May 18, 2023

SPECIAL COMMITTEES APPROVED BY LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION

***Task Forces Will Conduct Business Over 2023 Interim Period***

FRANKFORT, KY (May 18, 2023) The 2023 Interim Session will begin next month. Part of the focus of the interim period will be specific policy issues to be studied by several special committees or task forces. Each special committee or task force listed below will meet throughout the 2023 Interim.

Each task force will consist of 10 legislative members:

1. The House speaker appoints four members of the House majority.

2. The House minority floor leader appoints one member of the House minority.

3. The Senate president appoints four members of the Senate majority.

4. The Senate minority floor leader appoints one member of the Senate minority.

2023 SPECIAL COMMITTEES AND SENATE MEMBERSHIP

Task Force on Local Government Annexation: Resulting from the passage of Senate Bill 141, sponsored by Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, the task force will study required city annexation methods and will review the beneficial and damaging effects of city annexation on taxation, economic development, provision and sustainability of water, gas, electric, sewer, and other utility services, police protection, fire protection, and emergency services from the perspective of local governments and their residents. The task force will also recommend statutory law changes resulting from deliberations.

Task Force on Local Government Annexation membership is:

● Sen. Robby Mills, R-Henderson - co-chair

● Rep. Jonathan Dixon, R-Corydon - co-chair

● Sen. Michael J. Nemes, R-Shepherdsville

● Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester

● Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville

● Sen. David Yates, D-Louisville

● Rep. Randy Bridges, R-Paducah

● Rep. Beverly Chester-Burton, D-Shively

● Rep. Michael Meredith, R-Oakland

● Rep. Michael 'Sarge' Pollock. R-Campbellsville

Lottery Trust Fund Task Force: Established from House Concurrent Resolution 34, sponsored by Representative Bobby McCool, R-Van Lear, the task force will review the recent budgetary trends and the use of the lottery trust fund and evaluate the performance of scholarships and grant programs. It will analyze the scholarship and grant needs expected for the commonwealth, compare the current system with other states' scholarship and grant programs, develop and submit any recommendations and changes to the trust fund, and how to better align the use of the funds with the commonwealth's needs.

Lottery Trust Fund Task Force membership is:

● Sen. Matthew Deneen, R-Elizabethtown - co-chair

● Rep. Bobby McCool, R-Van Lear - co-chair

● Sen. Gary Boswell, R-Owensboro

● Senate Minority Floor Leader Gerald A. Neal, D-Louisville

● Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield

● Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green

● Rep. Daniel Grossberg, D-Louisville

● Rep. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington

● Rep. Steve Riley, R-Glasgow

● Rep. Killian Timoney, R- Lexington

Multimodal Freight Transportation System Improvement Task Force: Created from House Concurrent Resolution 72, sponsored by Rep. Tom Smith, R-Corbin, the task force will study and make recommendations regarding:

1. ports, freight, and air terminals to review, correct, secure, and expand economic development opportunities, including ports for bulk river and rail service and transit terminals for trucking and air freight;

2. the state of the current freight transportation system, identifying gaps, where services are unavailable, existing facilities where backlogs exist, and where expansion is warranted; and

3. one-time and recurring funding opportunities to fund improvements and maintain the system.

Multimodal Freight Transportation System Improvement Task Force membership is:

● Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray - co-chair

● House Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles, R-Owensboro - co-chair

● Sen. Cassie Chambers Armstrong, D-Louisville

● Senate Transportation Chair Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon

● Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London

● Sen. Johnnie Turner, R-Harlan

● Rep. John Blanton, R-Salyersville

● Rep. Chris Freeland, R-Benton

● Rep. Tom Smith, R-Corbin

● Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty, D-Martin

Jail and Corrections Reform Task Force: Formed as a result of House Concurrent Resolution 82, sponsored by Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon, the task force will study

1. existing jail and correctional facilities;

2. possible realignment and closure of jail and correctional facilities;

3. adequacy of existing jail and correctional facilities;

4. management of Kentucky's incarcerated population;

5. personnel and other costs associated with jail and correctional facilities;

6. pretrial and post-conviction incarceration data from the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Department of Corrections, and jails;

7. pretrial defendants, including a breakdown by the jurisdiction of the financial conditions of release and charged offenses for those defendants; and

8. the number of supervised individuals incarcerated on new changes versus those incarcerated due to revocation.

Jail and Corrections Reform Task Force membership is:

● Sen. John Schickel, R-Union - co-chair

● Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon - co-chair

● Sen. Brandon J. Storm, R-London

● Sen. Robin L. Webb, D-Ashland

● Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Fruit Hill

● Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville

● Rep. David Hale, R-Wellington

● Rep. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville

● Rep. Jason Petrie, R-Elkton

● Rep. Wade Williams, R-Earlington

Kentucky Health and Human Services Delivery System Task Force: Resulting from Senate Bill 48, sponsored by Sen. Steve Meredith, R-Leitchfield, the task force is to study the organizational structure, operations, and administration of programs, policies, and procedures within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. It will

1. examine the cabinet's structure, operations, programs, policies, and procedures to determine if or how services may be delivered more effectively and efficiently; and

2. examine Kentucky's benefits cliff and continue the work of the prior benefits cliff task force.

The Health and Human Services Delivery System Task Force membership is:

● Sen. Steve Meredith, R-Leitchfield - co-chair

● House Speaker Pro Tem David Meade, R-Stanford - co-chair

● Senate Majority Caucus Chair Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville

● Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria

● Sen. Denise Harper Angel, D-Lousville

● Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe

● Rep. Samara Heavrin, R-Leitchfield

● Rep. Kimberly Poore Moser, R-Taylor Mill

● Rep. Amy Neighbors, R-Edmonton

● Rep. Sarah Stalker, D-Louisville

Certificate of Need Task Force: Established from Senate Concurrent Resolution 165, sponsored by Sen. Gex Williams, R-Verona, and House Concurrent Resolution 85, sponsored by Rep. Marianne Proctor, R-Union, the task force will

1. review Kentucky's CON program, including the state health plan and related statutes;

2. review the need to maintain or modify CON for each covered health service; and

3. submit any findings and recommendations regarding CON to the Legislative Research Commission for referral to the appropriate committee of jurisdiction.

