DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR CHILDREN OF MILITARY FAMILIES TO PARTICIPATE IN 'MILITARY KIDS DAY'

February 6, 2024

FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 6, 2024) – Military Kids Day, hosted at the Kentucky state Capitol, is quickly approaching. Lawmakers are eager to welcome military kids and their families to Frankfort. Sen. Jimmy Higdon and House and Senate Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection (VMAPP) chairs, Rep. Walker Thomas and Sen. Rick Girdler, announced the official event agenda on Tuesday.

The annual event will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27, at the Kentucky state Capitol. The deadline to apply is Monday, Feb. 19.

To participate, complete an online application form at legislature.ky.gov or by clicking HERE. The application can be submitted via email to Donna.Holiday@lrc.ky.gov.

EVENT BACKGROUND

Initiated by Higdon 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 VMAPP Committee, children are invited to take a Capitol tour, page for their respective legislators, participate in a Capitol scavenger hunt, and attend committee meetings related to military issues. Additionally, participants will hear from featured guest speakers, and a new addition to this year's event will be flight simulators courtesy of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky.

The Kentucky state House of Representatives will host this year's Military Kids Day. Thomas serves as chair of the House VMAPP Committee.

"Sens. Higdon, Girdler and I are extremely grateful for all the hard work that has gone into the effort thus far. It's been a collective effort by Legislative Research Commission staff, the Kentucky Army National Guard and many other stakeholders, so we are thrilled to see it all come together again this year," Thomas said.

Higdon thanked the media for event coverage, which has helped raise awareness of Military Kids Day.

"It puts a smile on my face to see these kids given a platform and well-deserved attention," he said. "This day is about the sacrifices they make in their parent's military service, such as when they are away from their moms and dads or the travel and changing of schools that service sometimes requires. There's plenty of bad and negative news out there, so I hope everyone will take the time to provide this day a platform and give all these great young men, women and future leaders our time and attention."

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Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including Larue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. Higdon serves as 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.

Visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate114.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Higdon.

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

Live legislative coverage is available at KET.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel.

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

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also find information on caucus members, as well as view press releases from our office, by visiting KYSenateRepublicans.com.

SENATOR STORM CELEBRATES FUNDING AWARDS BENEFITING ROCKCASTLE COUNTY

February 5, 2024

FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 5, 2024) – Sen. Brandon Storm could not attend a celebration on Monday in Rockcastle County regarding the ribbon cutting for Grateful Bread Food Pantry's upgraded facility and state and federal award funds benefiting economic development and career-ready education endeavors. Rockcastle County Schools Superintendent Carrie Ballinger delivered remarks on Storm's behalf. The remarks were as follows:

"I regret I could not be with each of you this morning to celebrate various awards that will make a positive difference for Rockcastle County and the region we call home. First, thank you to the Christian Appalachian Project and Grateful Bread for blessing so many seniors, children, and families who depend on your philanthropy. Your work is deserving of support. I am unashamed to pronounce my Christian faith, and I want to thank you for being a living example of the life our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, asks each of us to live.

"I am excited today for future opportunities for Rockcastle County and surrounding areas. My colleagues and I in the Kentucky General Assembly remain committed to robust economic growth. Through proven business-friendly policies and tax reform contributing to making days like today possible, we want to ensure we make the most out of the natural blessings we have here in our region and as Kentuckians.

"With the commonwealth's vast highways, waterways, railways, strong aviation industry, central geographic location, four seasons, incredible people, and signature industries—Kentucky epitomizes "BUILD-READY."

"However, being content with our innate blessings is not enough. We must seize the opportunity to ensure Kentucky shines like the jewel we know it is. With trusted individuals on the ground in our communities, my colleagues and I allocated $200 million through House Bill 1 in 2022 to support build-ready sites like here in Rockcastle County. I am grateful to see these available awards reaching our communities. Taxpayers, whom we should each stand up today and thank for making this possible, can rest assured the funds are in good hands.

"The state efforts mentioned above will only be boosted because the same is true for the nearly $1.5 million in federal funds to help advance career-connectedness through exciting individualized postsecondary career plans, dual credit courses, local hands-on work experience, and industry-recognized credentials.

"Recently, my colleagues and I have emphasized strengthening career and technical education through various policy enactments like Senate Bill 59, which focused on postsecondary readiness, and HB 680, to increase Kentucky's economic competitiveness in technology and computing employment. We allocated $140 million for operating costs in the most recently enacted budget for Local Area Vocational Education Centers. The education our area technology centers provide is critical because Kentucky continues to face workforce challenges and will need a prepared workforce to fill the available and will-be-available high-paying skilled jobs.

"I thank each of you for your role and service in improving Kentucky. Representing Rockcastle, Lincoln, Laurel, and Casey Counties in the 21st state Senate District is an honor. I am working hard for you in Frankfort, focusing on growing the state's aviation and aerospace industry to support the continued growth that celebrations like today will rely on. God bless each of you, and thank you again."

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BACKGROUND

Economic Development - Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) Awards

KPDI is a statewide effort to support upgrades at industrial sites throughout the commonwealth and position Kentucky for continued economic growth. KPDI, authorized by lawmakers through a collaborative effort by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development and the Kentucky Association for Economic Development, included $100 million in state funding toward site and building upgrades across the state. There was a total of $100 million to support approved mega-development projects of at least $10 million allocated to each of Kentucky's 120 counties based on population. After a first round of grant awards from the counties' fund, the remaining funds are pooled for a second round of grant awards.

The Rockcastle County Fiscal Court, representing the Rockcastle County Industrial Development Authority, conducted a comprehensive examination and secured land to establish a regional industrial park. An independent site selection consultant recognized the project's potential for future investment or as a location for an economic development initiative. A budget exceeding $1.6 million was approved in enhancements, including more than $800,000 from state funds, with more expected but not officially announced as of this release. Financial support for the project will come from Rockcastle and Garrard Counties, with Lincoln County endorsing the endeavor.

Christian Appalachian Project's Grateful Bread Facility Expansion Ribbon Cutting

The Grateful Bread food pantry has been around for many years and will more than double its facility size to support the nearly 200 seniors living in isolation and provides food backpacks for elementary school students on the weekend who may not have enough food at home when not receiving free or reduced lunch at school. The upgraded facility will provide dignity by allowing residents to shop rather than be handed food. It will also have a drive-thru for colder months.

According to its website, Grateful Bread provides monthly free and nutritious food to eligible families in Rockcastle County. Many families cannot afford the most basic groceries and must often choose between purchasing food and providing safe, warm, and dry homes or health care for their families. CAP helps fill the gap to ensure everyone can access essential food and necessities. For people living in need, Grateful Bread provides our participants with a welcome respite from the constant stress of worrying about feeding their families. We are helping put food on the tables of our most vulnerable people.

The Grateful Bread food kitchen is part of the Christian Appalachian Project, which for over 50 years, has served the people of Appalachia by building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ's love. The organization's website details how Rev. Ralph W. Beiting, a Catholic priest from northern Kentucky, was assigned to pastor a large portion of east-central Kentucky. Through his outreach, he witnessed tremendous poverty in Appalachia. He saw children weak from hunger, families beaten down by hardship, seniors living in fear and isolation, and communities desperate for hope. With the help of family and friends, he provided food, clothing, and other essentials to neighbors in need. What started small quickly grew, and the Christian Appalachian Project was founded in 1964. Through donor support, dedicated volunteers, and a selfless staff, CAP now touches the lives of more than 1 million people each year. By working with other local food banks and humanitarian service providers, our reach extends to parts of all 13 states of the Appalachian region, including Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. Find out more and learn how to donate to the organization's cause HERE.

