LOCAL COST SAVINGS FOR MCDANIEL’S CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT MOVING CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICE ELECTIONS TO EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS SIGNIFICANTLY GREATER THAN ORIGINALLY EXPECTED

LOCAL COST SAVINGS FOR MCDANIEL’S CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT MOVING CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICE ELECTIONS TO EVEN-NUMBERED YEARS SIGNIFICANTLY GREATER THAN ORIGINALLY EXPECTED

Updated fiscal analysis shows savings to local governments would be about $20 million during the calendar year of the eliminated primary and general election.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (January 22, 2024) — An updated fiscal analysis compiled by non-partisan Legislative Research Commission staff for Senate Bill 10 (SB 10), sponsored by Senate Budget Chair Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, anticipates nearly $20 million in local government cost savings during a calendar year of an eliminated primary and general election.

McDaniel’s bill proposes an amendment to Section 95 of the Constitution of Kentucky that—if approved by three-fifths of members in the state House of Representatives and ratified by a majority of Kentucky voters on a future general election ballot—would move elections for state constitutional officers to even-numbered years.

Previous cost savings estimations for local governments ($13.5 million) cited by McDaniel and in news releases from the Senate Majority Caucus cited past fiscal analysis from the LRC associated with the previous version of SB 10. The anticipated approximately $1.9 million cost savings for the commonwealth remains essentially the same.

“When making estimations on budget-related matters and cost savings, I always find it beneficial to take a conservative approach,” McDaniel said. “With inflation and increased expenses for conducting elections, I‘m not surprised new estimates are greater than we previously thought. However, I’m thrilled the savings are about 50 percent more than expected. I always prefer to under-promise and overdeliver on matters like this, especially while some politicians prefer to overpromise while unable to deliver. I believe the good work by the LRC only further bolsters the merits of SB 10. I hope this updated fiscal analysis will further compel my friends in the state House to push the measure over the finish line and put the question before Kentucky voters for them to ultimately decide.”

The updated fiscal analysis is attached (PDF) and linked HERE.

BACKGROUND

The elected offices impacted by the constitutional amendment include the governor, attorney general, agriculture commissioner, secretary of state, treasurer and auditor. The Kentucky Senate approved SB 10 on Tuesday, January 17, with the required three-fifths vote in the upper chamber. The bill is now with the state House for consideration. A constitutional amendment bill does not require approval by the governor. If approved by the state House, the amendment would be recommended to Kentucky voters. It would need to garner majority support on a future general election ballot to amend the Constitution of Kentucky.

The state House has received the measure across multiple legislative sessions. McDaniel has pursued approval of the constitutional amendment since he was first elected into the state Senate—an effort spanning multiple administrations within state constitutional offices.

Under McDaniel’s proposed amendment, elections for statewide offices would still occur every four years starting in 2032. The 2027 primary and general election would remain the same, but those elected to the constitutional offices in 2027 would have an additional year added to their term.

Along with the associated cost savings, advocates of SB 10 have argued the change would address voter fatigue and increase election participation.

Even though reforms from the Kentucky General Assembly have implemented reforms making it easier to vote, a previous release from the Senate Majority Caucus noted general election turnout for constitutional offices decreased by nearly 9 percent from 2019 to 2023. In a fact-check in the network’s coverage of SB 10, WKYT News reported that since 2008, years with constitutional office elections have had lower voter turnout when compared to years with presidential elections, according to data from the Kentucky State Board of Elections.

An argument resonating with most Kentucky voters favoring the adoption of the constitutional amendment is the opportunity to have an additional year free from political campaign ads, mailers, and signs along county and city roadways. Kentucky is one of only a handful of states holding off-year elections for statewide executive offices. Kentucky voters are responsible for voting in three out of every four years.

If approved by the state House, McDaniel’s ballot measure would read: “Are you in favor of amending Section 95 of the state constitution to hold the election of all statewide constitutional officers in even-numbered years after the November 2027 election?”

The process of amending the state constitution is outlined in Section 256 of the Constitution of Kentucky.

Visit legislature.ky.gov for more information on McDaniel and other proposed legislation from the 2024 Legislative Session.

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Senator Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, represents the 23rd Senate District in northern Kenton County. McDaniel is Senate Appropriations and Revenue chair and serves as an ex-officio member of each budget review subcommittee. He is a Senate Licensing and Occupations, and State and Local Government committee member. Additionally, McDaniel serves as a Public Pension Oversight Board member.

LEGISLATIVE ISRAELI CAUCUS ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING VIEWING OF RAW, UNEDITED FOOTAGE OF HAMAS’ OCTOBER TERRORIST ATTACK ON ISRAEL

FRANKFORT, KY - January 18, 2024 — The following may be attributed to Kentucky Israel Caucus, co-chairs Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, and Rep. Daniel Grossberg, D-Louisville, upon elected officials bearing witness to unedited raw footage of Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack on Israel:

The barbaric October attack by Hamas on Jewish and non-Jewish civilians and the state of Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,200 innocent people and the unimaginable trauma of countless men, women, and children.

The media reports following Hamas’ horrific attack on humanity should have been enough for all to condemn the terrorists and unite behind our Israeli allies, but the raw unedited footage made available today should leave no doubt in the minds of those who bore witness.

The Kentucky Israel Caucus calls on the leaders of the United States to do everything they can to support Israel in its right to defend itself from terrorism and to make every effort to secure the freedom of all hostages still held by Hamas.

Our hearts and prayers are with those whose family members have been victimized by these inhumane acts. We remain resolved and in unity with the free and independent nation of Israel.

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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 as a Senate Education; Families and Children; and Health Services committee member. Tichenor is also a Budget Review Subcommittee on Human Resources Committee member. 

Representative Daniel Grossberg, D-Louisville, represents the 30th House District in the heart of Louisville. He serves as a Natural Resources and Energy; Tourism and Outdoor Recreation; and Small Business and Information Technology committee member. Grossberg is also an Administrative Regulations Review Subcommittee member.

MCDANIEL ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING SENATE BILL 10’S SENATE APPROVAL

MCDANIEL ISSUES STATEMENT FOLLOWING

SENATE BILL 10’S SENATE APPROVAL

The measure would move constitutional office elections to even-numbered years, address voter fatigue, save taxpayer money, and increase participation in the democratic process. 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (January 17, 2024) — The following is a statement from Senate Bill 10 sponsor Senator Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, upon the measures’ Senate approval on Wednesday: 

“I appreciate each of my Senate colleagues for quickly approving this measure and sending it to the House early in the session. I have confidence that the merits behind this constitutional amendment appeal to Kentucky voters who are burned out with politics flooding their televisions, mailboxes and roadways almost yearly. Participation in the democratic process is vital to the continuation of our constitutional republic, and I think Senate Bill 10 will go a long way in preventing voter apathy. I ask House leadership and members to consider the arguments I and others have offered and to provide Kentucky voters with the opportunity to weigh in.” 

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Senate Bill 10 passed the Senate 26-9. CLICK HERE to access a video clip of McDaniel’s presentation of Senate Bill 10 on the Senate floor.