Certificate of Need Task Force membership includes:

● Sen. Donald Douglas, R-Nicholasville - co-chair

● Rep. Russell Webber, R-Shepherdsville - co-chair

● Sen. Karen Berg, D-Louisville

● Senate President Pro Tempore David P. Givens, R-Greensburg

● Sen. Steve Meredith, R-Leitchfield

● Sen. John Schickel, R-Union

● Rep. Lindsey Burke, D-Lexington

● Rep. Daniel Elliott, R-Danville

● Rep. Marianne Proctor, R-Union

● Rep. Susan Witten, R-Louisville

Task Force on School and Campus Security: The task force to study and review the implementation of 2019 Legislative Sessions Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville. It will examine access to mental health services within districts and determine if federal funds are available.

The Task Force on School and Campus Security membership includes:

● Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville - co-chair

● Rep. Scott Lewis, R-Hartford - co-chair

● Sen. Matthew Deneen, R-Elizabethtown

● Sen. Mike Nemes, R-Shepherdsville

● Senate Minority Caucus Chair Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington

● Sen. Steve West, R-Paris

● Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge

● Rep. Scott Sharp, R-Ashland

● Rep. James Tipton, R-Taylorsville

● Rep. Lisa Willner, D-Louisville

Each task force will submit its findings and recommendation to the Legislative Research Commission by December 4.

LEGISLATIVE COVERAGE

Task force meetings will be live-streamed via the LRC YouTube Channel and ket.org/legislature. Archived footage of meetings can be accessed at KET.org/legislature/archives and on the LRC YouTube Channel. Follow the LRC Legislative Calendar for task force meeting information.

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Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the upcoming 2023 Interim, 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 2023 Regular Session meetings 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.

May 17, 2023

**CARROLL RECOGNIZED FOR EFFORTS**
**ON BEHALF OF KENTUCKIANS WITH DISABILITIES**

FRANKFORT, KY (May 17, 2023) — Senator Danny Carroll, R-Benton, has been named a Willie Byrd Legislative Award recipient by the Association for People Supporting Employment First (APSE). The award recognizes Carroll’s efforts on behalf of Kentuckians with disabilities. Carroll was the primary sponsor of the 2022 Legislative Session’s Senate Bill 104, which makes Kentucky an Employment First state, establishing an “Employment First” council.

The council works alongside state agencies to implement job training, coordinate outreach efforts and share information with the goal of eliminating disincentives for employment of people with disabilities, developing resources and outreach for families, self-advocates, providers and employers on the benefits of integrated employment, increasing employment opportunities and encouraging integrated employment for employers.

During that same legislative year, Carroll also sponsored Senate Bill 94, which passed into law and expanded eligibility for the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship Program to include students with Intellectual Disabilities enrolled in Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Programs (CTPs).

Willie Byrd Legislative Award is given to someone who has supported and promoted the employment of people with significant disabilities through legislation and/or legislative efforts. Consideration for this award is given to a legislator and/or individuals who have worked effectively within the legislative and advocacy realm to ensure that people with significant disabilities have the opportunity to work.

“I am grateful for this recognition and truly appreciate the focus and efforts of APSE,” Carroll said. “Like the organization, my top priority is helping those who need us and showing those with special needs what a vital part of our world they are. I hope we can continue to increase opportunities for those with disabilities because our businesses and communities are all the better for it.”

Carroll serves as Senate Families and Children Committee chair and most recently sponsored Senate Bill 160 in the 2023 Legislative Session. The bill clarifies the criteria for monies deposited or withdrawn from STABLE Kentucky Accounts, which the Kentucky State Treasury administers for individuals with certain disabilities. Senate Bill 160 was signed into law on March 31.

APSE is the only national organization focused exclusively on Employment First for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community, according to the organization’s website. Its members recognize that everyone has abilities to contribute and their work should be recognized and rewarded with fair pay, creating inclusive workplaces.

APSE provided the following statement regarding Carroll’s award recognition:

“Senator Carroll is not new to advocating for Kentuckians with disabilities. He is the president and CEO of Easterseals West Kentucky and the father of Maggie, a young woman with cerebral palsy who has completed the CTP course of study at Murray State University. Under his supervision, Easterseals had a long-running supported employment program and has seen the creation of the Lily Pad, supporting medically fragile children and adults, a much-needed and rarely offered service here in Kentucky, the Lori Center for Autism and a Teen Summer Program.

“We are honored to present this year’s Willie Byrd Legislative Award to Senator Danny Carroll.”

For more information on Senator Danny Carroll and his sponsored legislation, please visit legislature.ky.gov.

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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.

May 9, 2023

SENATOR STEVE WEST, LAWMAKERS QUESTION IRRESPONSIBLE EXPANSION OF MEDICAID PROGRAM

FRANKFORT, KY (May 9, 2023) – The Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee (ARRS), co-chaired by Senator Steve West, R-Paris, met on Tuesday to review administrative regulations. A notable agenda item included the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) presenting a new set of administrative regulations expanding Medicaid coverage for vision, dental, and hearing services.

Lawmakers expressed concerns because the current services provided in the Medicaid Program are not adequately covered, and CHFS has shown an unwillingness to address these inadequacies. However, the cabinet remains resolved to expand vision, dental, and hearing services while simultaneously cutting Medicaid rates for behavioral health services. Senate Bill 65, sponsored by West and enacted in the 2023 Legislative Session, found the regulation in question deficient.

“What we are witnessing here from CHFS is an overt effort to ignore duly enacted legislation and, to make it worse, it is a poor administration of the Medicaid program and those it serves,” West said. ”We want to provide the highest-quality services to the most people we can, but this isn’t the appropriate way to achieve that goal. We can’t afford the current Medicaid program, so why would we expand services in an already unsustainable program? The regulation discussed today is irresponsible, strains the system, and picks winners and losers. Taxpayers and Kentucky residents deserve better.”

Subcommittee members effectively showed how Kentucky’s current Medicaid program does not adequately cover behavioral health services, EMS treatment and waiver services.

Find playback of the ARRS Subcommittee meeting HERE via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube Channel.

BACKGROUND:

CHFS filed the original administrative regulations expanding Medicaid coverage for vision, dental, and hearing services on Dec. 29, 2022. These regulations were found deficient by the administrative regulation review subcommittee on Feb. 14. SB 65 found certain administrative regulations created before March 30, 2023, deficient by the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee and “null, void, and unenforceable.”