"Rockcastle Ready" awarded federal funds through the Perkins Innovation and Modernization Career-Connected High School Grant

Rockcastle County Schools and Allen County Schools received $1.475 million each as a part of a federal initiative to advance career-connected high schools. According to Ballinger, the grant will be for three years, totaling over 4.4 million in grant funds awarded to Rockcastle County Schools. The funds result from a $25 million grant pool. Issued by the U.S. Department of Education, the investments aim to enhance the capacity of education and workforce systems to collaborate with businesses and industries. The grant will also serve to aid students with exam fees, work-based learning enhancements, and financial assistance. Learn more about the federal grant HERE.

Visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Senator Brandon Storm and details on the ongoing 2024 Legislative Session.

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Sen. 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 MAX WISE ADDRESSES ABUSE AND LACKING ACCOUNTABILITY AT ADAIR JUVENILE FACILITY

February 4, 2024

FRANKFORT, Ky, (Feb. 2, 2024) — In response to the recently released audit of the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice and the troubling allegations surrounding the Adair County Youth Detention Center, Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, issues the following statement:

“I was appalled when I first read the tragic reports of juvenile abuse that took place at the Adair County Youth Detention Center in December 2022. Shortly after the news broke, I visited the center to tour the facility, meet with center officials, and get a full picture of its problems. The specific details of mistreatment and negligence that took place are truly abhorrent. I was also deeply disturbed by the subsequent incidents, specifically the failure of leadership in the Adair County facility and the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) as a whole to take accountability and prevent future abuse.

“As many of you already know, this facility is facing severe allegations of sexual abuse, denial of mental and physical health treatments, and restriction of access to basic hygiene facilities and products. Recently, a third-party review of Kentucky’s Department of Juvenile Justice yielded a shocking report illustrating a clear crisis in our juvenile justice system. The audit revealed several concerns with the DJJ’s staffing, culture, procedures, and strategic direction. There are inconsistent isolation policies and practices, pepper spray overuse at a rate significantly higher than adult federal prisons, a lack of clarity surrounding discipline and force, and issues with understaffing.”

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Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, represents the 16th Senate District including Adair, Allen, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Taylor Counties and eastern Warren County. 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.

SENATOR STORM’S AERO ACT TAKES OFF THROUGH LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

February 1, 2024

FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 1, 2024) — Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, presented his first bill before a legislative committee on Thursday, Senate Bill 127 (SB 127). The bill is a workforce-centric proposal that would enhance the education and training pipeline for aviation professionals in Kentucky by establishing scholarship funds and collaboration between public programs and private partners within the industry. Storm is the Aviation/Aerospace legislative caucus co-chair and the Senate Transportation Committee vice chair. He also represents Laurel County, home to the London-Corbin Airport. The two leadership positions mentioned above and Storm's representation of a region experiencing vast economic growth position him well to lead on his session priority of strengthening Kentucky’s already robust aviation industry.

Kentucky is home to more than 100 aerospace-related facilities that employ nearly 100,000 people. Kentucky has announced roughly 40 aerospace-related projects since 2017, totaling more than $1.1 billion in investment and more than 2,800 jobs. In recent state reports, Kentucky exported approximately $20 billion in aerospace products and parts. According to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the overall annual impact of the aerospace and defense industry is $19.4 billion. However, federal studies project a need for almost 800,000 new pilots worldwide over the next 20 years.

“A regional airport is a sign of economic life for a community. Not only do I want to see regional airports thriving, I want to do everything we can to ensure we have a workforce prepared to take on all the career opportunities the aviation and aerospace industry have to offer,” Storm said.

Mirror legislation to SB 127, HB 345, was introduced in the Kentucky state House of Representatives by Storm’s fellow co-chair of the Aviation/Aerospace Caucus, Rep. Ken Fleming, R-Louisville.

Key provisions of SB 127 include the creation of the Kentucky Aerospace, Aviation, and Defense Investment Fund, administered by the Council on Postsecondary Education. The fund is intended to support collaborations between aviation programs, industry partners, and the commonwealth to address workforce demands. The bill intends to encourage private financial and philanthropic support for the investment fund. At least 65 percent of the fund is for partnerships between aviation programs and industry partners to provide training scholarships for Kentucky residents enrolled in aviation programs. Thirty-five percent of the fund would be reserved for aviation equipment partnership contracts between public aviation programs and industry partners to provide grants for aviation and aviation equipment for public high school vocational programs or postsecondary education institutions.

Eastern Kentucky University, other regional universities, and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System have made great strides in aviation education. EKU’s four-year aviation degree enrollment has nearly tripled over the last three to four years. KCTCS’ aviation program allows students to earn the FAA ratings required to become a professional pilot, including the private pilot certificate, instrument rating, commercial pilot certificate, multi-engine rating (airplane track), and the certified flight instructor certificate. Additionally, Morehead State University has an exciting Space Science Center and a satellite tracking station as part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) network. A September release from Congressman Hal Rogers’ office said the congressman had requested a $10 million earmark to support the satellite tracking station. The university will likely receive the award, according to coverage from LEX 18 News.

“As a proud alumnus of Eastern Kentucky University, I am excited by EKU’s outstanding program with 360 students majoring in aviation and all other university and technical college programs,” Storm said. “They enable students to become trained professionals in the aviation industry. I look forward to this bill being passed and contributing to the mission of our commonwealth and higher education institutions like EKU, Morehead and KCTCS in expanding our aviation workforce.”

SB 127 passed unanimously from the Senate Economic Development, Tourism and Labor (EDTL) Committee and will now qualify for consideration by the full Senate.

Find archived footage of today’s Senate EDTL Committee meeting at KET.org/legislature/archived and the Legislative Research Commission YouTube Channel.

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Sen. 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.

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

Live legislative coverage is available at KET.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel.

Access archived footage of legislative meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.
Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus onX,Facebook, andInstagram. You can also find information on caucus members, as well as view press releases from our office, by visiting KYSenateRepublicans.com.

SENATE LEADERS REACT TO RELEASED PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF KENTUCKY’S DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE

January 31, 2024

FRANKFORT, KY (January 31, 2024) — The following are statements from Senate Majority Caucus members upon release of CGL Management Group, LLC (CGL) performance review of Kentucky’s Department of Juvenile Justice:

Senator Danny Carroll

“The report from CGL confirms the fears and concerns my colleagues and I expressed during last year’s DJJ workgroup efforts. The information from this report will be helpful as we continue to navigate the challenges facing Kentucky’s most troubled youth. Our focus is unchanged, and our desire to help children in need and protect the public, staff and youth continues to be our top priority. I remain optimistic about the conversations and collaborative efforts I am having with those within DJJ, the Kentucky Justice Cabinet and the Cabinet for Health and Family Sevices.”

Senate President Pro Tem David Givens

“I want to thank the Auditor’s office for taking on the responsibility of ensuring the legislature’s intent of this performance review was met, and I want also to acknowledge CGL’s thorough effort to analyze DJJ for any existing deficiencies. We in the legislature who have read the reports that uncovered tragic situations surrounding Kentucky youth and staff in state facilities and who have heard directly from whistleblowers have long known there has been an absence of leadership in the executive branch in this arena. We remain resolved to help fill that void because, in the absence of leadership, a problem sadly became a crisis. I look forward to analyzing the auditor’s report for a better understanding of the depth of the crisis.”