BACKGROUND

Senate Bill 10, if approved by three-fifths of members in the state House of Representatives, would propose an amendment to the Constitution of Kentucky (Section 95) to move elections for state constitutional officers to even-numbered years. These include the governor, attorney general, agriculture commissioner, secretary of state, treasurer and auditor.

Constitutional amendment bills do not require approval by the governor. With House approval, the amendment would need to garner majority support among voters on a future general election ballot to amend the Constitution of Kentucky. 

McDaniel has pursued this constitutional amendment since he was first elected into the state Senate, an effort spanning across multiple administrations within state constitutional offices. He has cited voter fatigue, cost-savings and increased election participation as notable reasons the legislature should recommend the amendment to Kentucky voters.
Even though reforms from the Kentucky General Assembly have implemented reforms making it easier to vote, a previous release from the Senate Majority Caucus noted general election turnout for constitutional offices decreased by nearly 9 percent from 2019 to 2023. In a fact-check in the network’s coverage of Senate Bill 10, WKYT News reported that since 2008, years with constitutional office elections have lower voter turnout when compared to years with presidential elections. This is according to data from the Kentucky State Board of Elections. 

Beyond the measures appeal to those who enjoy a year free from campaign signage and political ads, the constitutional amendment will save taxpayer money.

The Legislative Research Commission previously reported the cost savings to local governments would be approximately $13.5 million during the calendar year when a primary and general election would no longer occur. The savings to the commonwealth would be nearly $2 million in the same year.

Under McDaniel’s proposed amendment, elections for statewide offices would still occur every four years starting in 2032. The 2027 primary and general election would remain the same, but those elected to the constitutional offices in 2027 would have an additional year added to their term.

The ballot measure would read: “Are you in favor of amending Section 95 of the state constitution to hold the election of all statewide constitutional officers in even-numbered years after the November 2027 election?”

The process of amending the state constitution is outlined in Section 256 of the Constitution of Kentucky. 

Visit legislature.ky.gov for more information on McDaniel and to find other proposed legislation from the 2024 Legislative Session.

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Senator Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, represents the 23rd Senate District in northern Kenton County. McDaniel is Senate Appropriations and Revenue chair and serves as an ex-officio member of each budget review subcommittee. He is a Senate Licensing and Occupations, and State and Local Government committee member. Additionally, McDaniel serves as a Public Pension Oversight Board member. 

SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT FENTANYL DANGERS COMING THIS SPRING

SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE RAISING AWARENESS ABOUT FENTANYL DANGERS COMING THIS SPRING

Senator Jimmy Higdon encourages support of new plate; organization responsible for making it possible

FRANKFORT, Ky. (January 17, 2024) – A new specialty license plate will be available in March/early spring for Kentuckians wishing to help raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, Senate Transportation Chair Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, shared on Wednesday. The plate's availability will follow an update to the Kentucky Automated Vehicle Information System, known as KAVIS, as the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) takes a step forward in modernizing the state's vehicle information database.

Efforts to create the fentanyl awareness specialty license plate were led by advocates such as Angela Parkerson and Tami Bolitt, mothers of sons whose lives were cut short by fentanyl.

"We began our nonprofit organization after our children, Nick Rucker, forever 24, and Chase Linton, forever 30, were killed by illicit fentanyl after unknowingly ingesting it, believing the pills they consumed were pharmaceutical products, in 2021," Parkerson and Bolitt said in a shared statement.

A 501(c)(3) organization, the Never Alone Nick Rucker Foundation was established in 2022. The nonprofit advocacy group is dedicated to education and prevention.

"Stories like the loss of Nick and Chase are heartbreaking, and they're all too common across Kentucky," Higdon said. "This is an issue that connects many people. It doesn't matter what region because we're losing our children and members of our law enforcement community because fentanyl has such as high toxicity and is almost invisible in many cases.

"I'm grateful for advocates like Angela and Tami because they are the ones who get things like this done," Higdon added. "I would encourage anyone who feels compelled to consider one of the fentanyl awareness plates for their vehicle because the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) requires 500 yearly registrations to keep the plate in active production. I'd also ask people—especially those who've felt the same loss as Angela and Tami—to get involved with the organization."

The Never Alone Nick Rucker Foundation will host a Kentucky Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness event on August 17 at My Old Kentucky Home State Park rotunda in Bardstown.

The new fentanyl awareness license plate, donning the organization's logo, is another effort to save lives through education and awareness.

Anyone who has lost a loved one in Kentucky is encouraged to contact Parkerson and Bolitt at www.neveralonenick.org. You will be engaged with the organization's Never Alone Awareness Angel Missions, which raise awareness across the commonwealth and the nation.

The fentanyl awareness license plates will be $44, $10 of which will go directly to the Never Alone Nick Rucker Foundation to support the organization's mission for fentanyl prevention and education.

To find all available license plate options and to apply for yours, visit drive.ky.gov.  

PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATE

Plate personalization requests are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. KYTC reports it is a possibility that a character combination may become unavailable if the same request was received before your submission. The only valid characters are letters A through Z, numbers 1 through 9, spaces and dashes. Personalized plate character combinations may only appear on one plate at any given time.

SPECIALTY PLATE PROCESS

Any nonprofit organization based in Kentucky or has a chapter located in Kentucky may apply for a special license plate by sending an email request to KYTC.SpecialLicensePlate@ky.gov. The organization will then receive a packet from Kentucky containing the documents you need to apply. 

The nonprofit must return the documents listed below to KYTC.SpecialLicensePlate@ky.gov, or mail them to ​Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing, Special License Plates​​, P.O. Box 1014, Frankfort, KY 40622​​:

• A letter of request which should include the mission or vision of the organization, a list of all chapters within Kentucky, and any other pertinent information about your organization that you would like to share with the Committee.

• Form TC 96-333, Organization Application for a Special License Plate.

• Proof of nonprofit status from the IRS or Articles of Incorporation from the Kentucky Secretary of State.

• Plate image, designed per enclosed specifications. The packet includes an Adobe Illustrator file (*.ai) and an editable Adobe Document file (*.pdf). You may use either format to submit your design.

Once KYTC receives the completed application, the Special License Plate Committee will review it at the next quarterly meeting. Submissions must be received at least 10 business days in advance. Any late submissions will be reviewed at the following meeting. KYTC will send the organization a notice of approval or denial within 30 days after the committee makes its determination. Once the committee approves the plate design, the organization will receive an invoice for the pre-production costs before the plate goes into production. The current cost is $2,500—although KYTC says that may change without notice. The cabinet returns the $10 mandatory contribution to the organization annually at the start of the following calendar year as soon as it receives an audit attestation. 

Questions concerning any of this may be directed to KYTC.SpecialLicensePlate@ky.g​ov. 

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Senator Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including Larue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. He co-chairs the Interim Joint Committee on Transportation and the Public Pension Oversight Board. Additionally, Higdon is a member of the Interim Joint Committees on Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations, Education, and Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection. Finally, he is a member of the newly formed Multimodal Freight Transportation System Improvement Task Force.

