FRANKFORT- The General Assembly returned to Frankfort on Monday following the ice storm that occurred in the latter portion of the previous week. In another relatively non-controversial week, the melting snow and wet conditions did not deter stakeholders and advocates from converging on the Capitol to have their voices and issues heard. After two years of limited access caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic, it is great to see some familiar faces back on the Capitol grounds.
One great thing about the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Frankfort is the ability to once again meet with individuals and organizations from the district. It was certainly a busy legislative week meeting with numerous groups. I met with members from the Kentucky Medical Association, Members Choice Credit Union League, Kentucky Realtors, Kentucky Main Street Program, Farm Bureau, FRYSCs, Auto Dealers Association, 18th Arts Representatives, county officials, and several others. Each brought a unique perspective, and I thoroughly enjoy our productive conversations on policies affecting their respective fields. I look forward to continuing our conversations as their issues arise in Frankfort.
A bipartisan measure making headway and headlines in the Senate would provide a framework in state law for college athletes to generate personal income from their names, images, and likenesses (NIL). The issue has garnered national attention and brought some notable heavy-hitters to testify in Frankfort.
Senate Bill (SB) 6 would provide more concrete parameters in state law about what Kentucky college athletes can and cannot do. The legislation prompted University of Kentucky (UK) coach John Calipari and UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart to testify in committee and speak in support of the bill. Coach Calipari went as far as to say it would be a “model bill” for the rest of the United States.
SB 6 intends to keep an executive order enacted by Governor Andy Beshear in place and help improve upon the process as states navigate the new environment of name, image, and likeness. The bill is not paying student-athletes to play their sports nor allowing a university or its athletics department to compensate student-athletes beyond the scholarship and already permissible educational benefits. The measure cleared committee and the full Senate with unanimous approval. It now goes to the House for further action.
Numerous bills continue to make their way through the process; thus far, many of them have passed with broad bipartisan support.
Bills that passed overwhelmingly on the Senate floor:
- SB 42 specifies perishable foods with a label indicating the sale, use, or consumption with a date of expiration be exempt from competitive negotiation requirements and notice.
- SB 53 allows a conservation district to apply jointly with a person residing in the district to the Soil and Water Conservation Commission to acquire heavy or specialized equipment.
- SB 54 requires candidates submitted by the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts to the Soil and Water Commission to be at least 18 years old.
- SB 97 requires a blood, breath, or urine test if there is reasonable suspicion that a caregiver is under the influence at the time of a child fatality or near fatality. If a caregiver does not consent, law enforcement could apply for a search warrant to further investigate. I agree with the overarching goal of the bill. However, certain substances remain in the body longer than others, which could be an issue. I am hopeful that the language will be reworked and clarified by the House.The measure passed 32-1.
- SB 101 creates a misdemeanor for the unauthorized public release of photos or videos by a first responder. Similarly with SB 97, I agree with the concept but hope the House will clean up language in the bill.
- SB 104 creates and establishes the Employment First Council to increase meaningful employment opportunities for citizens with a disability.
- SB 105, known as theBella Dawn Streeval Law, adds testing for congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) under appropriate circumstances.
- SB 111 removes the requirement that local governments must hire an independent consultant or financial advisor in tax increment financing (TIF) for local governments.
- SB 112 specifies that interlocal agreements amended to add or remove parties are not required to be submitted to the Secretary of State to become effective.
- Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 72 directs the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to apply for a Medicaid waiver targeting individuals with severe mental illness to provide supported housing and employment.
Several other non-controversial bills were also passed on the floor this week. Senate bills passed on the floor now go to the House for further consideration. For a deep dive into the bills passed in the Senate up to this point, you can view the legislative record online at lrc.ky.gov. There, you can view bill summaries, the legislative calendar, find legislator information, and much more.
As we draw near the halfway point of the 2022 Regular Session, I fully expect our workload to increase significantly in the coming days. I also foresee the days being longer and deliberations becoming more prevalent.
If I can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. To share feedback on an issue, you can email me at Robin.Webb@lrc.ky.gov or call the General Assembly Message Line at 1-800-372-7181. Kentuckians with hearing loss can use Kentucky Relay by dialing 711.