SB 65 was enacted in the 2023 Legislative Session and carried an emergency designation. The bill’s provisions went into effect as soon as it was filed with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office. The bill, which nullified the Dec. 29, 2022, administrative regulation, states CHFS “shall be prohibited from promulgating administrative regulations that are identical to, or substantially the same as, the proposed amendments” relating to deficient administrative regulations expanding dental, vision, and hearing services until June 1, 2024.

SB 65 also allowed the Department for Medicaid Services to reimburse providers based on Jan. 1, 2023, fee schedule for services rendered or initiated before its effective date. This language was added in response to providers’ concerns they would not be reimbursed for the already-ordered dentures due to the regulations.

The Cabinet filed new emergency and ordinary administrative regulations expanding Medicaid coverage for dental, vision, and hearing services on April 12, 2023 – two weeks after the final passage of SB 65—the veto of the Governor notwithstanding.

REGULATION FOUND DEFICIENT FOR THE SECOND TIME:

The regulation was found deficient by the subcommittee. It is the second time the committee has expressed its concerns and opinions on the matter, making it very clear where lawmakers stand.

“If the cabinet chooses to move forward on this, any negative effects on Kentuckians will rest squarely at the feet of the cabinet and this administration,” West said.

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Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the upcoming 2023 Interim, 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 2023 Regular Session meetings 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.

April 24, 2023

BOWLING GREEN VETERANS CENTER NAMED AFTER COLONEL ROBERT E. SPILLER

FRANKFORT, KY (April 17, 2023) —Today the new Bowling Green Veterans Center was named after Vietnam and Korean war veteran Col. Robert E. Spiller. The naming of the center is a result of the dedicated efforts by two state legislators, Rep. Michael Meredith, R-Oakland, and Sen. Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green. House Bill 2, introduced by Meredith and passed by the 2023 General Assembly, provided an additional $16.6 million to support this construction because of rising inflation and construction costs.

“Col. Spiller was not only a decorated Korean and Vietnam war veteran, but a great friend. He lived out his faith every single day in service to his community and made a difference in the lives of everyone who crossed his path.” said Wilson who carried the bill in the Senate. “I'm grateful for Rep. Michael Meredith who championed the naming of the center after the dedicated man Robert was.”

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Spiller came to Kentucky to attend Western Kentucky University and met Bowling Green native Cora Jean Morningstar in 1949. Spiller earned both a bachelor and master degree in history at WKU before embarking on a successful 30-year service career that took him to France and Germany. His final assignment was as the chief of staff of the Berlin Brigade when he was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

“Veterans of our armed services make up about 8 percent of District 16,” said Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville. “Col. Spiller was a selfless man who set an example for living in service to his family and community. We’re so fortunate he saw Kentucky as such an attractive place to raise a family and call it his home.”

For several years, Spiller led the Veterans Day Parade. He drove veterans from Bowling Green to Nashville for medical appointments and helped widows and family members obtain military benefits.

“Col Spiller came to Kentucky and stayed and what a difference he made in his community,” said Sen. David Givens, R-Greensburg. "I had the honor of being a student of Col. Spiller during his time as a WKU instructor. I also worked at the Ag Expo Center while he was their director in the late 1980s. He had a profound impact on this community and was a significant positive influence on me personally."

Spiller was a long-time member of the Rotary Club, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Salvation Army. Wilson has been involved with many of the organizations Spiller made his presence known

“Spiller was the driving force behind getting a Bowling Green VA Nursing Home here,” said Wilson. “He made it his life's work to help veterans through the American Legion, the Military Officers Association of America, and the Retired Officers Association to help veterans. Robert helped his community and this state in so many ways. It's an honor to recognize the dedication he displayed time and again.”

The total cost for the center is $50 million, including $21.5 million in federal funds. The center is the fifth in the state and will provide services to veterans in the south-central region.

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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.

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.

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.

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

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.

STAKEHOLDERS, LAWMAKERS FIND AGREEMENT ON ANNEXATION

April 13, 2023

FRANKFORT, KY (March 16, 2023) — In a significant development, an annexation agreement was reached between the state's largest county and city organizations—the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) and the Kentucky Association of Counties, or KACo. The agreement details were added to Senate Bill 141, sponsored by Senator Amanda Mays-Bledsoe, an act relating to city ordinances, and delivered to the Senate for concurrence.

Annexation is the process by which incorporated cities in Kentucky physically expand their boundaries. It is primarily done through one of two methods, either consensual or non-consensual annexation. In consensual annexation, landowners agree in writing to be annexed by the city.

“I felt I had to bring the city and county representatives together to develop a plan that both would flourish under, “ said Senate President Robert Stivers. “Leadership from both organizations realized how important this topic was to bring to the table and developing a task force to take a deep dive will enhance continued growth both are experiencing.”

Over half of the state's residents live in one of Kentucky's 415 incorporated and active cities, according to KLC. The measure would allow annexations that had begun before March 1, 2023, to continue and place a moratorium on all annexations until after July 1, 2024.

Exceptions include when:

The annexation provides an opportunity for substantial economic development requiring an extension of city services for a business that proves it would not locate there unless those services are only available from the city.
Annexing the land would directly allow new or substantially improved services that cannot be provided by the city without annexation.
A contract made prior to the effective date of the act would be voided by the moratorium for annexations already underway.
The property owner requests the annexation and the property is contiguous to the existing city boundary and the city provides notice to the fiscal court where the property is located 45 days before enacting the final annexation ordinance.
The county agrees to the annexation.
This bill would void, alter, or otherwise impede current inter-local agreements involving occupational tax and insurance premium tax.

Additionally, the measure gives standing to county governments to file suit if they believe a city violates the moratorium, requiring the suit is filed within 45 days of the annexation’s completion. It requires the city to notify the judge/executive in writing of an annexation’s completion.

Without the county's consent, the bill would expressly prohibit any annexation involving school property before July 1, 2024.

Finally, the bill directs the Legislative Research Commission to establish the Task Force—and sets its membership—on Local Government Annexation, which will make recommendations based on the topics it is responsible for investigating.

The bill carries an emergency designation, meaning it would take effect immediately upon filing with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office.

“I was more than happy SB 141 was the vehicle for a way forward both city and county leadership will have a hand in and buy in with,“ said Bledsoe. “The real work will take place over the next year and I’ll be interested to see how this develops into the best possible plan.”