LAWMAKERS INVITE CHILDREN OF MILITARY FAMILIES TO PARTICIPATE IN ‘MILITARY KIDS DAY’

LAWMAKERS INVITE CHILDREN OF MILITARY FAMILIES TO PARTICIPATE IN ‘MILITARY KIDS DAY’

FRANKFORT, KY (January 16, 2024) – Military Kids Day, the annual event hosted at the Kentucky state Capitol, is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27. Lawmakers are encouraging military families and children in their districts to participate. Last year’s event was the most successful, as nearly 100 military kids from Kentucky and other states visited the Kentucky state Capitol campus.

Initiated by state Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, at the request of a military family living in his district, Military Kids Day is an annual event that allows military children to participate in the legislative process. Hosted by the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee (VMAPP), children are invited to take a Capitol tour, serve as a page for their respective legislators, participate in a Capitol scavenger hunt, and attend committee meetings related to military issues.

The Kentucky state House of Representatives will host this year’s Military Kids Day. State Rep. Walker Thomas, R-Hopkinsville, serves as chair of the House VMAPP Committee.

“It’s always an honor to be a part of this incredible day and to know we are providing a positive experience to a group of kids who deserve it and so much more for the sacrifice they also make in their parents’ service to our nation,” Thomas said. “The House VMAPP Committee will welcome them with open arms. I encourage participation and ask our friends in the press to please join and help us shine the spotlight on these military kids.”

“Military Kids Day keeps growing every year as more and more people learn about the opportunity to provide these great children with the attention they deserve,” Higdon said. “I owe a great debt of gratitude to the awesome staff we have at the Legislative Research Commission, my colleagues in the legislature, and everyone within the armed forces organization and the media who work hard to raise awareness and, most importantly, make this day special. I am eager to welcome military kids and their parents to the Kentucky state Capitol.”

Military Kids Day will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, February 27, at the Kentucky state Capitol. To participate, complete an online application form at legislature.ky.gov or by clicking HERE.

Submit that application to Kentucky Senate Clerk Donna Holiday via email to Donna.Holiday@lrc.ky.gov by Monday, February 19.

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Senator Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including Larue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. Higdon serves as Senate Transportation Committee chair. Higdon is also the Public Pension Oversight Board co-chair. He serves as an Education; Licensing and Occupations and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection committee member. Higdon previously served as a Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Committee member, which was restructured as a part of the new Senate Health Services Committee.

STORM AND HIGDON PROMOTE EXCITING AVIATION EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

STORM AND HIGDON PROMOTE EXCITING 

AVIATION EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Aviation Museum of Kentucky and aviation summer camps offer unique experiences For Kentucky children and families

FRANKFORT, KY (January 12, 2024)—Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, co-chair of the legislative Aviation/Aerospace Caucus, and Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, who is a caucus member, wish to share information on the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, Inc. (AMK) to highlight and endorse opportunities offered, including programs and Aviation Summer Camps.

Representatives from the museum were in Frankfort on Thursday during the Kentucky General Assembly's eighth day of the 2024 Legislative Session engaging with lawmakers and providing information on all AMK has to offer.

Among those at the state Capitol were Robert Riggs, a trustee and legislative liaison for the AMK board, and Jim McCormick, who previously served as board chair and remains a trustee.

"The museum is not a repository for old planes," Riggs, who is the last remaining original board member and serves in an unpaid volunteer capacity, said. "We embrace education and planes are a great way to get someone's attention. When you can grab a child's attention, that is when they learn; that is when you can use the interest of aviation to teach them things like math and science, which will lead them to better understanding and ultimately a better life."

AMK PROGRAMS

AMK programs include

• Aviation Camps of Kentucky: Hosting camps since 1996, reaching over 8,000 students aged 10-17 at various airports across Kentucky,

• STEM Saturdays: Inspiring Kentucky students with middle school STEM sessions for over a decade,

• Flight Simulation Saturday Series: Offering classes covering flight fundamentals to instrument flight basics,

• Girls in Aerospace: Guided by the motto "If you can see it, you can be it," this program encourages girls to pursue aerospace careers, and

• The Museum is the Classroom: Featuring annually updated exhibits showcasing the history of aviation and aerospace technology.

Additional programs planned will cover an introduction to drones, the Aviation and Aerospace Seminar Series, airplane pilot orientation through flight simulation, and special interest education classes.

The expanded programs aim to educate students and adults interested in aerospace careers, using resources from the aviation industry, FAA, and related agencies. These enhancements align with AMK's mission to inspire enthusiasm for aviation and introduce career opportunities.

Storm and Higdon expressed support for AMK's initiatives.

"We are really proud of our state's aviation and aerospace industry because it is so critical to our economy," Storm and Higdon said in a joint statement "Planes may not be made in Kentucky, but they are not made without Kentucky because we supply so many parts.

"We are grateful for the Aviation Museum and especially for all of its educational efforts. We highly encourage families to take advantage of the educational opportunities AMK is offering because we think it can be really life-changing.

"We are working in our capacity with the Aviation/Aerospace Caucus, and on the Senate Transportation Committee, to boost the industry, especially in the areas of workforce, so having partners like Mr. Riggs, Mr. McCormick, and the museum makes us really confident the industry's best days are ahead."

Riggs submits that for every commercial flight leaving airports such as Blue Grass Airport, there are 6,000 careers standing behind that pilot to make that flight possible.  AMK tries hard to expose students to the multitude of career opportunities in the aviation and aerospace industries.

AMK plans to establish an education resource center, hire full-time staff, and upgrade its Blue Grass Airport facility with advanced classrooms and distance learning capabilities.

AVIATION SUMMER CAMPS

Two-day aviation summer camps are held in June of each year at Blue Grass Airport and are open to youth aged 10 through adulthood, offering activities such as aeronautics, navigation, instruments, and engines, flight simulation, air traffic control, airplane design, aerospace technology, NASA/space, and careers in aviation. Campers experience an actual flight lesson with an FAA certified flight instructor, along with additional amenities. The flight route is from Lexington to Frankfort, Georgetown, and back to Lexington. McCormick says this gives each participating child an opportunity to fly alongside the pilot, something he believes can be a life-changing experience for many.

"The goal of our education programs is not to teach people to fly, but how to be excited about flying," McCormick said. "We hope these camps will light a spark in children and show them all the possibilities that are out there. Underprivileged kids may never know someone who has flown, but these camps give them an opportunity to do it themselves. In doing so, it will hopefully create a memory that will be with them for a lifetime, and most importantly, show them the sky is the limit for their potential."

Statewide camps are also held in July in Bowling Green, Louisville, Cincinnati/Northern KY airport, Pikeville, and possibly other locations.

For more information on the summer camps, such as locations, dates, and current information, visit www.aviationky.org.

Registration will be available online as the dates for the camps are finalized.  Financial aid options will be available for kids and parents who cannot afford the camp.

For inquiries, contact:

Phone: 859-414-0980

Email: amkcamp@aviationky.org

In addition to their role with the legislative Aviation/Aerospace Caucus, Higdon and Storm serve as chair and vice chair, respectively, of the Senate Transportation Committee, the committee's jurisdiction includes policies related to aviation and aerospace.Part of their focus in this session is supporting Kentucky's strong aviation industry.