Senate Majority Caucus Chair Julie Raque Adams

“Kentucky’s most vulnerable children deserve better than what the DJJ and Governor Beshear are providing them. Sadly, this Governor's Administration has allowed this crisis to fester over the course of 18 months, and to put it bluntly, these children and the staff caring for them continue to operate without any real leadership strategic direction to finding a solution. We must do better.”

Performance Review Findings

A release from Auditor Allison Ball’s office reports CGL’s review found:

Most of the findings from the 2017 audit by the Center for Children’s Law and Policy (CCLP) have not been operationalized
DJJ’s policies and procedures for isolation are inconsistently defined, applied and in conflict with nationally recognized best practices
DJJ’s use of force practices is inconsistent with national best practices and poorly deployed and defined, particularly related to the introduction of chemical agents, tasers and other security control devices without a policy in place.
DJJ’s facilities are understaffed, which fuels high levels of overtime and can negatively impact recruitment and retention
DJJ’s Detention Division lacks a unified strategic direction, permeating the facilities where inconsistent practices are implemented.

BACKGROUND
Senate Bill 162, sponsored by Carroll, was enacted during the 2023 Legislative Session and was the start of a long-term reformation of DJJ and a legislative commitment to addressing the needs of juveniles with serious mental illness. Senate Bill 158, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem David Givens, R-Greensburg, was wrapped into the final provisions of SB 162. The provision directed the Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts Office to enter into a contract with a third party to conduct a thorough performance review of DJJ. It provided the necessary funding, $500,000, for the review.

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:

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.
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)

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

Establishing staff retention measures and addressing workforce needs by implementing a Youth Worker-R program to bring retired workers back into facilities (section 5) and providing employee professional development opportunities.
Implementing a limited duration program to allow previously resigned staff to return to previous employment classifications with the department's approval.

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

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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, Juvenile Justice Oversight Council, and the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee.

Senator David Givens, R-Greensburg, represents the 9th Senate District, which includes Barren, Edmondson, Green, and Hart Counties, as well as northwestern Warren County. He serves in Senate Majority leadership as Senate President Pro Tempore. Additionally, he serves as co-chair of the Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity. Givens is also a member of the Senate Standing Committees on Agriculture; Education; and Appropriations and Revenue.

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.

SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE RECEIVES UPDATE ON STATE KAVIS ROLLOUT

January 31, 2024

FRANKFORT, KY (Jan. 31, 2024) — At the request of Chair and Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, the Senate Transportation Committee heard from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials and representatives from the Kentucky County Clerk’s Association (KCCA) on Wednesday regarding ongoing challenges facing local offices in the state’s rollout of the updated Kentucky Auto Vehicle Information System (KAVIS)

The meeting began with testimony from KYTC providing a walkthrough on the history of the update. The slideshow presentation from the committee meeting can be found HERE on the committee meeting materials page. Additionally, previously submitted questions from lawmakers to the cabinet and to the clerks association, along with the answers provided, can be found HERE.

During the meeting, Sen. Johnnie Turner, R-Harlan, expressed concerns on behalf of his constituents in southeastern Kentucky who have traveled to ensure their auto registration, insurance and tags are up to date, but who have been ticketed due to updates with KAVIS making them unable to renew. In particular, he was concerned about those having to miss time from work because of court days associated with those citations.

KYTC officials reported they have sent a memo to the Kentucky State Police requesting that troopers offer leniency, but said some tickets are to be expected.

Tabitha Clemons of KCCA noted March renewals are likely to compound the problem. She echoed Higdon’s call for customers’ patience with local office employees doing their best to provide services within the system they are working with.

She closed the meeting by encouraging those needing renewals to bring all relevant information with them to the clerk’s office, including their plate number, previous year’s registration and renewal cards.

“I was happy to stand in as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee meeting this morning, and On behalf of chair Higdon, I want to thank KYTC and the clerks association for being forthcoming on updates about the challenges resulting from the rollout of updates to the auto vehicle information system,” Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London and vice-chair of the committee said.

“The project spans decades and involves the transfer of 250 million records. It's a daunting lift. This committee and this General Assembly do not want to see these issues, delays and long lines at our local county clerks offices. We want our constituents and local officials to know we are aware of these issues, so we felt strongly about ensuring the lines of communication were open, clear and transparent to the public.”

Find archived footage from the meeting at THIS LINK.

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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.

SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE TO HEAR FROM KENTUCKY TRANSPORTATION CABINET; COUNTY CLERKS ASSOCIATION

January 30, 2024

Photo Credit: David Hargis, Photographer, Public Information Office, Legislative Research Commission — MEDIA ADVISORY: SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE TO HEAR FROM
KENTUCKY TRANSPORTATION CABINET; COUNTY CLERKS ASSOCIATION ON KAVIS UPDATES

*Higdon, lawmakers receive responses to questions*

FRANKFORT, KY (Jan. 30, 2024) — The Senate Transportation Committee will hear testimony on Wednesday morning from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials and representatives from the Kentucky County Clerk’s Association.

Senate Transportation Committee Chair, Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, and other lawmakers posed a number of questions on the issue, and responses were received. Those questions and answers can be found HERE.

Higdon is encouraging attention to the ongoing challenges faced by county clerks’ offices across Kentucky since implementing the Kentucky Automated Vehicle Information System (KAVIS).

“The rollout of KAVIS has been an effort that was decades in the making, and I know it’s been frustrating for everyone who has experienced bumps in the road, especially Kentucky residents and customers,” Higdon said. “As our county clerks and KYTC work through these issues, I’d ask for everyone’s patience. I felt it was important to bring the cabinet and representatives on behalf of county clerks to update us on where things stand. I appreciate answers that have been provided to questions we had, so I look forward to talking through these issues tomorrow.”

What: Senate Transportation Committee meeting

Where: Capitol Annex, Room 131

When: 10 a.m. EST, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024

Agenda

Discussion of the Implementation of KAVIS

Heather Stout, Executive Director, Office of Information Technology, KYTC
Tabatha Clemons, President of Kentucky County Clerk's Association

The meeting will stream live at KET.org/legislature and the Legislative Research Commission YouTube Channel.

# # #

Sen. 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.

Visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate114.jpg for a high-resolution .jpeg of Higdon.

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

Live legislative coverage is available at KET.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel.

Access archived footage of legislative meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.
Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus onX,Facebook, andInstagram. You can also find information on caucus members, as well as view press releases from our office, by visiting KYSenateRepublicans.com.

TURNER FILES SPECIAL RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF TEXAS’ EFFORTS TO DEFEND OUR SOUTHERN BORDER

January 30, 2024

FRANKFORT, KY (January 30, 2024)– Yesterday, state Sen. Johnnie Turner (R-Harlan) filed a special resolution affirming the Kentucky General Assembly's support of Texas and demanding Governor Andy Beshear join the efforts of the 24 other Republican governors.

“The failure to secure our southern border has created the largest humanitarian crisis that this country has seen in my lifetime,” said Turner. “These reckless policies have created widespread suffering not just for the residents of border states, but now throughout our nation.”

This special resolution is intended to send a strong message to Governor Beshear that Kentuckians stand for the rule of law and will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Texas Governor Greg Abbott as they fight to protect our homeland and the American dream.

“The Kentucky General Assembly supports Governor Abbott and the state of Texas in using every tool at their disposal, including the highly effective use of razor wire fences, to secure our southern border,” Turner said. “Today, we are demanding that Governor Beshear stand up for common sense and support the rule of law by publicly issuing his support for Operation Lone Star and solidarity for the state of Texas.”