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For more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the 2023 Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership, please visit legislature.ky.gov.

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 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.

AN UPDATE ON SENATE IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS

April 13, 2023

FRANKFORT, KY (March 21, 2023) --The Senate impeachment committee reconvened to establish the evidence has been closed and has requested the House prepare findings of fact. The senate had no additional questions. There may be one additional public portion to the impeachment and this office will distribute future advisories as needed.

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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.

BLEDSOE ISSUES STATEMENT UPON ENACTMENT OF FIRST BILL AS STATE SENATOR Senate Bill 57 Removes Barriers on Cosmetology Professionals; Supports Military Families

April 13, 2023

FRANKFORT, KY (March 22, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, upon Senate Bill 57 being signed into law:

“I am proud of Senate Bill 57 because it is a measure that will provide opportunity and support for military spouses who work in the cosmetology industry. We all know that when one family member serves, the whole family serves, and the compact this bill creates will help ensure military spouses do not have to give up their careers as they move to and from Kentucky as a part of military service.

“I am grateful to know this is my first bill being signed into law, but I am most thankful for the support and collaboration of stakeholders like Julie Campbell, partners with the Department of Defense, Council of State Governments and so many others.”

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Senate Bill 57 adopts the Cosmetology Licensure Compact to make it easier for licensed cosmetologists to work in other jurisdictions.

Once at least seven states adopt the compact, cosmetologists in participating states will be able to obtain a multistate license, so long as they have no licensing issues in their home state. The compact allows licensed cosmetologists to temporarily move from one compact state to another without long wait times to receive a new state license or a hiatus between practicing. Bledsoe’s measure ultimately increases the mobility of lawfully practicing cosmetologists in compact-participating states by reducing long processing times.

Provisions of Senate Bill 57 include:

Allows an active-duty military service member or their spouse to retain their home state designation during any period of service when that individual is on active duty.
Requires licensees to apply to their home state for a multistate license.
○ For a multistate license under this compact, a licensee must hold an active and unencumbered single-state license to practice cosmetology in their home state.
Limits a licensee from a home state to possessing a multistate license in only one member state at a time.
Requires a member state's licensing authority to cooperate with the commission and each entity exercising independent regulatory authority over the practice of cosmetology.
Authorizes a home state to impose adverse actions against a licensee's multistate license issued by the home state.
Creates the Cosmetology Compact Commission and authorizes the commission to establish an executive committee to act on its behalf.
Requires the commission develop, maintain, operate, and utilize a coordinated database and reporting system that contains licensure, adverse actions, and the presence of current significant investigative information on all licensed individuals in member states

Provides for severability for any provision in the compact that is contrary to the constitution of any party state or of the United States.

Find Senate Bill 57 in its entirety by clicking here and visit legislatiure.ky.gov for more information on Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe.

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Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, represents the 12th Senate District, including Boyle, Mercer and Woodford Counties and part of Fayette County. She serves as Senate Appropriations and Revenue vice chair and Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee co-chair. Bledsoe is a Senate Families and Children, Licensing and Occupations, and State and Local Government committee member. Additionally, she serves as a member of each budget review subcommittee, which includes: Economic Development and Tourism, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection; Education; General Government; Finance and Public Protection; Human Resources; and Justice and Judiciary.

Visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate112.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Bledsoe.

STATEMENT RELEASE: WILLIAMS REACTS TO STATE AUDITOR'S KSU SPECIAL EXAMINATION FINDINGS

April 13, 2023

FRANKFORT, KY (March 22, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senator Gex Williams, R-Verona, upon State Auditor of Public Accounts Mike Harmon's release of findings from its special examination of Kentucky State University:

"The findings from Auditor Harmon's office are, unfortunately, what many of us both feared yet expected. The special examination of Kentucky State University finds the height of bureaucratic corruption and abuse of taxpayer and donor trust. It uncovers unlawful bonuses and personal expenses using university funds—which are ultimately taxpayer funds—mismanagement, abysmal recordkeeping, and other negligent practices.

"KSU is Kentucky's second oldest state-supported institution and a historically Black university and has enjoyed significant support from the commonwealth. The fact that students, staff and alums have been subject to the turmoil the audit has uncovered is a tragedy in my mind.

"I am encouraged by the words and leadership of KSU Interim President Ronald Johnson, but I hope those responsible are held accountable.

"The auditor's referrals to prosecutors are certainly appropriate. As senator for Franklin County and the 20th Senate District, I will continue monitoring prosecutors' reviews and work to set the university on a more successful path forward."

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Lawmakers provided $200,000 in the 2022-2023 state budget for the auditor to conduct the special investigation of KSU.

Additionally, the Kentucky General Assembly provided $56.9 million in state funds to KSU and allocated state funds to support a $155 million bond for asset preservation.

The enactment of 2022's House Bill 250 established a management improvement plan. It also enacted strict oversight and directed Governor Andy Beshear to replace eight of the school's 11 regents. The three elected by the faculty, staff and students were unaffected. Finally, it provided the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) $23 million to cover KSU's emergency funding request. The bill resulted from a report from CPE in November 2021 that showed that KSU would run out of funds by March 2022.

Access more details on the Auditor of Public Accounts' special examination of KSU HERE.

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Senator Gex "Jay" Williams, R-Verona, represents the 20th Senate District, including Carroll, Franklin, Gallatin and Owen Counties, southern Boone County and part of western Kenton County. Williams is Senate Education Committee vice chair and Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary chair. He also serves as a Senate Natural Resources and Energy; State and Local Government; Transportation and Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection committee member.

Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate120.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Williams.

SENATE APPROVES MEASURE PROTECTING MINORS FROM HARMFUL MATERIALS

April 13, 2023

FRANKFORT, KY (February 23, 2023) – Senate Bill 5 (SB 5), sponsored by Senator Jason Howell, R-Murray, was approved by the full Senate this afternoon and now qualifies for consideration by the state House of Representatives. The bill would ensure parental engagement in decision-making regarding a student’s access to harmful 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.

“Parents expect and deserve a process by which they can protect their children from sexual content they feel is inappropriate,” said Howell. “SB 5 will establish a process parents and guardians can have trust in, knowing their concerns are valued and heard.”