Follow legislative activity at Legislature.ky.gov and watch live legislative coverage at KET.org/legislature. Archived footage of Senate floor proceedings and committee meetings are available at KET.org/legislature/archives.

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Senator Brandon J. Storm, R-London, represents the 21st Senate District, including Casey, Lincoln, Laurel, and Rockcastle Counties. He recently graduated from the esteemed Henry Toll Fellowship and was the only Kentuckian to participate in the 2023 program. Senator Storm serves as a Senate member of the Interim Joint Committees of Banking and Insurance; Economic Development and Workforce Investment; Judiciary; Local Government; State Government; Transportation; and Tourism, Small Business and Information Technology. He also serves as the co-chair of the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee; a member of the Jail and Corrections Reform Task Force; and a member of the Multimodal Freight Transportation System Improvement Task Force. 

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

Senator Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including Larue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. Higdon serves as Senate Transportation Committee chair. Higdon is also the Public Pension Oversight Board co-chair.  He serves as an Education; Licensing and Occupations and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection committee member. Higdon previously served as a Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Committee member, which was restructured as a part of the new Senate Health Services Committee.

SENATE MAJORITY FLOOR LEADER DAMON THAYER CO-SPONSORS BILL EXEMPTING DIAPERS FROM SALES TAX

SENATE MAJORITY FLOOR LEADER DAMON THAYER
CO-SPONSORS BILL EXEMPTING DIAPERS FROM SALES TAX

Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong’s measure garners support of key members of Senate Leadership

FRANKFORT, KY (January 12, 2024) — Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, signed as co-sponsor to Senator Cassie Chambers Armstrong’s (D-Jefferson) Senate Bill 97 on Thursday. The bill would exempt all diapers from the state sales tax.

“I am very grateful to Senator Thayer for championing these issues that are so important to Kentucky families,” Chambers Armstrong said. “It has been a pleasure to work with him to raise awareness on this issue. This kind of bipartisan collaboration is how we get things done for the people of Kentucky.” 

Thayer outlined the reasoning behind his support for Senate Bill 97.

“I support tax cuts, and Kentucky already exempts sales tax on items like groceries and medicine, so I think an exemption on something as important as diapers makes sense,” Thayer said. “If one of my friends in the minority caucus has a good idea, we will support that idea. Sen. Chambers Armstrong has been an impressive addition to the Senate, and I support her effort to cut Kentuckians’ taxes.”

Thayer contends the bipartisan support for Senate Bill 97 is evidence politics is not as polarized in Frankfort as some may assume.

“We might have partisanship in Frankfort sometimes because of philosophical differences, but we don’t have polarization as you might find in Washington D.C.,” Thayer added. “Senate Bill 97 is a good example of a measure that can bring people together from across the aisle. I’m happy to co-sponsor the bill.”

Senate Majority Caucus Chair Julie Raque Adams has also signed as a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 97. Senators Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria, Gex Williams, R-Verona, and Whitney Westerfield, R-Fruit Hill, are among other Senate Majority Caucus co-sponsors. 

Find Senate Bill 97 at THIS LINK. For more information on Senators Chambers Armstrong and Damon Thayer, visit legislature.ky.gov.

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Senator Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, represents the 17th Senate District, including Grant and Scott Counties, southern Kenton County, and northwestern Fayette County. He is Senate majority floor leader. Thayer is the longest-serving Republican Senate majority floor leader in Kentucky history. He serves as a member of the Senate committees on Agriculture, Licensing and Occupations, and State and Local Government. As Senate majority floor leader, Thayer is a member of the Legislative Research Commission, the Committee on Committees and the Rules Committee. Additionally, he is an Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee member. 

SENATOR LINDSEY TICHENOR INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO HELP IDENTIFY CHILD ABUSE

SENATOR LINDSEY TICHENOR INTRODUCES

LEGISLATION TO HELP IDENTIFY CHILD ABUSE

FRANKFORT, KY (January 11, 2024) – Senator Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, filed legislation today to require animal control officers to be trained to recognize child physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect. Senate Bill 106 (SB 106) is also known as “Kyan’s Law” after Kyan Higgins who was killed by his mother in 2021.  Startling enough, animal control officers had been called to Kyan’s home more than 20 times before he was murdered.

Kyan’s Law was introduced on the Senate floor alongside the young woman who inspired Tichenor to file the legislation, Kiera Dunk, an Oldham County resident and student at North Oldham County High School. 

“Studies has shown there is a strong link between animal abuse and child abuse,” said Tichenor.  “It seems that animal abuse is a pretty good indicator of child abuse and if this legislation saves one child’s life, it will be well worth it.

Tichenor was referring to the Dickering study that indicates that as much as 88 percent of families being investigated for physical child abuse had prior involvement with animal control.  If passed, this legislation would require initial and recurring training for all animal control officers on how to spot apparent child abuse when responding to calls to homes where animals are found to be abused.  

Any person who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a child is dependent, neglected, or abused will file an oral or written report to a local law enforcement agency or the Kentucky State Police, the cabinet, the commonwealth's attorney, or the county attorney. 

If passed, the cabinet receives a report of abuse or neglect allegedly committed by a person other than a parent, guardian, fictive kin, person in a position of authority, person in a position of special trust, or person exercising custodial control or supervision, the cabinet will refer the matter to the commonwealth's attorney or the county attorney, local law enforcement agency, or the Kentucky State Police.

If the legislation is passed, it would mean training would begin by January 31, 2025.

Incidentally, Kiera Dunk worked with House Speaker David Osborne in 2022 to help pass Kami’s Law, which increases the penalties for those convicted of child abuse if the victim is younger than 12. Dunk was a seventh grader at the time.

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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 as a Senate Education; Families and Children; and Health Services committee member. Tichenor is also a Budget Review Subcommittee on Human Resources Committee member.

SENATE MAJORITY WHIP WILSON WANTS TO EXPAND KEES FUNDING TO HOMESCHOOLERS

SENATE MAJORITY WHIP WILSON WANTS TO EXPAND

KEES FUNDING TO HOMESCHOOLERS

FRANKFORT, KY. (January 11, 2024) – Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, filed Senate Bill 7 (SB7) which, if passed, will allow homeschooled children access to more Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) money, aligning them on par with other students earning KEES money from public, private or parochial Kentucky schools.

“We owe it to these kids whose parents have chosen to homeschool them the same benefit of children who have sought more traditional educational avenues in Kentucky’s accredited high schools,” said Wilson. “Maybe even more importantly, we want these bright students to feel the same sense of accomplishment their friends do when they complete high school.”

KEES money is generated through the Kentucky Lottery and provides funds to high school students based on their grades and ACT scores. Homeschooled students do not have a traditional GPA, so as much as 80 percent of KEES money isn’t available to award to them.

There are approximately 60,000 homeschooled students across Kentucky, approximately 20,000 of whom are high school students, according to testimony from the 2023 Interim.

