of West.

SENATOR STORM SPONSORS TWO BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW

SENATOR STORM SPONSORS TWO BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW

FRANKFORT, KY (March 27, 2023) Two bills, Senate Bill 71 and Senate Bill 72, both sponsored by Senator Brandon Storm, R-London, were signed into law last week.

Senate Bill 71 updates Kentucky's organ donor requirements to align with nationally-recognized organ donation modes for organ donation and transplants. Currently, there are over 1,000 individuals in Kentucky waiting for a life-saving organ transplant and just as many others requiring a tissue or cornea transplant.

This bill adds two additional classes of people who may make decisions related to the life-saving donation of organs or tissue:

• Another adult who is related to the decedent by blood, marriage, adoption, or who exhibited special care and concern for the decedent

• Any other person having the authority to dispose of the decedent's body

The bill will also advance donation and transplant science, as well as clarify and strengthen examination and evaluation standards.

“Senate Bill 71 was a much-needed bill to better align Kentucky’s organ donation and transplant laws with national ones,” Storm said. “These changes will make a difficult and time-sensitive decision for families a little easier.  It will also give better decision-making access to family members closest to the donor whether in-state or across state lines.”

Senate Bill 72 allows rebuilt and salvaged vehicles with completed paperwork to utilize the speed title process. The Department of Vehicle Regulation does not allow certain types of titles to use this process. Before SB 72, a speed title could not be used on the following:

• Classic vehicles

• Boats

• Mechanics lien

• Towing and storage

• Affidavit of ownership or bill of sale

• Duplicates

• Correction

• Restored title

• Out-of-country vehicle

• Court order

• Kentucky assigned vehicle identification number

• Salvage title from a vehicle deemed "junk or un-rebuildable"

• Kit vehicle

The bill also allows the department to set the processing time for speed titles on salvage and rebuilt vehicles. For rebuilt vehicles branded as un-rebuildable in another state, the application is 15 business days. The application can be extended by five business days for all other salvage and rebuilt vehicles.

“With the rising cost of new and used vehicles, many are deciding to rebuild the ones they have,” said Storm. “It's often very difficult to get salvaged or rebuilt vehicles titled, and this bill broadens what is allowed under this process and aims to make it more efficient.”

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Senator Brandon J. Storm, R-London, represents the 21st Senate District, including Casey, Laurel, Lincoln and Rockcastle Counties. He is Legislative Oversight and Investigations Statutory Committee chair and Senate Transportation Committee vice chair. Storm is also a Senate Banking and Insurance; Economic Development, Tourism and Labor; State and Local Government; and Judiciary committee member. He recently served as a 2022 Interim Emergency Medical Services Task Force member.

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

CARROLL ISSUES STATEMENT ON JUVENILE JUSTICE LEGISLATION BEING SIGNED INTO LAW

CARROLL ISSUES STATEMENT ON JUVENILE JUSTICE LEGISLATION BEING SIGNED INTO LAW

FRANKFORT, KY (March 28, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senator Danny Carroll, R-Benton, upon the enactment of Senate Bill 162, legislation reforming the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) allocating funding and providing for an independent audit of DJJ:

“Senate Bill 163 and House Bill 3 were the products of strong stakeholder efforts by a lot of people. The DJJ working group could not have created such strong legislation without the excellent work of the unsung staff of the Legislative Research Commission. The reforms and investments in these bills will be monumental in repairing the broken DJJ culture. Senator David Givens’ bill providing a full audit of DJJ facilities and practices was combined with Senate Bill 162 and will go even further in determining the breakdown and failures of leadership within the system. I look forward to seeing the results of this comprehensive, independent audit.

“While I am happy these bills have been enacted into law, Governor Andy Beshear has yet to take the necessary action to bring accountability to those in the highest leadership positions within DJJ. Until there is accountability, it will be difficult to realize a change in culture in DJJ as it currently exists. There is still time for the Governor to recognize this need and I encourage him to reconsider his unwillingness.”