Since taking office three years ago, the Biden administration and radical left have repeatedly refused to enforce current immigration laws, endorsed dangerous open border policies championed by the cartels, and are illegally allowing caravans of migrants who entered our country illegally to roam free. As a result, an estimated 10 million illegal migrants have crossed our southern border, leaving our country vulnerable to rampant crime, violence, and potential terrorism.

The special resolution highlights concern with the Biden administration’s failure to honor its constitutional responsibilities. The governors supporting Abbott rightly concluded that the U.S. Constitution makes clear that states have a right of self-defense under Article 4, Section 4 and Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution. Because the Biden administration has abdicated its constitutional compact duties to the states, Texas has every legal justification to protect the sovereignty of our states and our nation.

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Sen. Johnnie Turner, R-Harlan, represents the 29th Senate District, including Bell, Floyd, Harlan, Knott, and Letcher Counties. Turner is the Senate Natural Resources and Energy vice chair. He also serves as a member of the Senate committees on Banking and Insurance, Judiciary, and Transportation.

Please visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/Pages/Legislator-Profile.aspx?DistrictNumber=129 for a high-resolution .jpeg of Turner.

SENATE, HOUSE FILE MIRROR PUBLIC PROTECTION LEGISLATION

January 30, 2024

FRANKFORT, KY (January 30, 2024) – Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, will file public protection legislation that will create regulations for adult-oriented businesses later today. Senate Bill 147 (SB 147) mirrors legislation filed by Rep. Nancy Tate, R-Brandenburg, who also announced her intent to file the same legislation in the House, House Bill 402 (HB 402). Tichenor and Tate made the announcement at a press event today.

“The commonwealth regulates nearly every other industry to create protections for the safety, health, and welfare of all Kentuckians,” said Tate. “Notably absent from the current list of regulated industries is the adult entertainment industry which without proper regulations can pose a threat to public protection, specifically minors in our communities.”

Both bills avoid infringing on First Amendment rights while addressing adverse secondary effects associated with these businesses.

“The primary purpose of the bill is to establish a state-wide standard for adult-oriented businesses,” said Tichenor. “Counties have the ability to establish ordinances, but often may not have any in place when an adult-oriented business wants to open in their area. This bill will provide counties with a minimum standard yet retain the authority to set a higher standard around businesses in their communities.”

Adult-oriented businesses present a wide variety of adverse secondary effects, including an increase in crime, human trafficking, prostitution, exploitation, general erosion of the communities they open in, lewdness, public indecency, vulgarity, illicit drug use and drug trafficking, and negative impacts on surrounding properties and their value.

Tichenor’s legislation aims to protect those in society who are most vulnerable and susceptible to the adverse effects of the adult entertainment industry, primarily children.

“Families and the government hold a great responsibility to protect minors from obscene content and to protect the innocence of children,” Tichenor said.

To do that, the act would create zoning regulations on adult-oriented businesses, regarding how close they can be to children’s amusement establishments, educational buildings, places of worship, parks, and recreational areas.

In addition to this, adult-oriented businesses would be required to ensure minors will not gain access to their place of business. The legislation would prohibit outside displays of nudity, sexual conduct, and obscenity.

The legislation provides a definition of children’s amusement establishment to mean an amusement park, trampoline park, inflatable play facility, laser tag facility, go-kart track, skating park or skating rink, video game arcade, or any commercial establishment primarily dedicated to providing entertainment activities that cater to minors.

It also defines a drag performance to mean one in which a performer sings, lip syncs, dances, reads, or otherwise performs before an audience for entertainment while exhibiting exaggerated gender expression that is inconsistent with the biological sex of the performer using clothing, makeup, or other physical markers, and this expression is a caricatured, advertised, or featured aspect of the performance.

As an adult-oriented entertainment act, sexually explicit drag performances would also face stricter scrutiny, including a prohibition of them on state and local government properties like public libraries and other locations that cater to minors.

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Sen. 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.

Rep. Nancy Tate, R-Brandenburg, represents the 27th House District, including Meade County and a portion of Hardin. Tate serves as a member on the House Committees on Small Business and Information Technology, State Government, and Agriculture, and serves as the co-chair of the Capital Planning Advisory Board.

ELKINS CARRIES FIRST BILL TO SENATE PASSAGE

January 29, 2024

PHOTO CUTLINE: Sen. Greg Elkins presents his first bill to the full Senate, SB 46, an act relating to motor vehicles. Jan. 29, 2024. Photo Credit: David Hargis, Photographer, Public Information Office, Legislative Research Commission.

FRANKFORT, KY (Jan. 29, 2024) — Sen. Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, presented Senate Bill 46 (SB 46) for the full Senate’s consideration on Monday. The measure was approved unanimously. The following is a statement from Elkins upon the Senate’s approval of his first bill as senator for District 28:

“I am grateful to my friends in the Senate for their support of SB 46 and for getting my first bill over the finish line, at least in the upper chamber. I think it’s a good measure and by the strong support in the Senate, I’m optimistic for it in the state House of Representatives. I will begin conversations with my House colleagues and will work to deliver SB 46 to the Governor’s desk for his signature. I remain blessed for the opportunity to serve Bath, Clark, Menifee, Montgomery and part of Fayette Counties. I hope this bill is the first of many good public policy measures and I am fortunate enough to sponsor and carry through the legislative process.”

BACKGROUND
SB 46 would allow tinting material to be applied to windshields as long the light transmittance is not less than 70 percent. The measure comes following a constituent of Elkins’—a law enforcement officer of 23 years—bringing the issue to his attention and Elkins’ subsequent review of relevant Ohio, North Dakota and Hawaii statutes allowing windshields to be tinted. While Kentucky drivers will notice side view and back windows and the top portion of windshields are often tinted, current state law does not permit the entirety of a windshield to be tinted.

Benefits of the bill include the ability for drivers to reduce the sun’s harmful rays by up to 99 percent, infrared energy by 60 percent and glare by more than 30 percent. SB 46 would prohibit the use of red or yellow tint. It follows federal motor vehicle safety standards.

Hear Elkins’ presentation of SB 46 from last week’s Senate Transportation Committee HERE via his Facebook page. Visit Legislature.ky.gov to learn more about Elkins and to find other legislation being considered by the Kentucky General Assembly.

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Senator Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, represents the 28th Senate District, including Bath, Clark, Menifee, and Montgomery Counties and an eastern portion of Fayette County. Elkins is a member of the Interim Joint Committees on Local Government, State Government, Families and Children, and Health Services. He is a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Human Services. Elkins is also an Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee member.

Visit the following link for a high-quality photo of Senator Elkins: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate128.jpg.

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

Live legislative coverage is available at KET.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel.

Access archived footage of legislative meetings at ket.org/legislature/archives.
Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus onX,Facebook, andInstagram. You can also find information on caucus members, as well as view press releases from our office, by visiting KYSenateRepublicans.com.

BILL TO REOPEN ROUTE BETWEEN STATE CAPITOL BUILDING AND LEGISLATIVE OFFICES CLEARS SENATE FOR THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR

January 29, 2024

PHOTO CUTLINE: Senator John Schickel presents Senate Bill 75 for the full Senate’s consideration. Jan. 29, 2024. Photo Credit: David Hargis, Photographer, Public Information Office, Legislative Research Commission.