KEES awards range from $125 per school year for a student with a 2.50 GPA to $500 for a 4.0 GPA. The ACT bonus ranges from $36 annually for a score of 15 to $500 for a score of 28 or better. That means high school students who carry a 4.0 GPA for all four years and earn a 28 on the ACT can earn up to $2,500 per year for college, while home school students are limited to the ACT bonus of only $500 per year.

In FY 2023, almost $333 million dollars, and in 2024 more than $340 million was awarded to high school students for their hard work in preparation for college.  Wilson thinks it’s only fair that children who have pursued an alternative path to high school graduation, be awarded along the same standards as their public, private and parochial friends.

“Awarding homeschooled students alongside their peers is the right thing to do,” said Wilson. “Kentucky will also benefit from them remaining here for a quality post-secondary educational experience, and hopefully join our workforce after college graduation.”

The General Assembly will take up the next biennial budget during the 2024 Legislative Session, which began on January 2.

Find Senate Bill 7 and additional filed legislation at Legislature.ky.gov.

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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.

SENATE TRANSPORTATION CHAIR JIMMY HIGDON INTRODUCES BILL TO IMPROVE KENTUCKIANS' ACCESS TO DRIVER LICENSING SERVICES

SENATE TRANSPORTATION CHAIR JIMMY HIGDON INTRODUCES BILL TO IMPROVE KENTUCKIANS' ACCESS TO DRIVER LICENSING SERVICES

Senate Bill 91 establishes third-party driver licensing services and expands state regional offices to relieve residents' travel to regional offices

FRANKFORT, KY (January 10, 2024) — Senator Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, who serves as the Senate Transportation Committee chair, introduced Senate Bill  91 on Monday. The measure would expand the public's access to driver's licensing services following state efforts to comply with federal REAL-ID laws, which resulted in the state's transition into a regional model of driver licensing services.

Provisions of Senate Bill 91 include:

• Authorizing a third-party means of providing driver licensing.

• The third party would be responsible for the costs of the necessary technology infrastructure needed to provide driver's licenses, such as REAL-ID. AAA proposed the idea.

• The organization would remit fees back to the state, ensuring no loss in state revenue for maintaining roads, bridges, and highways.

• Requiring Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to operate at least one regional office in all Senate districts.

• The only two Senate districts without a regional office are Senate District 14 and Senate District 5. 

•  KYTC will have until July 1, 2025, to establish the offices.

• Requiring the Kentucky State Police to provide instruction permit tests during their pop-up driver testing courses.

• This is the first step in getting driver testing and permit testing back to the local level to make the process easier for parents, guardians, and students who drive to the regional offices and often miss a day of work and school to visit the office. 

The measure was assigned to the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday, where Higdon is committed to garnering support for it and moving it forward through the legislative process.

"I've heard the many concerns of constituents in my district and from legislators about the inconvenience of regional offices," Higdon said. "This bill will help a lot with a challenging issue, not just for our constituents but also for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and regional offices. The goal here is to provide Kentucky residents with more options, save them travel time and money, and improve the process of getting a driver's license."

"I was concerned from the start as we moved to the regional model for issuing licenses because of the burden it would cause," Senator Steve Meredith, R-Leitchfield, said. "I appreciate Senator Higdon introducing this bill, and I look forward to supporting it throughout the legislative process." 

For more information on driver licensing and regional office locations, CLICK HERE. Follow legislative activity at Legislature.ky.gov and watch live legislative coverage at KET.org/legislature. Archived footage of Senate floor proceedings and committee meetings are available at KET.org/legislature/archives.

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Senator Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including Larue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. Higdon serves as Senate Transportation Committee chair. Higdon is also the Public Pension Oversight Board co-chair.  He serves as an Education; Licensing and Occupations and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection committee member. Higdon previously served as a Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Committee member, which was restructured as a part of the new Senate Health Services Committee.

FUNKE FROMMEYER MAKES THE CASE FOR FREESTANDING BIRTHING CENTERS

FUNKE FROMMEYER MAKES THE CASE FOR FREESTANDING BIRTHING CENTERS

FRANKFORT, KY. (January 10, 2024) – Today, Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria, submitted a new and improved version of Senate Bill 67 (SB 67) from the RS23 when she filed SB103 to establish freestanding birthing centers.

A freestanding birthing center is a health facility, not a hospital or a private residence, and is established to provide care for labor, delivery, and the newborn. Kentucky is one of only eight states that does not offer freestanding birthing centers.

“I ask you to join me in a wellness revolution that will begin at birth for our young people. We have pregnant women in Kentucky who want a holistic approach to a physiologically natural birthing experience,” said Funke Frommeyer.  “Just shared today in our health services committee meeting, Kentucky is in a crisis of biblical proportions. With a shortage of medical practitioners, and health care deserts with 40 percent of our Kentucky population living in rural areas, there may be no greater call to action than to train us to care for ourselves.”   

The 2024 version also includes a change to the name of this legislation to the Mary Carol Akers Birth Centers Act, in honor of the APRN certified nurse midwife who tried to open a birthing center in Hardin County.

Centers must be accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers and keep standards consistent with the American Association of Birth Centers' standards. They must have detailed plans to transport mothers and babies to a hospital when maternal and neonatal intensive care are needed.  Centers will have to carry their own medical malpractice insurance and will be exempt from having a certificate of need if they have four beds or fewer.

“Freestanding birth center opponents have relied on the lengthy and arduous certificate of need process that has allowed hospitals to essentially block their development, regardless of the benefits to women in Kentucky looking for another birthing alternative,” Funke Frommeyer said.

Freestanding birth centers already have administrative regulations for licensing and qualifying them for Medicaid reimbursement.

No abortions would be allowed in any freestanding birthing centers.

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Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria, represents the 24th Senate District, including Bracken, Campbell, and Pendleton Counties and part of Kenton County. She is a member of the Senate Appropriations and Revenue; Economic Development, Tourism and Labor; Education; and Health Services committees. Frommeyer is also a Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee member. Additionally, she is a Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary.

MCDANIEL'S SENATE BILL 10 CLEARS FIRST LEGISLATIVE HURDLE

MCDANIEL'S SENATE BILL 10 CLEARS FIRST LEGISLATIVE HURDLE

The measure approved by the State and Local Government Committee would address voter fatigue, save local governments money, and increase participation in the democratic process.  

FRANKFORT, Ky. (January 10, 2024) — Senator Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, presented Senate Bill 10 on Wednesday during the 2024 Legislative Session's first Senate State and Local Government Committee.  

Senate Bill 10, if passed in the state Senate and state House of Representatives, would propose an amendment to the Constitution of Kentucky (Section 95) to move elections for state constitutional officers to even-numbered years. These include the governor, attorney general, agriculture commissioner, secretary of state, treasurer and auditor.

To be adopted, the amendment would need to garner majority support among voters on the next general election ballot.

In presenting the bill, McDaniel reiterated the effort's merits, including addressing voter fatigue, increasing voter participation, improving cost-efficiency for local governments, and strengthening the stability and continuity of local, state and federal governments.