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Senate Bill 158, included in the final provisions of Senate Bill 162, would officially direct the Kentucky auditor of public accounts staff to enter into a contract with a third party to conduct a thorough performance review of DJJ. The measure defines the authority of the third-party entity and scope of the study, and would provide $500,000 in the current fiscal year for the audit.

Senate Bill 162 is the start of a long-term reformation of DJJ and a commitment to finally address the needs of juveniles with serious mental illness. The bill carries an emergency designation, meaning it would take effect immediately upon filing with the Kentucky Secretary of State's office.

Major provisions of Senate Bill 162 include

• investment of over $55 million in the next two years to support comprehensive reforms within the system;

• transitioning DJJ back to a regional model while continuing to segregate males and females, and violent and non-violent offenders;

• Reorganizing DJJ, including:

  o   creating a Division of Compliance and an Office of Detention and requiring the eight DJJ centers to be under one person's supervision who reports directly to the DJJ commissioner. This office will house the Division of Transportation.

  o   moving the Division of Professional Development under the Office of Support Services.

• requiring the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet to maintain a comprehensive, centralized data tracking system for DJJ;

• reforms membership and responsibilities of the Juvenile Justice Advisory Council.

• setting requirements for DJJ facilities and requiring DJJ to enter into sufficient contracts to ensure the availability of institutional treatment for children with severe emotional disturbance or mental illness as soon as practical;

  o   Requires the Kentucky Department of Medicaid to take steps to provide benefits to eligible detained children;

• establishing staff retention measures and addressing workforce needs by implementing a Youth Worker-R program to bring retired workers back into facilities and providing employee professional development opportunities; and

• implementing a limited duration program to allow previously resigned staff to return to previous employment classifications with the department's approval.

The substantial appropriations in the legislation demonstrate the seriousness of the crisis and the Senate's commitment to finding short and long-term solutions.

Visit THIS LINK to find Senate Bill 162 in its entirety.

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Senator Danny Carroll, R-Benton, represents the 2nd Senate District, including Ballard, Carlisle, Livingston, Marshall, and McCracken Counties. He serves as Senate Families and Children Committee chair. He is also a Senate Education, Health Services and Judiciary committee member. Additionally, Carroll is a member of the Public Pension Oversight Board and the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee. For a high-resolution .jpeg of Carroll, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate102.jpg.

MEDIA ADVISORY SENATE TO RECEIVE FINDINGS OF FACT ON FORMER COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY GOLDY

MEDIA ADVISORY SENATE TO RECEIVE FINDINGS OF FACT ON FORMER COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY GOLDY

FRANKFORT, KY (March 28, 2023) – The committee appointed to hear evidence from the House of Representatives on former Commonwealth’s Attorney Ron Goldy’s articles of impeachment will receive findings of facts from the House tomorrow.  

Date: Wednesday, March 29

Time: 8:30 a.m. EST

Where:  Committee Room 169, 702 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601

The Senate passed Senate Resolution 108, amending the Rules of Procedure for the 2023 Regular Session 2 of the Senate and creating the framework for the impeachment proceedings, found here. The Rules of Procedure, established by SR 141, may be found here.

The proceedings are open to the public.  Credentialed members of the media may cover the proceedings.  Because of the graphic nature of the evidence, television cameras and still cameras will be allowed but not recording of physical evidence. KET will live stream here.

Credentialing:

1. Editors or publishers should email a formal badge request letter vouching for a reporter’s employment to Stephanie Newberg at Stephanie.Newberg@lrc.ky.gov.

2. Reporters should complete the LRC application included with the General Assembly Media Credentials. You may submit the completed form in person, or email it to Stephanie.Newberg@lrc.ky.gov.

3. Reporters should include a current head shot with your application or visit the Public Information Office in Suite 023 on the basement level to have one taken. 

4. Pick up badges in Room 023 the morning of the event. Please allow ample time to gain access.

5. Parking is available in any white parking space on the ground level or on levels 3 through 6 of the garage. Blue parking spots are reserved for legislators.

*Schedule is always subject to change. If it does, another advisory will be sent.