FRANKFORT, KY (January 29, 2024) - The following is a statement from Sen. John Schickel, R-Union, upon the Senate’s approval of SB 75:

“I’m grateful for this legislative chamber’s continued support for this bill and what I believe is a really important effort. I’m encouraged that Rep. Jennifer Decker has introduced the same bill in the House chamber and it now has over 30 co-sponsors. We are a bicameral legislature so the bill has to be approved by both chambers and the challenge in the past was getting it through the House. I’m happy to carry the House version in our chamber and get this important piece of legislation on the governor's desk. The governor is certain to veto the bill, but I would welcome the opportunity to talk more about the importance of government accessibility and our beautiful state Capitol in a veto override discussion.”

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House Bill 384, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Decker, R-Waddy, is the House version of SB 75. You can access the bill HERE.

BACKGROUND

In September 2021, Governor Andy Beshear, citing security recommendations from the U.S. Secret Service and Kentucky State Police, closed this portion of Capital Avenue. Beshear's roadway closure came nearly one year after erecting a security fence around the Governor's Mansion and the complete closure of the state Capitol building to visitors from March 2020 to July 2021.

Since the route’s closure, lawmakers and visitors to the Capitol campus have reported a heavy increase in vehicular traffic through the Capitol Annex parking lot, increasing the risk of pedestrian injury.

To remedy this concern and ensure the route is reopened to Kentucky residents and tourists alike, Schickel introduced SB 75. He filed the same measure in the two previous legislative sessions: SB 11 in the 2023 Legislative Session and SB 98 in the 2022 Legislative Session.

“I often organize field trips from my district in Boone County to come and visit our beautiful state Capitol and, for the most part, attendees are elderly and not very mobile,” Schickel previously said.

“I was incredibly disappointed when this route was closed because it took away something special for Kentuckians. That is the open access to this jewel of a capitol, which I think is the best in the United States.”

Shortly after the route's closure in 2021, Schickel penned a letter to Governor Beshear expressing his disappointment in hopes the Governor would reconsider. He wrote:

“Kentucky has the most beautiful state capitol in the nation. One of the reasons people enjoy it is because of the easy access to it. Seniors especially enjoy visiting the capital in springtime when they can drive around the Capitol and see the gorgeous tulips, the floral clock and the rose garden without ever getting out of their cars. In the winter, they enjoy the same experience with the beautiful Christmas decorations that adorn the Capitol, Annex and Governor’s Mansion.”

Schickel also emphasized the importance of not limiting residents’ First Amendment rights, saying:

“Often residents, expressing their First Amendment rights to petition the government, form caravans whether it be by using beer trucks, milk trucks, school buses, or vehicles adorned with signs and loudspeakers. Personally, as a state legislator, I have always enjoyed this experience interacting with constituents who agree and disagree with me. Ending this Kentucky political tradition would be a mistake.”

A former law enforcement officer, Schickel expressed respect for the recommendations made but felt security must be balanced with the need for an open government in a representative republic.

“We can protect people here on campus without closing a route that’s been a long-standing tradition here in the commonwealth,” Schickel said in a 2023 release from the Senate Majority Caucus. “If safety and security is the true concern, the most honest and consistent action we could take is to close the entire Capitol and Annex campus.”

SB 75 would still allow law enforcement and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to close the route if a threat warrants the action temporarily.

Find SB 75 at legislature.ky.gov and visit KET.org/legislature/archives to access footage from the Wednesday, January 24, Senate Transportation Committee meeting and from Monday’s Senate floor proceedings

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Senator John Schickel, R-Union, represents the 11th Senate District in northern and central Boone County. He is Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee chair. He also serves as a Senate Banking and Insurance, Judiciary, and Natural Resources and Energy committee member.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Schickel, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate111.jpg.

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

Live legislative coverage is available at KET.org/legislature and via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube channel.

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

Follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also find information on caucus members, as well as view press releases from our office, by visiting KYSenateRepublicans.com.

SENATOR JOHN SCHICKEL RECOGNIZED FOR SUPPORTING KENTUCKY’S SIGNATURE THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY

January 29, 2024

PHOTO CUTLINE: Senator John Schickel (right), R-Union, is presented the KEEP Award by Will Glasscock. Jan. 25, 2024. Photo Credit: David Hargis, Photographer, Public Information Office, Legislative Research Commission.

FRANKFORT, KY (January 29, 2024) — Sen. John Schickel, R-Union, was presented with the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) Champion Award on Thursday.

The annual KEEP Champion Awards recognize lawmakers who made a difference for Kentucky's horse industry and community. Schickel is recognized for his long-time support of the industry and especially his vital work and votes in the past few years on historical horse racing, parimutuel taxation modernization and prohibiting gray machines.

"Senator Schickel has been a true champion of Kentucky's signature industry and we are honored to name him as one of our 2024 KEEP Champions,” said Will Glasscock, executive director of KEEP. “Senator Schickel's support was vital on a number of issues that will allow the industry, and its annual $6.5 billion impact on the state, to thrive. We are grateful to the Senator for his dedication to the commonwealth and we wish him well in his retirement."

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Senator John Schickel, R-Union, represents the 11th Senate District in northern and central Boone County. He is Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee chair. He also serves as a Senate Banking and Insurance, Judiciary, and Natural Resources and Energy committee member.

SENATE TRANSPORTATION CHAIR ADDRESSES ONGOING HEADACHES SURROUNDING KAVIS UPDATES

January 26, 2024

FRANKFORT, KY (January 26, 2024) — On Friday, Senate Transportation Committee Chair Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, addressed the Kentucky state Senate chamber regarding the ongoing challenges faced by county clerks' offices across Kentucky since the implementation of the Kentucky Automated Vehicle Information System (KAVIS).
Higdon, recognizing the significance of these issues, emphasized the importance of patience from constituents as the rollout of the KAVIS continues. He announced the 10 a.m. January 31 Senate Transportation Committee meeting will be dedicated to the topic. He has requested the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and the Kentucky County Clerks Association (KCCA) to provide an update for the public and lawmakers.

The statewide shutdown of the KAVIS system has concluded, leading to the reopening of all motor vehicle branches and locations across Kentucky. However, the conversion from the legacy AVIS system, initiated in the late 1970s, has not been without its share of complications. Higdon has been communicating directly with county clerk offices in his district. The offices reported that while challenges persist, progress is being made and the situation is gradually improving.

Higdon encouraged Governor Andy Beshear to visit county clerks and gain first-hand insights into their challenges.

"As the Governor is out visiting counties, I think KYTC, county clerks' offices, and the public would be served well to know our Governor is communicating with those on the ground experiencing these challenges. I've been in contact with the county clerks in my district and am grateful for their responses. I thought it was important to share an update from them with my colleagues in the Senate."

County clerk offices, responsible for motor vehicle transactions, have experienced delays and challenges, leading to extended wait times for customers. KCCA President Tabatha Clemons acknowledged the difficulties in the transition, citing issues with processing errors and unforeseen bugs in the new system. In response, the KCCA issued recommendations to motor vehicle customers for a smoother experience at county clerk's offices:

Bring your driver's license or state-issued identification card.
Bring your renewal notice and the previous year's registration.
Bring your Kentucky proof of insurance printed or refer to your county clerk if there is an insurance email address or fax number available.
Be prepared to wait longer than normal because the new system has problems processing and creating PVA issues. Clerks must then contact the PVA to resolve those errors. It takes time to work through each customer's account and merge vehicles for each customer.
Though a problem remains with trailer fees on web renewals, the Kentucky County Clerks Association requested KYTC to turn the web renewal portal back on. If you have a trailer to renew, we recommend you wait for further communication when fees are corrected for any trailer transaction.
For any transaction by mail, online, or drop-off, please include a contact phone number so you can be reached.