Even though reforms from the Kentucky General Assembly have implemented reforms making it easier to vote, a previous release noted general election turnout for constitutional offices decreased by nearly 9 percent from 2019 to 2023. 

"Talk to the average voter in Kentucky, who, mind you, is not a voter first, but instead are fathers and mothers. They have professions like manufacturing and teaching, and generally, those who quite frankly don't love constantly hearing about politicians," McDaniel said. "Ask them if they'd enjoy a year free from political ads interrupting the Kentucky basketball game, Monday night football, or whatever program they are trying to enjoy during their time off and, most importantly, during time with their families."

McDaniel has pursued this measure since he was first elected into the state Senate, an effort spanning across multiple administrations within state constitutional offices.

Under McDaniel's proposed amendment, if supported by a majority of Kentucky voters, elections for statewide offices would still occur every four years and begin after the November 2027 election. An additional year would be added to the term of the constitutional officer elected that year. The next election for constitutional officers will occur in 2032. 

Beyond the measures appeal to those who enjoy a year free from campaign signage and political ads, the constitutional amendment will save taxpayer money.

The Legislative Research Commission previously reported the cost savings to local governments would be approximately $13.5 million during the calendar year when a primary and general election would no longer occur. 

The measure passed favorably, now qualifying for a vote by the full Senate. Several committee members took a moment to explain their vote.

"People are becoming less and less interested in our statewide races, and there was more money spent on the campaign for governor than on any constitutional office races in Kentucky history," Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, said. "People are staying home and are uninterested. There's no better way to get people engaged in state issues than putting these offices on the ballot in years when more voters are turning out to vote."

Senator Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, echoed Thayer's remarks.

"I believe the voters of Kentucky will see the efficacy of this amendment and will vote to support it," he said.

The process of amending the state constitution is outlined in Section 256 of the Constitution of Kentucky. 

Visit legislature.ky.gov for more information on McDaniel and other proposed legislation from the 2024 Legislative Session.

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Senator Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, represents the 23rd Senate District in northern Kenton County. McDaniel is Senate Appropriations and Revenue chair and serves as an ex-officio member of each budget review subcommittee. He is a Senate Licensing and Occupations, and State and Local Government committee member. Additionally, McDaniel serves as a Public Pension Oversight Board member. 

SENATE PASSES FIRST BILL OF THE 2024 SESSION, PRIORITY MEASURE REMOVING ACREAGE LIMITATION FOR RESIDENT FARMLANDS

SENATE PASSES FIRST BILL OF THE 2024 SESSION, PRIORITY MEASURE REMOVING ACREAGE LIMITATION FOR RESIDENT FARMLANDS

Senate Bill 5, sponsored by Gex “Jay” Williams, passes the Senate

FRANKFORT, KY (January 9, 2024) — The Senate has passed its first bill of the 2024 Regular Session. Senate Bill (SB) 5, sponsored by Senator Gex "Jay" Williams, R-Verona, makes a small but impactful adjustment to Kentucky’s hunting and fishing regulations. Recognized as a 2024 legislative priority, SB 5 addresses a specific public concern and eliminates the five-acre ownership requirement for residential landowners seeking exemptions from sport hunting and sport fishing license requirements.

SB 5 contains an emergency clause, ensuring immediate implementation upon final approval. This provision maintains farmland hunting and fishing exemptions, irrespective of size. SB 5 successfully cleared the Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Energy last week.

Senator Williams expressed his satisfaction with the smooth progress of SB 5, "I am pleased that all of my colleagues in the Senate recognize the importance of this issue as SB 5 progresses at this early stage of the session," Williams stated. "Instead of aiming for sweeping changes, this bill rectifies legal misunderstandings to enhance the clarity and fairness of our hunting and fishing regulations. I eagerly anticipate ongoing discussions and progress on this issue as it proceeds to the House of Representatives."

SB 5 passed the Senate unanimously with bipartisan support and now advances to the House for consideration. Stay updated on the 2024 Regular Session at www.KET.org/legislature. For comprehensive information on bills, committees, and legislative activities, visit www.Legislature.ky.gov.

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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 southwestern Kenton County. Williams is vice chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Education and co-chair of the Investments in Information Technology Improvement & Modernization Projects Oversight Board. He also serves as a Senate Natural Resources and Energy; State and Local Government; Transportation and Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection committee member

WILSON INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO SHAKE UP THE KENTUCKY BOARD OF EDUCATION

WILSON INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO SHAKE UP THE KENTUCKY BOARD OF EDUCATION

FRANKFORT, KY. (January 9, 2024) – Today, Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, introduced Senate Bill 8 (SB8), priority legislation which would change the selection of Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) members from a unilateral appointment by the governor to an election by voters across all seven Supreme Court districts.

The governor currently appoints the 14-member board directly.  

“It's time we allow the citizens of this state the authority to elect real representatives who have the greatest control over almost half of the state budget,” said Wilson. “Doing so will create a board that truly has the educational best interest of Kentucky kids in mind.”

Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) was implemented by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1990. It is the foundation program for legislative funding for all public education. The Kentucky Educational Reform Act (KERA) was first implemented in the 1990s and is a function of the KBE as outlined in KRS 156.029.

The Kentucky Board of Education’s primary purpose is to develop and adopt policies and administrative regulations, with the advice of the local Superintendents Advisory Council, by which the Department of Education is governed in planning, coordinating, administering, supervising, operating, and evaluating the educational programs, services, and activities within the department.  

“Each governor since KERA was implemented over three decades ago has leveraged, and some might say abused, their gubernatorial power with the Kentucky Board of Education, said Wilson. “It’s time we returned the power to the residents of the commonwealth.”

The bill retains the president of the Council on Postsecondary Education and the secretary of the Education and Labor Cabinet as ex-officio non-voting members.  A non-voting teacher and student member will be elected by the board from the state's six congressional districts on a rotating basis from different districts.   The public high school student will be a junior at the time of the appointment, and the teacher and student members will serve a one-year term.

Two KBE members will be elected from each of the seven Supreme Court districts across Kentucky, as established in KRS 21A.010. Each board member will serve a four-year term, must be 30 years old, have earned at least an associate's degree, and have been a resident for at least three years.

Board members cannot be members of the General Assembly, hold another elected position, or have a material interest in educational materials production.  They also cannot be related to anyone in the department or have previously served on the local school board within the previous four years.

A new power is given to the board includes the ability to, by a vote of at least five other members, remove a member for misconduct, incapacity, or willful neglect. They will be given the right to a full public hearing and require a two-thirds vote to be removed.

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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.

HIGDON ISSUES STATEMENT ON REP. BRANDON REED'S RETIREMENT FROM STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HIGDON ISSUES STATEMENT ON REP. BRANDON REED'S 

RETIREMET FROM STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Reed accepts a key policy role with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture

FRANKFORT, KY (January 8, 2024) — State Rep. Brandon Reed, R-Hodgenville, announced Friday he will resign from the Kentucky House of Representatives on Monday, January 15, to begin his next endeavor as executive policy director for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. The following is a statement from Senator Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, who has represented LaRue County along with Reed since 2016: 

"Brandon Reed is a Christian, family man, dedicated public servant and a great friend, and it has been a pleasure working with him over the past eight years in the Kentucky General Assembly. I'm very happy for him, his wife Olivia, and their children, Wilken, Chloe and Alexandria.