SB 5 establishes grievance levels for parents and guardians:

A written complaint to the school’s principal - The principal would decide, within 10 days, whether a student's access to the material will remain, be removed or be restricted, or whether access to a program or event shall be eligible for future participation by students in the school.
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.
Final disposition by the local school board - The board must determine whether the material shall remain, be removed or be 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.
Final parent request - After the school board disposition, a written parent request shall be honored that the student no longer have access to the posted material, program, or event.

“I believe this process is understandable and reasonable and that local schools can handle this timeline,” Howell said. “Let’s not forget that parents are taxpayers who make the functions of our local schools possible. More importantly, they deserve a timely response to concerns relating to their children.”

Finally, SB 5 requires the Kentucky Department of Education to create a model policy for complaint resolution to help local school districts implement the legislation.

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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 will serve as a Banking and Insurance; Economic Development, Tourism and Labor; and Licensing and Occupations committee member. Howell will also serve as 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.

For more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the 2023 Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership, please visit legislature.ky.gov.

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 onTwitter,Facebook andInstagram

ISRAELI DELEGATION VISITS SENATE TO RECEIVE RESOLUTION HONORING 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENT ISRAEL

April 13, 2023

FRANKFORT, KY (March 15, 2023) - Senator Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, introduced Senate Resolution 202 (SR 202) on the Senate floor, honoring the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel’s independence. Anat-Sultan Dadon, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States, was present in the chamber for the Senate’s expression of Israeli support.

“As a practicing Christian, I appreciate the rich history of the Israeli people and the struggles they have endured for centuries,” Tichenor said. “It is by God’s grace they were led back to their homeland to establish the Jewish nation, and it is critical that the United States, Israel’s partner in democracy and freedom, continue to defend and support the Jewish people and their sovereignty.”

On May 14, 1948, following the end of World War II, the Jewish people re-established the independent state of Israel, a dream they fought fiercely for over thousands of years. Since then, Israel has been the beacon of freedom and a staunch ally of the United States in the Middle East. Over the last 75 years, they rebuilt their nation and have defended it against threats from across the region. The Kentucky General Assembly is an unequivocal supporter of Israel’s sovereignty and ability to defend itself and promote peace.

“We cannot overstate the diplomatic, economic and eternal importance of America’s and Kentucky’s relationship with Israel,” Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, said. “It was a pleasure to have Consul General Dadon with us in the Senate chamber again. We look forward to our nations’ unity to grow even stronger.”

Israel has developed an advanced entrepreneurial economy with arguably the most robust agricultural, technological and energy industries, as well as extensive medical research on the globe. They are key trading partners with the commonwealth, totaling more than $900 million in commercial transactions over the past 10 years, making Israel the 25th largest exporter of goods to Kentucky and the 26th largest importer of goods from Kentucky.

Many Kentuckians travel to Israel every year to honor the many sacred holy sites across the country and the rich cultural heritage and history the country offers. Today’s visit to the Senate by Rabbi Shlomo Leib Litvin and the Israeli Consul General Anat-Sultan Dadon reaffirms the commitment to peace, economic prosperity and partnership between Israel and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Find SR 202 in full by clicking this link.

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Senator Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, represents the 6th Senate District, including Oldham and Trimble Counties and part of Jefferson County. She serves a Senate Education; Families and Children; and Health Services committee member. Tichenor is also a Budget Review Subcommittee on Human Resources Committee member.

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

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.

STATEMENT RELEASE SENATOR CARROLL ON SENATE'S APPROVAL OF JUVENILE JUSTICE MEASURE

April 13, 2023

FRANKFORT, KY (March 14, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senator Danny Carroll, R-Benton, following the Senate's 29-7 approval of House Bill 3, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Bratcher and carried in the Senate by Carroll:

"I was proud to carry Rep. Bratcher's bill in the Senate and appreciate his partnership as a fellow DJJ work group co-chair," Carroll said. "I'm disappointed my Democratic Senate colleagues whose constituents stand to gain so much from House Bill 3 chose not to support the bill, but it is one step further in addressing the DJJ crisis. This bill, in tandem with Senate bills 162 and 158, is a result of the legislature's deliberate efforts and focus on remedying the toxic culture in the DJJ system."

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House Bill 3 appropriates $13.4 million to the Department of Juvenile Justice to renovate the Jefferson County Youth Detention Center, plus $2 million for operations if the property is deeded to the commonwealth before July 1, 2023. It also includes $4.5 million to renovate the regional Jefferson County facility in Lyndon.

The measure also orders parental cooperation in cases where their children fail a diversion program due to that lack of cooperation. The bill mandates a child taken into custody for a violent felony offense will be detained for 48 hours before a detention hearing and examined by a qualified mental health professional. It unseals records for children convicted of violent felonies for three years.

Carroll included the following provisions in House Bill 3 in a Senate Committee Substitute, which were outlined in the Kentucky Youth Advocates tracking of DJJ-related measures:

Delaying the 48-hour hold mandated implementation for one year.
Establishing the 48-hour hold mandate does not apply to children 10 or younger.
Allowing community organizations to connect with young people when they are detained.
Before creating a diversion agreement to be shared with Family Accountability Intervention Response teams, court-designated workers will connect with the child's school district to get background information about the family, education records, and any previous services they have received.
Allowing referral of a child's case to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to investigate suspected dependency, neglect, or abuse after assessing the child's needs.

All members of the Senate minority caucus members present opposed House Bill 3. Find the bill in full by clicking THIS LINK.

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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.

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.

WEST’S MEDICAL CANNABIS LEGISLATION APPROVED BY SENATE COMMITTEE

April 13, 2023

FRANKFORT, KY (March 14, 2023) - Senate Bill 47 (SB 47), sponsored by Senator Steve West, R-Paris, has cleared the first major hurdle of the legislative process by passing out of the Senate Standing Committee of Licensing and Occupations.

“A constituent approached me several years ago with a personal story regarding medicinal marijuana, piquing my interest and beginning the process of crafting this piece of legislation,” West said. “I am a proponent of this issue, not for personal reasons, but because through extensive research, I genuinely feel that medical cannabis is inherently safe. On this issue, I believe Kentuckians deserve as many safe options for their medical care and treatment as possible.”

The passage of medical marijuana by state legislatures has been a trend across the nation, as more focus 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 as opposed to opioid pain medications, due to their addictive nature.

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 that 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 there will be fees 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.