# # #

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the ongoing 2023 30-day Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2022 Interim legislative meetings and 2023 Regular Session legislative activity at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We also encourage you to visit KYSenateRepublicans.com to subscribe to receive new releases from our office and access additional information on caucus members.

SENATE MEASURE TO EMPOWER PARENTS, PROTECT MINORS FROM SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL BECOMES LAW

SENATE MEASURE TO EMPOWER PARENTS, PROTECT MINORS FROM SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL BECOMES LAW

FRANKFORT, KY (March 29, 2023)  – Senate Bill 5 (SB 5), sponsored by Senator Jason Howell, R-Murray, became law in the commonwealth without the support of Governor Andy Beshear as it was filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office without signature. The bill will ensure parental engagement in decision-making regarding a student’s access to sexual materials that may be inappropriate or harmful to minors.

The bill’s provisions include defining sex-related materials, programs, or events that a parent may reasonably consider offensive and unsuitable for minors and requires a local school board to adopt a ‘complaint resolution policy’ to address parent/guardian objections to materials, programs, or events their child has access to and a parent considers harmful to their development.

“I’ve heard from countless parents who deserve a way to protect their children from sexual content they feel is inappropriate,” said Howell.  “My goal with SB 5 was to establish a process parents and guardians can rely on to protect their children from an early exposure to inappropriate, pornographic material discovered in schools across the commonwealth.”

“While I’m happy the bill will be state law, I am disappointed the governor chose not to sign the bill into law,” Howell added. “I think it’s clearly a decision of political convenience, given it is a gubernatorial election year. His unwillingness to firmly stand with Kentucky parents is insulting, and certainly an effort to appease the radical political base he needs to win re-election.”

SB 5 establishes grievance levels for parents and guardians:

1. A written complaint to the school’s principal -  the principal has 10 days to decide whether a student's access to the material will remain, be removed, or restricted, or whether access to a program or event shall be eligible for future participation by students in the school.

2. Appeal to the local school board - The board must allow the opportunity for public comment at a school board meeting, and within 10 days, the board must discuss and vote on whether the material harms minors. The meeting would be subject to open records and open meeting requirements.

3. Final disposition by the local school board -  The board must determine if the material shall remain, be removed, or restricted or whether access to a program or event shall be eligible for future participation by students in the school. The board must post their final disposition for public awareness on the school district’s website.

4. Final parent request - After the school board disposition, a written request by a parent will be honored that his/her student will no longer have access to the posted material, program or event.

SB 5 requires the Kentucky Department of Education to create a model policy for complaint resolution to help local school districts in implementing the bill’s provisions.

The bill passed both legislative chambers with strong support, 29-4 in the Senate and 80-18 in the House.

“I think the strong support in the legislature and the fact the Governor felt he couldn’t veto the bill should be an indication that maybe SB 5 isn’t the boogeyman many characterized it to be,” Howell said. “I daresay the same logic probably applies to other legislation that has fallen victim to hyperbole and mischaracterization.”

Click here to find SB 5 in full and visit legislature.ky.gov to learn more about Senator Jason Howell.

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Senator Jason Howell, R-Murray, represents the 1st Senate District including Calloway, Crittenden, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Lyon, and Trigg Counties. As the 2023 Legislative Session convenes, he will serve as Senate Agriculture Committee chair. He also serves as a Banking and Insurance; Economic Development, Tourism and Labor; and Licensing and Occupations committee member. Additionally, he is a Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee and Legislative Oversight and Investigations committee member.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Howell, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate101.jpg.

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the ongoing 2023 30-day Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2022 Interim legislative meetings and 2023 Regular Session legislative activity at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We also encourage you to visit KYSenateRepublicans.com to subscribe to receive new releases from our office and access additional information on caucus members.

SENATE PRESIDENT NAMES MEMBERS TO ATTEND 2023 SREB LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

SENATE PRESIDENT NAMES MEMBERS TO ATTEND 2023 SREB LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

Frankfort, KY (April 6, 2023) - Last week, Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, named Senate majority caucus members to serve alongside him at the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) 2023 Legislative Work Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 10-12.

• Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria

• Senator Lindsey Tichenor, R-LaGrange

• Senator Gex Williams, R-Verona

• Senator Max Wise, R-Campbellsville

“Each Senate member I’ve chosen to join me at this year’s SREB conference is passionate about education and will represent our chamber of Kentucky’s General Assembly,” Stivers said. “I look forward to the discussions, the ideas other states in the region offer, and the knowledge we will bring back to the commonwealth and apply to our own policies next year.”

According to its website, SREB works with its 16 member states, Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia, to improve public education at every level, from pre-K through doctorate.  They bring together policymakers from each state represented to improve education by crafting sound legislation. They also work with state organizations to collaborate, train educators, and share resources and ideas to better equip those teaching the next generation of students.

SREB is a nonpartisan, nonprofit interstate compact whose work is funded by appropriations from member states, as well as by contracts and grants from foundations and local, state, and federal agencies.

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Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate majority caucus members and the 2023 30-day Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2022 Interim legislative meetings and 2023 Regular Session legislative activity at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate majority caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We also encourage you to visit KYSenateRepublicans.com to subscribe to receive new releases from our office and access additional information on caucus members.

STATEMENT RELEASE STIVERS ON LOUISVILLE MASS SHOOTING

STATEMENT RELEASE STIVERS ON LOUISVILLE MASS SHOOTING

FRANKFORT, KY (April 10, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senate President Robert Stivers in the aftermath of the mass shooting at Old Louisville Bank:

 “After another senseless act of violence, the Senate stands firmly with the City of Louisville. During this tragic time, we will hold the victims’ loved ones and friends in our prayers. 

I commend law enforcement who rushed to the scene, placed themselves in the line of fire to protect the public, and ended an obviously deranged individual's shooting spree. If not for these heroes, even more families and friends would be mourning today.” 

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Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, including Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties. As of January 1, 2023, Stivers will have served as Kentucky Senate president for nearly a decade, first assuming 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 Legislative Research Commission co-chair. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Senate standing committees on Education and Judiciary, and recently served as 2022 Interim Bourbon Barrel Taxation Task Force co-chair.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of President Stivers, please visit:https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate125.jpg

SENATOR BRANDON STORM CHAIRS SENATE IMPEACHMENT COMMITTEE

SENATOR BRANDON STORM CHAIRS SENATE IMPEACHMENT COMMITTEE

FRANKFORT, KY (March 30, 2023) - For the first time in 135 years, the Senate conducted an impeachment hearing resulting in a conviction in its chambers. Senator Brandon Storm, R-London, headed the Senate Impeachment Committee. Articles of Impeachment were adopted and a final judgment to impeach former Commonwealth’s Attorney Ronnie Lee Goldy, Jr. was sustained.

“This morning, I had the solemn duty to lead the Senate Impeachment Committee in presenting evidence, three articles of impeachment and the resulting judgment for Ronnie Lee Goldy to the full Senate body,” Storm said. “This impeachment was not a criminal or civil proceeding, but due to the unethical abuse of public office, the General Assembly is responsible for ensuring public officials who behave in this manner are prohibited from holding public office in the commonwealth again. This was not a task I took lightly, and I am humbly honored that President Stivers had the confidence in me to fill this role and carry out this important duty.”
The last time a full impeachment hearing was held was in 1888 when state Treasurer “Honest Dick” Tate was impeached for fleeing to Brazil and abandoning his office with nearly $200,000 in state funds. In 1916 and 1991, impeachment hearings were conducted but never went to trial.

BACKGROUND:

The Senate received the articles of impeachment from the Kentucky House of Representatives following the work of the 2023 House Impeachment Committee. The Senate passed Senate Resolution 108, which set forth a plan for Senate impeachment proceedings.

Using Rule 39A, an amendment to the Senate Rules, Senate President Robert Stivers, R - Manchester, appointed a committee of seven senators which included two minority party members. He appointed Senator Brandon Storm, R-London, as the committee chair, who is responsible for leading the impeachment proceedings for the Senate. Additional members joining Storm on the committee were:

• Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong, D-Louisville

• Senator Jason Howell, R-Murray

• Senator Michael Nemes, R-Shepherdsville

• Senator Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield

• Senator Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington

• Senator Gex Williams, R-Verona

The hearing portion of the proceedings took place March 21-22, in which the committee was presented evidence from the House of Representatives impeachment committee members. Following the introduction of evidence, the defendant had the opportunity to cross-examine the evidence, but did not appear before the committee to defend himself.