Sen. Higdon concluded his remarks on Friday by expressing confidence in the shared ability to rectify the issues.

Listen to Higdon's floor remarks HERE via his Facebook Page and tune in to committee coverage on Wednesday at KET.org/legislature or via the Legislative Research Commission YouTube Channel. Visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Higdon and to review details on the continuing 2024 Legislative Session.

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Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, represents the 14th Senate District, including Larue, Marion, Nelson, Spencer, and Washington Counties. Higdon serves as 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.

ELKINS RECOGNIZES GEORGE ROGERS CLARK HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS' TRAINING CORPS

January 26, 2024

FRANKFORT, KY (January 25, 2024) — On Thursday, Sen. Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, proudly celebrated the remarkable achievement of the Lady Long Knives from George Rogers Clark High School's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program. The team secured a first-place victory in the All-Services Female Division at the 2023 JROTC National Raider Challenge Championship. Elkins recognized the team's accomplishment with Senate Resolution 59 by welcoming them into the Senate chamber during floor proceedings. The full chamber recognized them and with Ekins' resolution, the Lady Long Knives' achievement will forever exist within the legislative record of the Kentucky General Assembly.

The JROTC—renowned as one of the world's largest character development and citizenship programs for youth—aims to instill values of citizenship, service to the United States, and personal responsibility. George Rogers Clark High School established its own JROTC program, the Long Knives, in 2005, which has gained national recognition within the JROTC National Raider Challenge Championships.

Led by Capt. Bailey Wood and coached by Lt. Col. (Ret.) Thomas Krupp and MSgt. (Ret.) Larry Lee, the Lady Long Knives, demonstrated exceptional strength, endurance, and teamwork in the challenging competition.

The JROTC National Raider Challenge Championships, an athletic competition focusing on citizenship, leadership, and overall wellness, took place on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, in Fort Knox. The Lady Long Knives faced rigorous tests, including the one-rope bridge, 5K team race, cross-country rescue, physical team test, and gauntlet, while competing against over 2,000 teams from across the nation.

Despite treacherous mountain terrain, the Lady Long Knives claimed first place in the 5K team race and the one-rope bridge event, where they outperformed most all-male teams with an impressive time of 2:56.

In addition to their first-place finishes, the team secured third place in the cross-country rescue, fifth place in the physical team test, and seventh place in the gauntlet. This outstanding performance led to the team's overall victory in the All-Services Female Division.

In his remarks in the Senate chamber, Elkins congratulated the Lady Long Knives, their dedicated leadership, and the entire George Rogers Clark High School JROTC program for making the community, county and state proud.

Visit THIS LINK to hear Sen. Elkins' full remarks.

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Sen. Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, represents the 28th Senate District, including Bath, Clark, Menifee, and Montgomery Counties and an eastern portion of Fayette County. Elkins is a member of the Interim Joint Committees on Local Government, State Government, Families and Children, and Health Services. He is a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Human Services. Elkins is also an Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee member.

BLEDSOE RETURNS TO FRANKFORT FOLLOWING SERIOUS INJURY

January 25, 2024

“Words cannot express my level of gratitude for everyone who has reached out to me over the past few weeks. The support I have received from colleagues in Frankfort, my constituents, and people throughout the state, regardless of political affiliation, has been truly humbling. It reaffirms my belief that Kentucky embodies what is so great about America, and is home to the best people in the world.

“While I am eager to get back to work and I continue to heal each day, I still have a long road ahead to full recovery and I will need additional time to heal before doing so. This will temporarily limit my speeches during floor activities, committee hearings, and media engagements. Despite this being one of the biggest challenges I’ve had to face, I know when a horse kicks you, you get back up again. I intend to do just that for the people of Kentucky and ensure the 12th Senate district always has a seat at the table in Frankfort.”

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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.

WEST’S SB 25 CLEARS THE SENATE, PROTECTING LANDLORD RIGHTS

January 25, 2024

FRANKFORT, KY. (January 24, 2024) – Senator Steve West (R-Paris) has secured the Senate's approval for Senate Bill (SB) 25, a crucial piece of legislation designed to safeguard the rights of landlords.

SB 25 seeks to ensure the autonomy of landlords by prohibiting city, county, charter county government, urban-county government, consolidated local government, or unified local government from adopting or enforcing ordinances that compel landlords to participate in a housing program under Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937.

The measure also reinforces the primacy of state law by stipulating that no city, county, charter county government, urban-county government, consolidated local government, or unified local government can adopt or enforce any ordinance related to landlord or tenant laws that conflict with the laws of the commonwealth.

Senator West expressed the bill's purpose, stating, “I sponsored SB 25 to strike a crucial balance between property rights and renters' challenges, aiming to support property owners while addressing the housing crisis,” said West. “This legislation protects property rights, ensuring landlords can maintain property values and offer fair housing. By preventing local mandates on the federal Section 8 program, SB 25 preserves landlord autonomy statewide. I appreciate the engagement from stakeholders and look forward to constructive dialogue as SB 25 progresses through the legislative process."

The bill will now proceed to the Kentucky House of Representatives where lawmakers will have the opportunity to review and further deliberate on its provisions.

Learn more about SB 25 and the 2024 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly at www.Legislature.ky.gov.

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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 Committee on Agriculture and the Budget Review Subcommittee on Education.

ELKINS’ MEASURE TO ALLOW WINDSHIELD TINTING GAINS TRACTION IN STATE SENATE

January 24, 2024

FRANKFORT, KY (January 24, 2024) — Senator Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, presented Senate Bill 46 (SB 46) to the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday. It was approved unanimously.

The bill would allow tinting material to be applied to windshields as long the light transmittance is not less than 70 percent. The measure follows a constituent of Elkins’ with over two decades of law enforcement experience bringing the issue to his attention and his subsequent review of relevant Ohio, North Dakota and Hawaii statutes allowing windshields to be tinted. While Kentucky drivers will notice side view and back windows and the top portion of windshields are often tinted, current state law does not permit the entirety of a windshield to be tinted. If approved, SB 46 would make Kentucky the fourth state to allow it.

Benefits of the bill include the ability for drivers to reduce up to 99 percent of the sun’s infrared and UV radiation and reduce the glare and temperature in their vehicle.

“I would bet most drivers on our roadways can relate to being almost blinded by some of these new LED headlights on vehicles. I know people who have to spend long hours in vehicles for work who sometimes get sunburned by the sunlight coming through their windshield,” Elkins said, explaining his reasons for the bill.

SB 46 would prohibit the use of red or yellow tint. It follows federal motor vehicle safety standards.

“I think SB 46 would provide some reasonable relief drivers that they can’t legally have at this time,” Elkins added. “I think state and local governments are laboratories for our republic, so instead of recreating the wheel, I looked at policies that work elsewhere to see if we can apply them here in Kentucky. This bill is one such example.”

With a unanimous and bipartisan vote of 10-0, SB 46 now qualifies for a vote by the full Senate chamber. If approved, it would be the first bill Elkins has carried to passage as senator for the 28th Senate District.

Hear Elkins’ presentation of SB 46 HERE via his Facebook page. Visit Legislature.ky.gov to learn more about Elkins and to find other legislation being considered by the Kentucky General Assembly.