“SB 47 is the product of a lot of research, many discussions and carefully considering all sides of the issue,” Senate President Robert Stivers said. “The legislative process is at work. While I have expressed my concerns with the bill, I recognize the will of many Kentuckians to have this as a medicinal treatment option and the legislative process will play out as it was intended.”

With the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee’s approval, SB 47 can now be considered by the full Senate. If enacted, the measure 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 and to track its status. Visit legislature.ky.gov to access more legislation being considered during the 2023 Legislative Session.

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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.

STATEMENT RELEASE: MILLS ON PASSAGE OF BILL PROTECTING TEACHERS, STATE EMPLOYEE PENSIONS FROM IDEOLOGICAL-DRIVEN INVESTMENTS

April 13, 2023

FRANKFORT, KY (March 13, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senator Robby Mills, R-Henderson, upon the Senate's approval of Rep. Scott Sharp's House Bill 236. The bill would require state public pension funds to base investment decisions on financial risks and returns and not on environmental, social and governance factors, commonly known as ESG:

"People should not have to lie awake at night worrying about whether or not their pension fund is being managed based on political ideology," said Mills, a Public Pension Oversight Board member. "The sole focus of fiduciaries caring for our state employee's pension systems should be to see it grow, not to take risks with people's livelihoods in efforts to push forward some social and political agenda."

House Bill 236 cleared the Senate 32-5. The bill is similar to last year’s Senate Bill 205, which was sponsored by Senator Robby Mills. House Bill 236 now moves to the Governor for consideration. The measure would take effect 90 days after the adjournment of the session.

Find the bill in full by clicking THIS LINK.

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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.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Mills, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate104.jpg

SENATE BILL 115 PASSES THE SENATE, PROTECTS CHILDREN FROM SEXUALLY EXPLICIT PERFORMANCES

April 13, 2023

FRANKFORT, KY (March 10, 2023) - Senate Bill 115 (SB 115), sponsored by Senator Lindsey Tichenor, passed out of the Senate today. Barely over one page, 31 lines to be exact, the intent of SB 115 is to prevent children from being exposed to sexually explicit adult performances in publicly-funded spaces or privately-owned public accommodations where children may be present. Such locations include but are not limited to schools, public libraries, public parks, restaurants, or entertainment venues.

“There is a destructive culture permeating our society and stealing the innocence of our children,” Tichenor said. “I wrote this bill to protect them from undue exposure to events and performance content their brains are not scientifically ready to process or understand.”

SB 115 defines “adult performance” as a sexually explicit, live performance or a live performance involving male or female impersonators who provide entertainment in a prurient or sexually charged, unwholesome nature. Taken as a whole, the performance must lack serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.

It is important to reiterate that this bill does not prevent adults from attending these performances. It only prohibits use of publicly owned facilities or property, and prevents and protects minor children from attending or unknowingly witnessing them due to an inappropriate venue.

Lastly, the bill sets forth the penalties for violating Senate Bill 115. Performers would be subject to a charge of a misdemeanor for the first two offenses and a class D felony for the third offense. Businesses who host adult performances where minors under 18 are present will be subject to:

Suspension or revocation of alcohol license by the Kentucky Alcohol Beverage Control Board.
Suspension or revocation of business license or certificate of occupancy.
Denial or refusal to renew a business license or certificate of occupancy.
Any other appropriate penalty based on the degree of violation or offense.

“For the life of me, I cannot understand why anyone wants to expose their children to such sexually explicit content, essentially robbing them of the simplicity and innocence of their childhood,” said Tichenor. “My hope is that the penalties for violating this bill will curtail these performances and protect not only the children of those who choose to take them, but those who unintentionally happen upon them by way of just attending school, the park or the library.”

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Senator Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, represents the 6th Senate District, including Oldham and Trimble Counties and part of Jefferson County. She serves a Senate Education; Families and Children; and Health Services committee member. Tichenor is also a Budget Review Subcommittee on Human Resources Committee member.

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

STATEMENT RELEASE ADAMS EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT WITH BESHEAR’S VETO OF SENATE BILL 37

April 13, 2023

FRANKFORT, KY (March 24, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senate Majority Caucus Chair Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, in light of Governor Andy Beshear’s Senate Bill 37 veto:

“I am disappointed in the Governor's veto of Senate Bill 37 and am troubled by his lack of comprehension of the bill. Contrary to his veto message, the bill does not allow ‘private organizations to appoint individuals to a state board.’

“Senate Bill 37 defines the representation of an advisory council to the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy. This advisory council is not a newly established council through Senate Bill 37. It has existed for years and the General Assembly has never defined its membership. Rather, lawmakers have delegated this membership to the discretion of the Board of Pharmacy.

“To bring additional resources and expertise to the board regarding the current scope and practice of pharmacy, the bill defines the ‘broad representation’ of members to this advisory council and the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy retains the ability to confirm the council’s membership by a roll call vote at a public meeting.

“The Kentucky Board of Pharmacy has always possessed the ability to select the members to its advisory council—which was established in statute by the Kentucky General Assembly—and while Senate Bill 37 does define the representation on this advisory council, it does not remove any authority or jurisdiction from the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy.”

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Click here to find Senate Bill 37 in its entirety.

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Senator Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville, represents Kentucky’s 36th Senate District in eastern Jefferson County. She is the Senate majority caucus chair. Adams serves as the newly formed Senate Families and Children vice chair and is a member of the Senate Banking and Insurance, Health Services, and Licensing and Occupations committees. Additionally, Adams is a member of the Legislative Research Commission, the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee, and the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee.

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

STATEMENT RELEASE HOWELL RESPONDS TO BESHEAR’S SENATE BILL 126 VETO

April 13, 2023

FRANKFORT, KY (March 24, 2023) — The following is a statement from Senator Jason Howell, R-Murray, upon Governor Andy Beshear’s veto of Senate Bill 126, a measure that would mitigate the practice of forum shopping in constitutional challenges:

“The Governor is wrong in calling Senate Bill 126 an ‘unconstitutional power grab.’ Kentucky courts hold that venue is ‘purely a legislative matter.’ The Franklin Circuit Court should not hold a monopoly on hearing challenges to the constitutionality of important legislative enactments.