Upon conclusion of the hearing, the committee prepared recommendations and presented them to the full Senate. The body then accepted the recommendations. The Constitution of Kentucky requires the concurrence of two-thirds of the senators present to convict and remove the office-holder, a threshold met on Thursday.

Upon impeachment, Goldy is now prohibited from holding public office in Kentucky.

# # # 

Senator Brandon J. Storm, R-London, represents the 21st Senate District, including Casey, Laurel, Lincoln and Rockcastle Counties. He is Legislative Oversight and Investigations Statutory Committee chair and Senate Transportation Committee vice chair. Storm is also a Senate Banking and Insurance; Economic Development, Tourism and Labor; State and Local Government; and Judiciary committee member. He recently served as a 2022 Interim Emergency Medical Services Task Force member.

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

STATEMENT RELEASE WEST’S MEDICAL CANNABIS LEGISLATION RECEIVES FINAL PASSAGE

STATEMENT RELEASE WEST’S MEDICAL CANNABIS LEGISLATION RECEIVES FINAL PASSAGE

FRANKFORT, KY (March 30, 2023) - The following is a statement from Senator Steve West, R-Paris, upon the state House of Representatives' approval of Senate Bill 47, medical marijuana legislation:

“This is a truly historic day here in the commonwealth and one that many people deserve—especially the constituents who’ve approached me over the years to share their stories,” West said. “This is a deeply personal and important issue to thousands of Kentuckians who have called for safe options for their medical care and treatment. For that reason, it’s important to me.

“I am grateful to my colleagues for helping get this over the finish line. It took a lot of time, deliberation and debate spanning many years, but we did it. I would be remiss not to acknowledge the work of Rep. Jason Nemes and even more so, the advocacy of residents like Eric and Michelle Crawford who’ve spent countless hours in the Capitol Annex educating and convincing lawmakers that medical marijuana’s time has come.

“Today is a great day and I’m glad to know Senate Bill 47 will become state law.”

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Enactment of medical marijuana by state legislatures has been a nationwide trend. Emphasis has been placed on incorporating holistic palliative treatments for cancer and many other debilitating disorders. In many situations, some may prefer the option to use a form of medical marijuana instead of opioid pain medications due to their addictive nature.

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The following diagnoses are covered under SB 47:

• Any type or form of cancer regardless of the stage

• Chronic, severe, intractable, or debilitating pain

• Epilepsy or any other intractable seizure disorder

• Multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, or spasticity

• Chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome that has proven resistant to other conventional medical treatments

• Post-traumatic stress disorder

• Any other medical condition or disease for which the Kentucky Center for Cannabis established in KRS 164.983, or its successor, determines that sufficient scientific data and evidence exists to demonstrate that an individual diagnosed with that condition or disease is likely to receive medical, therapeutic, or palliative benefits from the use of medicinal cannabis

This bill not only names specific ailments that qualify for medical cannabis but also sets up the regulatory authority through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to oversee all aspects of medicinal legalization. It establishes guidelines for law enforcement, requiring that medical marijuana be transported in an opaque container with labels and a clearly marked dosage. SB 47 establishes rights for employers, civil rights for parents and custodians of minors, and parameters involving rights within education and how a patient must obtain eligibility and acquire a medical card.

Legalizing medical marijuana is a complex administrative process. In addition to the guidelines concerning patient access, physician responsibility and civil liberties for many areas of everyday society have to be established.  SB 47 lays out the standards for setting up a dispensary, applying for a business license, and obtaining the product for distribution. As all medication in Kentucky, medicinal marijuana will not be taxed, but fees will be levied on producers and dispensaries. Kentucky farmers will also benefit, as all medical marijuana sold in the commonwealth must be grown in the commonwealth. This bill touches on nearly every aspect of incorporating medicinal marijuana into Kentucky’s health care system.