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Senator Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, represents the 28th Senate District, including Bath, Clark, Menifee, and Montgomery Counties and an eastern portion of Fayette County. Elkins is a member of the Interim Joint Committees on Local Government, State Government, Families and Children, and Health Services. He is a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Human Services. Elkins is also an Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee member.

SCHICKEL CONTINUES EFFORT TO REOPEN ROUTE BETWEEN THE STATE CAPITOL BUILDING AND LEGISLATIVE OFFICES

January 24, 2024

FRANKFORT, KY (Jan. 24, 2024) - On Wednesday, Senator John Schickel, R-Union, presented Senate Bill (SB) 75 before the Senate Transportation Committee, which was approved favorably. If ultimately enacted, the bill would require the route between the Kentucky state Capitol and the Capitol Annex building in Frankfort to be reopened to vehicular traffic. SB 75 now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

The measure has cleared the Senate in two previous legislative sessions but has never been taken up by the state House of Representatives.

"This is my last legislative session as senator of Boone County. Getting this road back open so residents of my district, all Kentuckians and visitors to our incredible state can enjoy it is important to me," Schickel said of the committee approval of SB 75. "I appreciate my Senate colleagues' long-time support for this effort, including all 23 who signed as co-sponsors. I strongly encourage my friends in the state House to pass this bill. Hopefully, the third time's the charm."

BACKGROUND

In September 2021, Governor Andy Beshear, citing security recommendations from the U.S. Secret Service and Kentucky State Police, closed this portion of Capital Avenue. Beshear's roadway closure came nearly one year after erecting a security fence around the Governor's Mansion and the complete closure of the state Capitol building to visitors from March 2020 to July 2021.

Since the route's closure, lawmakers and visitors to the Capitol campus have reported a heavy increase in vehicular traffic through the Capitol Annex parking lot, increasing the risk of pedestrian injury.

To remedy this concern and ensure the route is reopened to Kentucky residents and tourists alike, Schickel introduced SB 75. He filed the same measure in the two previous legislative sessions: SB 11 in the 2023 Legislative Session and SB 98 in the 2022 Legislative Session.

"I often organize field trips from my district in Boone County to come and visit our beautiful state Capitol and, for the most part, attendees are elderly and not very mobile," Schickel previously said.

"I was incredibly disappointed when this route was closed because it took away something special for Kentuckians. That is the open access to this jewel of a capitol, which I think is the best in the United States."

Shortly after the route's closure in 2021, Schickel penned a letter to Governor Beshear expressing his disappointment in hopes the Governor would reconsider. He wrote:

"Kentucky has the most beautiful state capitol in the nation. One of the reasons people enjoy it is because of the easy access to it. Seniors especially enjoy visiting the capital in springtime when they can drive around the Capitol and see the gorgeous tulips, the floral clock and the rose garden without ever getting out of their cars. In the winter, they enjoy the same experience with the beautiful Christmas decorations that adorn the Capitol, Annex and Governor's Mansion."

Schickel also emphasized the importance of not limiting residents' First Amendment rights, saying:

"Often residents, expressing their First Amendment rights to petition the government, form caravans whether it be by using beer trucks, milk trucks, school buses, or vehicles adorned with

signs and loudspeakers. Personally, as a state legislator, I have always enjoyed this experience interacting with constituents who agree and disagree with me. Ending this Kentucky political

tradition would be a mistake."

Schickel, a former law enforcement officer and U.S. Marshal appointed by President George Bush expressed respect for the recommendations but felt security must be balanced with the need for an open government in a representative republic.

"We can protect people here on campus without closing a route that's been a long-standing tradition here in the commonwealth," Schickel said in a 2023 release from the Senate Majority Caucus. "If safety and security is the true concern, the most honest and consistent action we could take is to close the entire Capitol and Annex campus."

SB 75 would still allow law enforcement and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to temporarily close the route during events or if a threat warrants the action.

A vote of 8-2 approved the measure, and several members, including Senators Robby Mills, R-Henderson, and Johnnie Turner, R-Harlan, brought attention to the fact that with capitol renovations over the next few years, the flow of traffic around the state Capitol building will be even more congested and dangerous with the avenue's closure.

Hear Senator Schickel's presentation of the bill HERE via his Facebook page. Find SB 75 at legislature.ky.gov and visit KET.org/legislature/archives to access footage from the Wednesday, Jan. 24, Senate Transportation Committee meeting.

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Senator John Schickel, R-Union, represents the 11th Senate District in northern and central Boone County. He is Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee chair. He also serves as a Senate Banking and Insurance, Judiciary, and Natural Resources and Energy committee member.

SENATOR STORM CELEBRATES MILLIONS IN FUNDING AWARDS BENEFITING LAUREL COUNTY

January 23, 2024

FRANKFORT, KY (January 23, 2023) – The following is a statement from Senator Brandon Storm, R-London, regarding funding awards in Laurel County resulting from the Kentucky General Assembly's disciplined, pro-growth-minded allocation of taxpayer dollars:

"I'm grateful to serve as a voice for London and Laurel County in Frankfort. The funding awards, a small part of our achievements, highlight the city, county, and region's progress. Thanks to colleagues in the Kentucky General Assembly and partners like Charter-Spectrum, available funds prioritize crucial infrastructure—including 21st-century infrastructure like broadband.

"Legislative successes, including disciplined budgeting respecting taxpayer dollars and conservative efforts to further reduce the state income tax and now being reflected in Kentuckians' recent paychecks, show us what is possible. I remain committed to supporting my home city and county. I will remain focused on fiscal responsibility, especially as I work on the next road plan as vice-chair of the Senate Committee."

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BACKGROUND ON FUNDING AWARDS

BROADBAND EXPANSION AWARD - A total of $3,656,347 for broadband expansion efforts thanks to joint funding allocated by the Kentucky General Assembly and put forth by Charter Spectrum

The Kentucky General Assembly has allocated $300 million in federal funding for broadband expansion since 2021. These funds were included in two critical bills, House Bills 320 and 382, which trust Kentucky telecommunication providers such as Charter Spectrum to spearhead expansion efforts by allowing them to apply for funding while providing dollar-for-dollar matching funds the companies must raise. This means a total investment in Kentucky broadband of at least $600 million.

Laurel County is awarded $1,163,392 from broadband funding the Kentucky General Assembly allocated for broadband expansion. Charter Spectrum is supporting efforts by putting forth $2,492,955.

"Spectrum is bringing gigabit broadband to unserved communities across America through federal, state and local partnerships such as our agreement with the Commonwealth," said Jeff Gehrig, Regional Vice President. "Our investment is making it possible to deliver the high-value broadband, mobile, TV and voice services which is already available in parts of Laurel County. We are providing residents and small businesses superior connectivity at highly competitive prices, backed by a team of skilled local technicians and U.S.-based customer service."

INDUSTRIAL SITE DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH - London-Laurel and County received over $1.5 million to support economic development projects at industrial sites.

Storm and fellow lawmakers included general fund appropriations of $50,000,000 in the fiscal year 2021-2022 and $150,000,000 in the current state budget to support a statewide effort to support upgrades at industrial sites and position Kentucky for continued economic growth. The funding allowed for the Kentucky Product Development Initiative to be created through the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development.

The London-Laurel County Economic Development Authority (LLCEDA) has received a $1,521,819 share of the available grant funding to support economic growth in the Lily Industrial Park next to Aisin Automotive.

See more details via Nita Johnson's story published in The Sentinel Echo by CLICKING HERE.