“The Governor is again wrong in insisting the bill will ‘force Kentuckians to challenge the constitutionality of government actions in places where they do not live.’ The reality is that after the 2021 session, plaintiffs who justly challenged the constitutionality of executive actions could finally redress their grievances in their home counties and courts. Before 2021’s House Bill 3, residents from 119 counties had to traipse to Franklin County to challenge to seek redress from the courts in certain cases. The Governor never came to the defense of those Kentuckians.

“The procedure outlined in Senate Bill 126 is simple, and automated processes in place should not cause the costs or delays the Governor imagines.”

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Senate Bill 126 is a revision to 2021's House Bill 3, which relates to the venue for constitutional challenges to state law, regulations, executive orders and certain cabinets and departments. The bill would allow a plaintiff or defendant to have one change of venue in constitutional challenges. A case transfer notice is automatic and is accomplished by the Supreme Court of Kentucky clerk through random selection of a different judicial circuit and order to the original jurisdiction to transfer the action.

Click here to access Senate Bill 126 and 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. He is the Senate Agriculture Committee chair. He will serve as a Banking and Insurance; Economic Development, Tourism and Labor; and Licensing and Occupations committee member. Howell will also serve as 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.

SENATE TO CONDUCT IMPEACHMENT HEARING MARCH 21-22

April 13, 2023

FRANKFORT, KY (March 8, 2023) - For the first time in 135 years, the Senate will conduct an impeachment hearing and potential trial in its chambers. The last time one 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.

The Senate received the articles of impeachment for Commonwealth’s Attorney Ronnie Lee Goldy, Jr. from the Kentucky House of Representatives following the work of the2023 House Impeachment Committee. The Senate passed Senate Resolution 108, which set forth a plan for Senate impeachment proceedings.

“Conducting an impeachment trial in the Senate is uncharted territory for any of us currently living (in office), as the last one occurred over a century ago,” said Senate President Robert Stivers. “In researching how to proceed with this process, we developed a sound, constitutional plan which provides due process and ensures public office integrity.”

Using Rule 39A, an amendment to the Senate Rules, the Senate President will appoint a committee of seven senators which includes no less than two minority members. The committee’s purpose will be to hear evidence from the House of Representatives presented by managers. The Senate members selected to sit on the committee are:

Senator Brandon Storm, R-London, Chair
Senator Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield
Senator Gex Williams, R-Verona
Senator Jason Howell, R-Murray
Senator Michael Nemes, R-Shepherdsville
Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong, D-Louisville
Senator Reginald Thomas, D-Lexington

The hearing portion of the proceedings will take place March 21-22. Following the introduction of evidence to the committee, the defendant in the case will have the opportunity to present evidence.

Upon conclusion of the hearing, the committee will prepare recommendations and present them to the full Senate. The body may then accept the recommendations, reject them, or proceed to a full trial on the Senate floor. The Constitution of Kentucky requires the concurrence of two-thirds of the senators present to convict and remove the office-holder.

This process was most recently used by the United States Senate in 1989 and was upheld as constitutional by the United States Supreme Court in United States v. Nixon.

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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.

UPDATE SENATE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE MEASURES MOVE TO THE STATE HOUSE FOR CONSIDERATION

April 13, 2023

FRANKFORT, KY (March 7, 2023) – Tuesday, the Senate approved two bills addressing Kentucky's Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) crisis. Senate Bill 158, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem David Givens, R-Greensburg, and Senate Bill 162, 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.

“We are happy these measures have taken the next step in the legislative process,” Givens said. “This puts us one step closer toward mitigating the damage caused by a leadership failure within DJJ,”

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, noted in section 14, meaning it would take effect immediately upon filing with the Kentucky Secretary of State's Office.

“Provisions of Senate Bill 162 are pointed and will be valuable in repairing the broken culture within our DJJ facilities where, until now, there’s been a reluctance to accept accountability,” Carroll, co-chair of the DJJ work group, said. “As the legislature leads in statutory reforms, we must remember the buck has to stop somewhere. Unfortunately, even stories as recent as today are showing a lack of transparency and lackluster communication that has sadly become the norm within DJJ.”

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 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 directly result from the work group efforts. With approval from the Senate, the bills now qualify for action in the state House of Representatives where they will first be assigned to a committee.

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.

MILLS AIMS TO PROVIDE KENTUCKIANS ENERGY SECURITY

April 13, 2023

FRANKFORT, KY (March 2, 2023) – Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), sponsored by Senator Robby Mills, R-Henderson, passed on the Senate floor with a vote count of 25 to 8.

The measure aims to strengthen electric grid reliability in the Commonwealth and ensure Kentucky’s residents are not faced with the dangerous and sometimes deadly consequences of power outages, “brown-outs,” or “black-outs.” The 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 with 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; and
The decision to retire the unit is not the result of any financial incentives or benefits offered by any federal agency.

“We have a lot of elected officials and special interest groups who want to rapidly force our energy sector toward renewable energies, but we need to be practical about what technology keeps the lights on,” Mills said. “Kentucky knows better than any state the importance of our natural resources, so with Senate Bill 4. I want to protect Kentuckians from the unintended consequences of green energy run amok.”

The retirement of coal-fired plants is a top priority of President Joe Biden’s administration, which has committed to “net-zero operations by 2050.” Kentucky’s 19 existing coal-fired plants are in line to meet Biden’s schedule, with six scheduled to close by 2029, six more by 2039 and the remaining by 2049. The annual economic impact of Kentucky’s 19 existing coal-fired plants equates to over $1.5 billion and generates a yearly tax revenue of over $90 million.

“I hope Kentuckians understand the significance of what is happening. A net-zero emission plan from the Biden Administration can be sold as a bill of good, energy-friendly policy, but the reality is that we are potentially putting lives at risk,” Mills said. “What happens when you lose electricity and heat in the dead of winter? What ultimately keeps our economy functioning and charges people's Electric Vehicles? We are still 10 to 15 years away from this technology being sustainable for our grid. How many lives are we going to lose during that time? I would like to have rose-colored glasses on for our sustainable energy future, but I have a responsibility as a lawmaker to fight and protect Kentuckian’s best interests. At the end of the day, this legislation is about making sure Kentucky families are safe.”

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.

SB 4 carries an emergency designation, which means it would go into effect immediately upon filing with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office.

Click here to see Senate Bill 4 in its entirety and visit legislature.ky.gov to find other legislation being considered during the ongoing 30-day Legislative Session.