Senate Bill 47 would take effect January 1, 2025, which provides time for the Kentucky Center for Cannabis to complete studies. The Center was established by 2022’s House Bill 604. The center’s purpose is to advance the study of the use of cannabis and cannabis derivatives for the treatment of certain medical conditions and diseases as indicated and recommended by the center's advisory board.

 Click here to find the bill in full. Visit legislature.ky.gov to learn more about Senator Steve West.

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Senator Steve West, R-Paris, represents the 27th Senate District, including Bourbon, Fleming, Harrison, Mason, Nicholas, Robertson, and Rowan Counties and part of northern Fayette County. He serves as Senate Education Committee chair and Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee chair. West is also a member of the Senate standing committees on Agriculture and a Budget Review Subcommittee on Education member.

Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate127.jpg  for a high-resolution .jpeg of West.

THE LATE SENATOR C.B. EMBRY JR., REP. BAM CARNEY AND WWII HERO AMONG INDIVIDUALS HONORED IN ROAD NAMING RESOLUTION

THE LATE SENATOR C.B. EMBRY JR., REP. BAM CARNEY AND WWII HERO AMONG INDIVIDUALS HONORED IN ROAD NAMING RESOLUTION

FRANKFORT, KY (April 3, 2023) – The Kentucky General Assembly enacted House Joint Resolution 7 (HJR) in the 2023 Legislative Session, which includes both House and Senate Joint Resolutions (SJR) honoring deceased Kentuckians who have served or have made a notable impression on the commonwealth.

Senator Steve Meredith's SJR 52 was included and designates US 231 from KY 70 at Aberdeen to the Ohio County Line in Butler County in honor of the late C.B. Embry Jr., who passed away last September after a long-fought battle with cancer.  He was 81 years old.

Embry was elected 12 times to five different public offices, including the mayor, county judge-executive and both chambers of the Kentucky General Assembly. He was a passionate advocate for veterans and education issues. The designation of the portion of US 231 from KY 70 at Aberdeen to the Ohio County line is a small token of appreciation and perpetual recognition of Embry's incredible legacy.

Within HJR 7 is a clarification that US Route 27X, which begins at the Nicholasville Bypass and becomes Main Street in downtown Nicholasville will be named the 'Senator Tom Buford Memorial Highway.' Senator Donald Douglas introduced Senate Resolution 139 in the 2022 Legislative session to honor the late Tom Buford, who passed away in July 2021.

The resolution also honors the late Rep. Bam Carney with the designation of a completed portion of the Campbellsville Bypass (KY 55) from KY 201 to KY 70—and upon completion—to US 68, in Taylor County in his honor. Carney passed away at 51 in July 2021 following a battle with pancreatitis.

Henry Ledford of Big Creek, Kentucky, a United States Army World War II veteran, was included in the resolution by Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester.

Ledford, one of the few remaining WWII veterans in America and one of the oldest veterans in Kentucky, passed on November 30, 2022, at 103 years old. Ledford served for the 11th Infantry Regiment and freed prisoners from a concentration camp near Landberg, Germany.

The resolution designates KY 66 from Clay/Leslie County line to US 421 in Clay County the 'Henry Ledford Memorial Highway.'

HJR 7 incorporated additional SJRs honoring many others, including:

• ·         SJR 5, sponsored by Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, honors Rep. Herman W. Ratliff. Ratliff served Taylor, Green, Metcalfe, and Marion Counties as a Kentucky State Representative for 19 years from 1968 to 1986 including three terms as Minority Caucus chair. He served in the United States Army during World War II, primarily in the Philippines, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Ratliff was recognized for his service with the Asiatic Pacific Theater Medal, the World War II Victory Medal and a Good Conduct Medal.

• ·         SJR 27, sponsored by Sen. John Schickel, R-Union, honors Charles Patrick, husband of the late Irene Patrick. Charles served as a Boone County Magistrate and member of the Hebron Church of Christ, the Masons and Shriners International. He was also the owner of Patrick's Auto Parts in Hebron.