SUPPORT FOR LOCAL ROAD IMPROVEMENTS - $300,000 in discretionary funds authorized by lawmakers to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to resurface Buffalo Branch Road and Buffalo Road.

$175,000 will support county improvements to Buffalo Road and $125,000 will support improvements to Buffalo Branch Road.

Discretionary funds, also known as FD-39 funds, are administered by the Department of Rural and Municipal Aid. This fund receives roughly $16M per year, $10M of which is available for projects. These monies are used for projects across the commonwealth to help address emergency repair needs and relieve hazardous conditions.

CLEANER WATER PROGRAM AWARDS - Nearly $4 million was awarded to improve water and wastewater systems (hyperlinks are included for more information on projects):

East Laurel Water District - $794,383
West Laurel Water District - $792,300
Laurel County Water District #2 - $786,585
Wood Creek Water District - $738,968
London Utilities Commission - $527,068
Corbin City Utilities Commission - $164,103

The combined funding from the Kentucky General Assembly for water and wastewater infrastructure equals $500 million.

In 2021, through Senate Bill 36, the Kentucky legislature directed a total of almost $250 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 toward local drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects; $150 million to counties based on population, $50 million in grants for water projects in underserved or unserved areas. An additional nearly $50 million was set aside for grants to counties with costs greater than allocation.

An additional $250 million in ARPA funds were allocated similarly through House Bill 1 in the 2022 Legislative Session.

Funding authorized by Storm and the Kentucky General Assembly has been—and continues—to be distributed through the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA), which is permitted to allocate funding to projects meeting the state's Cleaner Water Program grant criteria.

Visit Legislature.ky.gov for more information on Senator Brandon Storm and details on the ongoing 2024 Legislative Session.

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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.

HIGDON TO FILE BILL AIMING TO FURTHER STABILIZE TEACHER'S PENSION SYSTEM

January 23, 2024

FRANKFORT, KY (January 22, 2024) — Senator Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, who serves as the Public Pension Oversight Board (PPOB) co-chair, will file Senate Bill 4 (SB 4) this afternoon. The background and purpose of the measure were discussed during yesterday afternoon's PPOB meeting.

Under state law, local school districts must provide no less than 10 days of sick leave to full-time school employees. At the time of retirement, 30 percent of the value for these days is paid as compensation, influencing retirement benefits and the resulting retirement costs billed to the state.

The program currently has no mechanism for TRS to track sick days during a working teacher's and administrator's career, which would assist in determining the cost of the sick day program. State costs have more than doubled historically reported values and liability. Other forms of leave added to sick leave balances, such as personal days, emergency days, and annual leave, are inflating sick leave balances of some. In one case, TRS reported a retiree accumulated 591 sick days after 25 years of service.

SB 4 will not be retroactive, meaning there will be no changes to employees' already-accumulated sick days for retirement purposes. Rather, there will be a greater emphasis on sick leave reporting to TRS and adherence to a 10-day limit moving forward for purposes of payment at retirement and inclusion in the final average salary of a retiring teacher. School districts will also have the option to purchase service credit in TRS for any sick leave accrued above this 10-day prospective increase for retiring teachers and administrators.

The provisions of SB 4 will provide TRS and lawmakers a fuller understanding of the pension liabilities, ensure that other forms of leave balances among certain employees are not inflating costs, and ultimately further the General Assembly's commitment to fully fund and improve the long-term viability of TRS. The measure serves to ensure every classroom teacher and administrator is treated equally.

GROWING COSTS OF THE SICK LEAVE PROGRAM

For years, costs of the sick leave program have been reported to be roughly $40 million annually with a liability of around $380 million. In recent years, through the work of PPOB, lawmakers received confirmation from the TRS actuary that the liability for the sick leave program was around $800 million—more than double what was previously reported to the legislature. In the 2022 state budget, the Kentucky General Assembly paid off $380 million in costs attributable to the TRS sick leave program. I have requested that the General Assembly pay off the remaining sick day liability, in this year's budget, which is around $538 million.

"We still have a way to go to get TRS financially stabilized, and that starts with getting liabilities paid down," Higdon said. "There are many variables in the retirement equation, and each of them has a cost, so we have to have accountability. Our main goal is to keep the promise made to those in the system."

FUNDING FOR TEACHER'S PENSIONS

Since 2016, the General Assembly has put over $10.6 billion into TRS which reflects record funding well above the statutorily required amount. Nevertheless, even with these contribution levels, the system's funded level has only improved marginally. In fact, the unfunded liability has increased and will require even greater funding in the future.

"I believe this bill will help level the playing field and will be one more step toward improving TRS," Higdon said. "It will make sure teachers and administrators are treated equally."

The state currently pays approximately $1.2 billion to TRS annually, but the projection is expected to surpass $2 billion annually by 2030.

The General Assembly will continue its financial commitment in the 2024-25 biennial budget currently in progress.

Visit Legislature.ky.gov to learn more about Higdon, PPOB, and to find all other legislation being considered by the Kentucky General Assembly during the 2024 Legislative Session. Visit Legislative Research Commission YouTube Channel for yesterday’s PPOB meeting playback. Follow additional legislative coverage at KET.org/legislature.

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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.

Press Releases

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR CHILDREN OF MILITARY FAMILIES TO PARTICIPATE IN 'MILITARY KIDS DAY'

SENATOR STORM CELEBRATES FUNDING AWARDS BENEFITING ROCKCASTLE COUNTY

SENATOR MAX WISE ADDRESSES ABUSE AND LACKING ACCOUNTABILITY AT ADAIR JUVENILE FACILITY

SENATOR STORM’S AERO ACT TAKES OFF THROUGH LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

SENATE LEADERS REACT TO RELEASED PERFORMANCE REVIEW OF KENTUCKY’S DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE

SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE RECEIVES UPDATE ON STATE KAVIS ROLLOUT

SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE TO HEAR FROM KENTUCKY TRANSPORTATION CABINET; COUNTY CLERKS ASSOCIATION

TURNER FILES SPECIAL RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF TEXAS’ EFFORTS TO DEFEND OUR SOUTHERN BORDER

SENATE, HOUSE FILE MIRROR PUBLIC PROTECTION LEGISLATION

ELKINS CARRIES FIRST BILL TO SENATE PASSAGE

BILL TO REOPEN ROUTE BETWEEN STATE CAPITOL BUILDING AND LEGISLATIVE OFFICES CLEARS SENATE FOR THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR

SENATOR JOHN SCHICKEL RECOGNIZED FOR SUPPORTING KENTUCKY’S SIGNATURE THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY

SENATE TRANSPORTATION CHAIR ADDRESSES ONGOING HEADACHES SURROUNDING KAVIS UPDATES

ELKINS RECOGNIZES GEORGE ROGERS CLARK HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS' TRAINING CORPS

BLEDSOE RETURNS TO FRANKFORT FOLLOWING SERIOUS INJURY

WEST’S SB 25 CLEARS THE SENATE, PROTECTING LANDLORD RIGHTS

ELKINS’ MEASURE TO ALLOW WINDSHIELD TINTING GAINS TRACTION IN STATE SENATE

SCHICKEL CONTINUES EFFORT TO REOPEN ROUTE BETWEEN THE STATE CAPITOL BUILDING AND LEGISLATIVE OFFICES

SENATOR STORM CELEBRATES MILLIONS IN FUNDING AWARDS BENEFITING LAUREL COUNTY

HIGDON TO FILE BILL AIMING TO FURTHER STABILIZE TEACHER'S PENSION SYSTEM

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