By: Patrick Flannery
Representative, State of Kentucky
As of October 1, there are 30 days until Halloween, 35 days to election day, 58 days until Thanksgiving, 85 days before Christmas, and 98 days until the 2025 Regular Session. While I know that may surprise some of us, it drives home just how quickly time flies. And, just how important our legislative interim is to preparing for sessions. The last full week of September was incredibly busy as interim joint committees (IJCs), statutory committees, and a task force met to work on topics we will consider when we convene on January 7. Before I begin my week in review, please let me know if you would like additional information about these topics, and check out the archived committee meetings on the legislature’s YouTube channel, @KYLRCCommitteeMeetings.
IJC on State Government: Legislators first discussed the Kentucky Employees’ Health Plan in terms of membership, payments and claims by year, 2023 expenses, and expectations for 2024 and beyond. Members then heard overviews and status updates on the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority, the Judicial Form Retirement System, and the Teachers’ Retirement System. Some of the commonly discussed topics included asset allocations, investment returns, cash flows, actuarial statistics, and the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on plans and costs.
IJC on Health Services: Lawmakers revised two proposals that did not pass during the last session but are expected to be filed for consideration in 2025. The first, SB 173, regarding Medicaid home and community-based waiver services. The committee also discussed a bill that would establish criteria to allow eligible physicians with a license to practice medicine in another country to practice within Kentucky. The Kentucky Academy of Physician Assistants spoke on the provider shortage and collaborative agreements with doctors to help alleviate this shortage. The Kentucky Association of Health Care Facilities spoke on their struggles in compliance with federal minimum staffing standards. Finally, members discussed a bridge program for military medics to earn their degree and pursue a career in healthcare.
IJC on Veterans, Military Affairs and Public Protection: Members heard from the Kentucky State Police about efforts to improve statewide communications systems. The committee also discussed a proposal that would make it easier to allow military medics to put their experience towards registered nursing and licensed practical nursing programs. Lawmakers also heard from Volunteers of America Mid-States about the coverage of services they provide to veterans. A discussion regarding legislation to allow eligible National Guard and Reserve service members and their families to be buried at the state’s veteran’s cemeteries also received attention and members also heard testimony from eTMS regarding their success treating PTSD and other illnesses.
IJC on Families and Children: Legislators heard from a variety of stakeholders and youth advocates in this month’s meeting. First, the Kentucky Cancer Research Trust Fund, established by SB 82 in 2016, discussed the various research projects it oversees throughout the state. The organization has helped Kentucky become the national leader in psychosocial research. The Ronald McDonald House spoke about the organization’s programs and its partnerships with Kentucky Children’s Hospital and Norton’s Hospital. Finally, advocates spoke on the effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on individuals, the state, and the nation.
IJC on Economic Development and Workforce Investment: Members heard testimony from Kentucky’s adult education programs about the impact of funding, the effectiveness of adult education programs, program coordination, and GED outcomes. Members also discussed the TRAINS program and its impact on the labor market, sectoral training, and the state’s talent pipeline. Finally, We Lead CS presented on their programs for students pursuing a career in computer science and their collaboration with local chambers of commerce to address tech workforce needs across the Commonwealth.
IJC on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations: Members discussed the home inspection statute of limitations and the idea of putting a limit on the time period in which a home inspector is liable. Members then discussed Eastern Kentucky University’s Fire Safety Engineer Program, current barriers for graduates with fire safety engineering degrees looking to become licensed engineers in Kentucky, and solutions to the problem. Members then heard testimony about Delta-9 infused drinks and the potential need to further regulate the products to ensure that consumers are protected. Lastly, members discussed the employment application and licensing process for convicted felons and steps that could be taken to reduce barriers to entry into the workforce for these individuals.
IJC on Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology: Lawmakers received an update from the Commissioner of the Department of Parks on the status of several ongoing projects at state parks across Kentucky. Members then heard from local officials concerned about the lack of progress on improvements to Barren River Lake State Park. Lawmakers have allocated more than $150 million towards infrastructure, upgrades, and renovations at parks, but progress has been slow and questions are consistently raised about the process used to select contractors and set timelines.
Kentucky Housing Task Force: Legislators heard from various stakeholders regarding the housing supply gap that Kentucky currently faces, and the possible actions that may aid in solving this problem. Prominent among the solutions discussed was the promotion of homes that are manufactured instead of built on site. The purchase price and flexibility of these properties allows for these homes to be economically available for prospective first-time home owners. To promote these homes, it was recommended that members focus their research on zoning and other regulatory obstacles that affect the purchasing of these units.
Before I close, I want to make you aware that my official email will be changing as the legislature moves to a new system. Going forward, please use Patrick.Flannery@kylegislature.gov to communicate about issues before the legislature, or if you need assistance with a state program.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail at Patrick.Flannery@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