• ·         SJR 89, sponsored by Sen. Rick Girdler, R-Somerset, honors Colonel Vermont Garrison. Garrison was assigned to the 4th Fighter Group, where he downed seven German planes earning him the title of Ace before being shot down and becoming a prisoner of war. He was one of only seven pilots to become an Ace in both World War II and the Korean War. Garrison also served in the Vietnam War as Vice Wing Commander of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing and earned the title of Triple Ace.

• SJR 94, sponsored by Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, honors Chief Petty Officer 3rd Class Virgil Mounts. Mounts was providing care for Army assault troops on Omaha Beach during the Invasion of Normandy when a shell exploded nearby, killing him instantly. Although listed as 18 years old in official military records, he was only 16 and is thought to be the youngest service member to be killed at the D-Day invasion.

• SJR 95, also sponsored by Wheeler, honors Sergeant Thomas Epling. Epling, a combat medic, was wounded on two occasions and awarded two Bronze Stars for bravery under fire, the Combat Medic Badge, a Unit Citation and the Korean Service Medal.

• SJR 99, also sponsored by Girdler, honors 1SGT Norman Richard Wells. Wells earned many awards and medals during his illustrious military career, including the World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Expert Rifleman's Badge.

• SJR 102, sponsored by Senator Brandon Storm, R-London, honors Officer Logan Medlock. Medlock was a London City Police Department Officer and was tragically killed in the line of duty when an impaired driver ran into the driver's side of his police cruiser.

• SJR 103, also sponsored by Storm, honors Officer Travis Hurley. Hurley was a twenty-one-year veteran and K-9 handler with the London City Police Department who retired in 2021 as a lieutenant.

Also within HJR 7 are clarifications, corrections and fixes to past road namings.

Finally, not having individual Senate Resolutions, but included in HJR 7 were:

Wheeler honors three Lawrence County Vietnam veterans:

·         KY 3398 From US 23 to KY 3 will be named the Jimmy Wayne Hardwick, Ellsworth Swann, and Charles Spencer Memorial Highway

Stivers honors Alvin Webb of Jackson County with a memorial bridge naming:

·         The bridge is located on KY 3630 at mile point 2.65

Senator Johnnie Turner, R-Harlan, honors Greg Page of Bell County:

·         A portion of KY 2129 will be the Greg Page Memorial Highway.

Click here to find HJR 7 in its entirety, including honorary bridge and road namings, supported by members of the Kentucky state House of Representatives. The measure was given final approval in the Senate on March 16 and was signed into law on March 21.

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Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the ongoing 2023 30-day Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2022 Interim legislative meetings and 2023 Regular Session legislative activity at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. We also encourage you to visit KYSenateRepublicans.com to subscribe to receive new releases from our office and access additional information on caucus members.

SENATE LEGISLATION WOULD ADDRESS TEACHER SHORTAGE IN KENTUCKY

SENATE LEGISLATION WOULD ADDRESS TEACHER SHORTAGE IN KENTUCKY

FRANKFORT, KY (February 15, 2023) – Yesterday, Senator Matt Deneen, R-Elizabethtown, presented Senate Bill 49, a measure to help address the teacher shortage. The measure passed the Senate unanimously.

Newly elected Senator Deneen considers the bill his priority legislation for the 2023 30-day General Session. 

SB 49 will address workforce shortages and alternative teacher certifications under what is known as “Option 6” certification. This bill will extend the current program from three to five years. This legislative reform will benefit over 1,600 teachers currently enrolled in the program across our commonwealth.

Kentucky, like all states, faces a workforce shortage in various industries, and education is not immune. According to recent reporting by the Louisville Courier Journal using figures from the Kentucky Department of Education, the state is short approximately 1,700 classroom educators. This is vastly lower than the 11,000 figure oft-cited by Governor Andy Beshear but is nonetheless an issue Deneen and lawmakers are poised to address.