"Hodgenville, LaRue County, and the entirety of the 24th House District have been made better thanks to the efforts of Rep. Reed. Whether it was funding secured by him in his role as House Appropriation and Revenue Committee vice-chair improving local roads, supporting tourism, or expanding broadband, or critical legislation strengthening the county's agriculture industry, Rep. Reed has been front-and-center in legislative efforts and has gotten countless bills and provisions over the finish line.

"While I hate to see him leave the legislature and will miss serving with him in this capacity, I'm excited for him in his new opportunity as executive director of policy with Agriculture Commissioner Johnathan Shell's Office. With the addition of Rep. Reed, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is getting another keen mind that understands the legislative process, uniquely understands the challenges facing Kentucky farmers, and has the relationships necessary to influence public policy positively, benefitting our state's agriculture industry. 

"I wish my friend nothing but the best and look forward to working with him to discuss ways we can continue improving the commonwealth."  

—

Find the announcement shared by Rep. Brandon Reed by clicking here. 

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Senator Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including Larue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. Higdon serves as Senate Transportation Committee chair. Higdon is also the Public Pension Oversight Board co-chair.  He serves as an Education; Licensing and Occupations and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection committee member. Higdon previously served as a Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Committee member, which was restructured as a part of the new Senate Health Services Committee.

SENATE MAJORITY PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS GUEST PANELIST ON KET’S KENTUCKY TONIGHT

FRANKFORT, KY (January 8, 2024) – Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, along with House Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, will be guest panelists on KET tonight at 8 p.m. Legislative priorities

Date: Monday, January 8, 2024

Time: 8-9 p.m. EST

Stream:  https://ket.org/live/

ABOUT ‘KENTUCKY TONIGHT’

The weekly program features comprehensive discussions with lawmakers, stakeholders and policy leaders moderated by award-winning journalist Renee Shaw. Often aired live, viewers are encouraged to participate by submitting questions in real-time via email, or through X, formerly known as Twitter, or KET’s online form.

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Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Senate Majority Caucus members and the 2024 Legislative Session, such as committee schedules and membership, legislation and more.

WILLIAMS’ BILL CORRECTING RESIDENT FARMLAND HUNTING AND FISHING REGULATION RECEIVES PRIORITY DESIGNATION, PASSES SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Williams’ Bill Correcting Resident Farmland Hunting And Fishing Regulation Receives Priority Designation, Passes Senate Natural Resources Committee

Senate Bill 5 Advances to the Senate Floor

FRANKFORT, KY (January 5, 2024) — Senator Gex "Jay" Williams, R-Verona, is actively pursuing a minor yet impactful adjustment to Kentucky's hunting and fishing regulations with Senate Bill (SB) 5, a designated 2024 legislative priority for the Senate.

Responding to public concerns, Williams originally requested SB 5 (BR 15) to address a technical issue imposing a five-acre ownership requirement on farmland for residential landowners to be exempt from sport hunting and sport fishing license requirements. SB 5 rectifies this issue by removing the acreage condition.

The measure moved swiftly in the opening days of the 2024 Regular Session. the Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Energy discussed and voted on the measure this afternoon.

The development aligns with assurances previously issued by Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer in August that he “expects to see it (SB 5) move pretty quickly through the legislature in the 2024 Regular Session.”

“I am pleased to see SB 5 smoothly navigating through committee this early in the session,” said Williams. “This bill isn't about big changes but addressing legal misunderstandings to improve the clarity and fairness of our hunting and fishing regulations.”

SB 5 now moves to the full Senate for consideration. View live and achieved coverage of the 2024 Regular Session at www.KET.org/legislature. More information on bills, committees, and other legislative happenings, visit www.Legislature.ky.gov.

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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. 

KENTUCKY SENATE MAJORITY WHIP MIKE WILSON INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT AGAINST DISCRIMINATION IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

KENTUCKY SENATE MAJORITY WHIP MIKE WILSON INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT AGAINST DISCRIMINATION IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES

FRANKFORT, KY (January 4, 2024) – Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, filed legislation on the first day of the Kentucky General Assembly’s 2024 session to protect Kentucky higher education students and employees from discriminatory trends in higher education.

Wilson filed the measure as a priority legislation related to post-secondary institutions as a means of addressing a concerning shift toward a new form of discrimination driven by ideologies attempting to suppress free speech and intellectual diversity, undermine academic freedom and the principle of equal opportunity, devalue academic and professional merits, and reduce the values of diversity to a bureaucratic check box exercise.

SB 6 provides that a student or employee of a public postsecondary education institution shall not be penalized, discriminated against, or receive any adverse treatment due to the individual's refusal to support or endorse any divisive concept, nor be required to endorse a specific ideology or political viewpoint to be eligible for hiring, contract renewal, tenure, promotion, or graduation. It prohibits an institution from inquiring into the individual’s political or social viewpoints and establishes violations for institutions.

“We’ve seen a trend in DEI policies in our public universities that attempt to divide instead of unite people in that microcosm of society,” said Wilson. “Instead of promoting intellectual dialogue, individualism, the content of one’s character and merit-based practices, DEI has driven a wedge against those of us who want to see Kentucky achieve greater things.” 

As state dollars fund public universities, SB 6 aims for universities to hire and make promotion decisions based on an individual's skills, qualifications, and performance rather than superficial factors like race, gender, or other identity markers.

In December 2023 Wilson, along with Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, and Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, blocked a vote by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges from adopting a new DEI Position Statement to be required for universities accreditation.

In December, the trio led the effort for Kentucky universities to “......strive to hold all students attending our institutions of higher education with intrinsic value in who they are without discrimination. Each public institution should be held accountable to provide equal opportunity in accordance with Kentucky's constitutional obligation to educate without regard to the immutable characteristics or qualities that naturally bring about diversity onto our campuses.”

Wilson determined he had to champion this legislation to protect universities employees and the students they teach against this arbitrary and artificial litmus test.

“Progressive ideologues are seeking to devalue and undermine foundational bedrocks of our society, such as family and faith,” said Wilson. “While Senate Bill 6 does not preclude having a DEI policy or office, it also doesn’t compel the university or any individual from making statements or signing on to that policy.”

The General Assembly has a constitutional role in determining how taxpayers' funds are spent on education. SB 6 helps to ensure those funds are promoting educational excellence and rigor, and not trendy, divisive theories. 

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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.

POW-MIA SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES NOW AVAILABLE FOR KENTUCKY DRIVERS

POW-MIA SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATES NOW 

AVAILABLE FOR KENTUCKY DRIVERS

Applications for plate and other specialty plates are now available at drive.ky.gov

FRANKFORT, Ky. (January 4, 2024) – Eighteen new specialty license plates are now available for any owner of a non-commercial motor vehicle required to be registered for use on Kentucky highways, Senate Transportation Chair Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, shared on Thursday. Among the new specialty plates is one honoring prisoners of war (POW) or those missing in action (MIA).