# # #

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.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Mills, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate104.jpg.

For more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the 2023 Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership, please visit legislature.ky.gov.

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 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.

UPDATE CARROLL CHAMPIONS NUCLEAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE COMMONWEALTH Resolution Would Initiate State Efforts in Nuclear Energy Production

April 13, 2023

FRANKFORT, KY (March 2, 2023) – In efforts to establish a nuclear energy development working group, Senator Danny Carroll, R-Benton, filed Senate Joint Resolution 79 (SJR 79). Today, he carried to bill to passage in the state Senate.

“I appreciate my colleagues support of this resolution that I believe can serve a critical role in providing the commonwealth energy reliability as we look to the future,” Carroll said. “The nuclear energy commission this resolution would establish will improve Kentuckian’s lives, power their future and provide incredible career opportunities. I am calling on my friends in the House to approve this measure and allow Kentucky to be a leader in nuclear energy production.”
Senate Bill 11 from the 2017 Legislative Session lifted a moratorium on constructing new nuclear power facilities in Kentucky.

Beyond the potential to better meet energy needs for Kentucky residents, this measure can also bolster economic development and job creation by making Kentucky more attractive to the nuclear industry.

According to the Nuclear Energy Institute, the United States nuclear energy sector employs nearly 100,000—500-800 in each power plant. This number climbs to 475,000 when you include secondary jobs.

NUCLEAR ENERGY WORKING GROUP’S MISSION

If approved by both legislative chambers, the Nuclear Energy Working Group would be administratively attached to the Energy and Environment Cabinet for staff support. It would be tasked with the following:

Identifying the barriers to deploying nuclear power generation resources and other related technologies in the Commonwealth, including regulatory, statutory, financial, social, environmental, workforce and educational barriers.
Developing recommendations for how a permanent nuclear energy commission could address the barriers to deploying nuclear power generation resources and other related technologies in the Commonwealth.
Consulting with any federal, state, or local agencies, nonprofit organizations, private industry, or other impacted stakeholders on what the role of the permanent nuclear energy commission should be.
Developing recommendations for a required report on the group's efforts.

The group would begin meeting no later than September 1 and would have to submit a report to the Legislative Research Commission on or before December 1. The report must detail the working group’s activity and provide recommendations for creating a permanent nuclear energy commission, along with information such as staffing needs, creating a mission statement, and a list of short and long-term goals.

MEMBERSHIP

The twenty-membership body would include the following:

The executive director of the Office of Energy Policy
The executive director of the Public Service Commission
The director of the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research
A representative from each of the four investor-owned electric utilities operating in the commonwealth—designated by the president of each investor-owned electric utility, including:
o   AEP Kentucky Power in Ashland
o   Louisville Gas and Electric Co. in Louisville
o   Kentucky Utilities Company in Lexington
o   Duke Energy in Newport
The chief operating officer of the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives
The executive director of the Kentucky Municipal Utilities Association
The executive director of Kentucky Industrial Utility Customers
The chief nuclear officer of the Tennessee Valley Authority
The executive director of the United States Nuclear Industry Council
The executive director of the Kentucky Conservation Committee
A representative from a national nuclear educational nonprofit organization
A representative from a United States Department of Energy National Laboratory with expertise in nuclear energy policy issues
The director of business services for the Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership
Two non-voting ex-officio members from each legislative chamber in the Kentucky General Assembly—designated by the House Speaker and Senate President

A Senate Floor Amendment was adopted to SJR 79 on the Senate floor prior to its passage. The amendment increases the number of members to 23, adding three members:

two representatives from cooperative electric generation and transmission utilities and;
one representative from the Nuclear Energy Institute

With the Senate’s approval, SJR 79 now qualifies for consideration by the full Senate. While joint resolutions do not modify state statutes, they do carry the force of law.

NUCLEAR DEVELOPMENT FORUM COMING TO KENTUCKY

In a partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy, Kentucky Office of Energy Policy, McCracken County, the City of Paducah and other local organizations, the Energy Communities Alliance’s Nuclear Development Forum is slated to hold a conference in Paducah, KY May 17-19. The focus of the forum will be building nuclear capacity and opportunity.

Visit legislature.ky.gov for more information on Sen. Danny Carroll and CLICK HERE to access Senate Joint Resolution 79. See the PDF attachment for details on the May Nuclear Development Forum in Paducah.

# # #

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.

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.

Press Releases

STAKEHOLDERS, LAWMAKERS FIND AGREEMENT ON ANNEXATION

AN UPDATE ON SENATE IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS

BLEDSOE ISSUES STATEMENT UPON ENACTMENT OF FIRST BILL AS STATE SENATOR Senate Bill 57 Removes Barriers on Cosmetology Professionals; Supports Military Families

STATEMENT RELEASE: WILLIAMS REACTS TO STATE AUDITOR'S KSU SPECIAL EXAMINATION FINDINGS

SENATE APPROVES MEASURE PROTECTING MINORS FROM HARMFUL MATERIALS

ISRAELI DELEGATION VISITS SENATE TO RECEIVE RESOLUTION HONORING 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENT ISRAEL

STATEMENT RELEASE SENATOR CARROLL ON SENATE'S APPROVAL OF JUVENILE JUSTICE MEASURE

WEST’S MEDICAL CANNABIS LEGISLATION APPROVED BY SENATE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT RELEASE: MILLS ON PASSAGE OF BILL PROTECTING TEACHERS, STATE EMPLOYEE PENSIONS FROM IDEOLOGICAL-DRIVEN INVESTMENTS

SENATE BILL 115 PASSES THE SENATE, PROTECTS CHILDREN FROM SEXUALLY EXPLICIT PERFORMANCES

STATEMENT RELEASE ADAMS EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT WITH BESHEAR’S VETO OF SENATE BILL 37

STATEMENT RELEASE HOWELL RESPONDS TO BESHEAR’S SENATE BILL 126 VETO

SENATE TO CONDUCT IMPEACHMENT HEARING MARCH 21-22

UPDATE SENATE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE MEASURES MOVE TO THE STATE HOUSE FOR CONSIDERATION

MILLS AIMS TO PROVIDE KENTUCKIANS ENERGY SECURITY

UPDATE CARROLL CHAMPIONS NUCLEAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN THE COMMONWEALTH Resolution Would Initiate State Efforts in Nuclear Energy Production

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