SB 49 will help alleviate the teacher shortage by extending how long a provisional teacher certificate lasts, providing more time for candidates with baccalaureate degrees to complete alternate teacher certification. For those with baccalaureate degrees who seek Alternative teacher certification through Options 6 and 7, this bill revises the provisional certification period from a maximum of three to five years.

“Before retiring, I spent most of my career as a public school educator and administrator, so this legislation is particularly important to me,” Deneen said. “We do not have a silver bullet to address this workforce shortage or all others. Nevertheless, I hope this bill will remove red tape for folks who are more than qualified through professional experience but may not have the traditional education background. This will give them more time to complete their certifications.”

SB 49 will now head to the House of Representatives for consideration. It carries an emergency designation, meaning it would go into effect upon filing with the Secretary of State’s Office. Find the bill in its entirety at Legislature.ky.gov.

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Senator Matt Deneen, R-Elizabethtown, represents the 10th Senate District, including Hardin County and part of Jefferson County. He serves as the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection Committee vice chair and is chair of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. Deneen is also a Senate Agriculture, Appropriations and Revenue, and Judiciary committee member. Additionally, he serves as a Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Statutory Committee member.

Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate110.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Deneen.

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the ongoing 2023 30-day Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2022 Interim legislative meetings and 2023 Regular Session legislative activity at ket.org/legislature/archives.

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

SENATOR STEVE MEREDITH TAPPED AS COLON CANCER SCREENING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER

SENATOR STEVE MEREDITH TAPPED AS COLON CANCER SCREENING ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER

FRANKFORT, KY (February 13, 2023) - Senate President Robert Stivers has named Senator Steve Meredith, R-Leitchfield, to the Colon Cancer Screening and Prevention Advisory Committee. The Committee's purpose is to provide oversight and recommendations to the Kentucky Colon Cancer Screening Program and report annually to the Kentucky General Assembly.

The Senate President and House Speaker appoint one member of each respective chamber to the committee for a four-year term. Additional members of the committee represent organizations and demographics most affected by colon cancer in the Commonwealth.

"When first made aware of a vacancy, I knew Steve was the person to represent our caucus on this Committee," Stivers said. "Before joining the senate, Steve spent decades as a healthcare executive, and his professional background will bring unparalleled insight and expertise."

The Kentucky Colon Cancer Screening and Prevention committee was established by KRS 214.540-544 in 2008, focusing on giving uninsured and underinsured Kentuckians with individual incomes at or less than 300 percent of the poverty level. The goal of the program is to reduce colon cancer deaths through the prevention and early detection of colon cancer while identifying ways for Kentuckians to make access to high-quality colon cancer screening services, including colonoscopy, easier.

"I am truly honored and want to thank President Stivers for having the confidence in me to serve on this committee," Meredith said. "What initially led me to seek this office was to address healthcare needs in the commonwealth and a desire to identify ways to make our government agencies more efficient. Sadly, far too many Kentuckians are losing their lives to colon cancer, but I am confident that this committee will have a meaningful impact and can save lives". 

According to the CDC, Kentucky ranks as one of the top states for the highest per capita deaths from colon cancer.

In 2021 the General Assembly enacted Senate Bill 16. The measure updated Colon Cancer Screening Program with its fund and advisory committee to include "and Prevention" in the title. It required funds from selling special cancer prevention license plates to be directed to the program fund and used solely for colon cancer screening and prevention. The bill also updated the membership of the program's advisory committee and required the Department for Medicaid Services to present statistics on cancer services related to colorectal cancer annually and upon request.

Find more details on the Colon Cancer Screening and Prevention Advisory Committee by clicking HERE. The next committee meeting is scheduled for March 16th, 2023.

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Senator Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, represents the 5th Senate District, including Breckinridge, Butler, Grayson, Ohio, and Meade Counties. He serves as Government Contract Review Committee chair. Additionally, He serves as the chair of the Health Services committee. Meredith is also be a Senate Education; Families and Children; and Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection committees.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Meredith, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate105.jpg.

Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the ongoing 2023 30-day Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership.

Live legislative coverage is available at ket.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel. Access archived footage of 2022 Interim legislative meetings and 2023 Regular Session legislative activity at ket.org/legislature/archives.

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