"I'm pleased to see a license plate is available to honor and remember the sacrifices of American heroes who did not return home from the battlefield," Higdon said. "While nothing we do can undo the pain and loss these military families have suffered, it is an additional gesture of gratitude for all our brave servicemembers have given." 

The initial cost for the plate is $44. Personalization is an additional $25. Ten dollars of the initial and renewal fee goes to the Veteran's Program Trust Fund (VPTF). ​The Kentucky General Assembly established VPTF as part of the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans' Bonus Act on December 23, 1988. The purpose of the VPTF is to direct funding to projects and programs that help Kentucky's veterans for which other funds are not available.

To find all available license plate options and to apply for yours, visit drive.ky.gov or CLICK HERE.

PERSONALIZED LICENSE PLATE

Plate personalization requests are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) reports it is a possibility that a character combination may become unavailable if the same request was received before your submission. The only valid characters are letters A through Z, numbers 1 through 9, spaces and dashes. Personalized plate character combinations may only appear on one plate at any given time.

SPECIALTY PLATE PROCESS

Any non-profit organization based in Kentucky or with a chapter in Kentucky may apply for a special license plate by emailing KYTC.SpecialLicensePlate@ky.gov. The organization will then receive a packet from Kentucky containing the documents you need to apply. 

The non-profit must return the documents listed below to KYTC.SpecialLicensePlate@ky.gov, or mail them to ​Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing, Special License Plates​​, P.O. Box 1014, Frankfort, KY 40622​​:

• A letter of request which should include the mission or vision of the organization, a list of all chapters within Kentucky, and any other pertinent information about your organization that you would like to share with the Committee.

• Form TC 96-333, Organization Application for a Special License Plate.

• Proof of non-profit status from the IRS or Articles of Incorporation from the Kentucky Secretary of State.

• Plate image, designed per enclosed specifications. Included in the packet is an Adobe Illustrator file (*.ai), and an editable Adobe Document file (*.pdf). You may use either format to submit your design.

Once KYTC receives the completed application, the Special License Plate Committee will review it at the next quarterly meeting. Submissions must be received at least 10 business days in advance. Any late submissions will be reviewed at the following meeting. KYTC will send the organization a notice of approval or denial within 30 days after the committee makes its determination. Once the committee approves the plate design, the organization will receive an invoice for the pre-production costs before the plate goes into production. The current cost is $2,500—although KYTC says that may change without notice. The cabinet returns the $10 mandatory contribution to the organization annually at the start of the following calendar year as soon as it receives an audit attestation. 

KYTC requires 500 yearly registrations to keep the plate in active production. One probationary year is provided if the number of registrations falls below 500. 

Questions concerning any of this may be directed to KYTC.SpecialLicensePlate@ky.g​ov. 

NEW SPECIALTY PLATES

The following are additional specialty plates made available in January:

• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

• Operation Lifesaver, Inc.

• Omega Psi Fraternity

• OHV4KY

• Masonic Order - Motorcycle

• Kentucky Nurses Foundation

• Kentucky CASA Network

• Kentuckians for the Arts

• Kappa Alpha Psi

• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

• Friends of Hemp

• Be Kind

• Bardstown Community

• C.O.P.S.

• C.O.P.S. - Motorcycle

• Colon Cancer Prevention

• Congenital Heart Disease

CLICK HERE for images of specialty plates made available in January.

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Senator Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including Larue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. He co-chairs the Interim Joint Committee on Transportation and the Public Pension Oversight Board. Additionally, Higdon is a member of the Interim Joint Committees on Licensing, Occupations and Administrative Regulations, Education, and Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection. Finally, he is a member of the newly formed Multimodal Freight Transportation System Improvement Task Force.

MCDANIEL FILES SENATE BILL 10; AIMS TO INCREASE ELECTION PARTICIPATION, PROVIDE LOCAL COST SAVINGS, AND ADDRESS VOTER FATIGUE

MCDANIEL FILES SENATE BILL 10; AIMS TO INCREASE ELECTION PARTICIPATION,

PROVIDE LOCAL COST SAVINGS, AND ADDRESS VOTER FATIGUE

The measure would propose a constitutional amendment for Kentucky voters’ consideration on the 2024 General Election ballot

FRANKFORT, Ky. (January 3, 2024) — Senator Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, filed Senate Bill 10 on Tuesday during the first day of the 2024 Legislative Session. 

If passed in the state Senate and state House of Representatives, the measure would propose an amendment to the Constitution of Kentucky (Section 95) to move elections for state constitutional officers to even-numbered years. These include the governor, attorney general, agriculture commissioner, secretary of state, treasurer and auditor.

To be adopted, the amendment would need to garner majority support among voters on the next general election ballot.

Proponents of Senate Bill 10 say the measure will address voter fatigue, increase voter participation, improve cost-efficiencies for local governments, and strengthen the stability and continuity of local, state, and federal governments. 

Bipartisan efforts by Sen. Robby Mills, Rep. Jennifer Decker and the Kentucky General Assembly, along with Secretary of State Michael Adams and the executive branch, successfully enacted reforms in recent years, making it more accessible for Kentuckians to vote, including offering three additional days leading up to an election day for early voting. 

Despite these efforts, voter turnout in the recent general election was nearly 8.7 percent lower than four years ago. In the 2023 general election, 1,326,441 Kentuckians voted compared with 1,452,616 in 2019, according to the state board of elections. 

“I think what we see among voters is election fatigue,” McDaniel said. “There have been heated and contentious elections almost every year. We just finished a gubernatorial election where spending exceeded $44 million, resulting in endless campaign ads online, on our televisions and the radio, nonstop mailers in our mailboxes and even calls and text messages. In 2024, we will head right back into a presidential primary and general election. Giving voters a break from politics would be beneficial, especially as we continue to see increasing polarization.

“I encourage support of Senate Bill 10 in the Kentucky General Assembly and would also encourage support among Kentucky voters should it be placed on their 2024 election ballot.”

The Legislative Research Commission has previously reported the cost savings of this constitutional amendment to local governments would be significant. The change would save local governments approximately $13.5 million during the calendar year when a primary and general election would no longer occur. 

Under McDaniel’s proposed amendment, if supported by a majority of Kentucky voters, elections for statewide offices would still occur every four years and begin after the November 2027 election.

If passed by the Senate and the House, the amendment would be submitted to Kentucky voters for ratification or rejection on the 2024 election ballot.

The process of amending the state constitution is outlined in Section 256 of the Constitution of Kentucky. 

Visit legislature.ky.gov for more information on McDaniel and to find other proposed legislation from the 2024 Legislative Session.

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Senator Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, represents the 23rd Senate District in northern Kenton County. McDaniel is Senate Appropriations and Revenue chair and serves as an ex-officio member of each budget review subcommittee. He is a Senate Licensing and Occupations, and State and Local Government committee member. Additionally, McDaniel serves as a Public Pension Oversight Board member.