FRANKFORT—During the 2024 Regular Session, we witnessed the introduction of over 1,200 bills. Ultimately, more than 200 were enshrined into law. In this update, I would like to provide a comprehensive update on some of the significant legislation passed by the Kentucky General Assembly. They took effect July 15, following the 90-day period of the legislature’s adjournment as stipulated by our state constitution.
This session proved productive in addressing critical issues and fostering bipartisan cooperation across various sectors including child welfare, juvenile justice, and medical marijuana. Nevertheless, it also saw the passage of some legislation that I did not support and believe may have unintended consequences. Several important measures did not pass, which I will continue to advocate for in future sessions.
NEW LAWS IN EFFECT
Budget and Financial Measures
- House Bill 6 establishes a $128 billion budget plan for the state executive branch, prioritizing education, public safety, and economic development.
Public Safety and Crime
- House Bill 5 (Safer Kentucky Act) addresses repeat violent offenders, includes provisions for manslaughter charges related to fentanyl overdoses, and criminalizes unlawful camping.
- House Bill 278 increases penalties for child sexual abuse and prevents convicted sex offenders from working in public schools.
Maternal and Infant Health
- Senate Bill 74 requires health plans to cover pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, substance use disorder treatment, and breastfeeding-related services.
Education
- House Bill 535 establishes academic standards for civic literacy in high schools.
- House Bill 2 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow financial support for education outside the public school system.
Health and Welfare
- House Bill 115 eliminates co-pays for follow-up breast cancer diagnostic imaging.
- House Bill 52 requires health plans to cover preventive cancer screenings without deductibles.
- Senate Bill 111 removes insurance coverage limits on speech therapy for stuttering.
Consumer Protection
- House Bill 15 establishes new privacy protections for digital consumers, allowing them to review and correct collected data.
Social Issues and Civil Rights
- Senate Bill 249 requires sex offenders convicted of abusing minors to use their legal names on social media platforms.
Additional Noteworthy Bills
- House Bill 87 allows inspection of adoption records under certain conditions.
- House Bill 258 strengthens penalties against dog and cat torture.
- House Bill 7 creates a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles.
- House Bill 829 updates Kentucky’s medicinal cannabis program.
- House Bill 142 bans tobacco and vaping products in public schools.
- Senate Bill 20 allows juveniles to be tried as adults for certain felonies involving firearms.
Efforts in Agritourism
Despite many positive legislative outcomes, I was dismayed that Senate Bill (SB) 101, the Working Animal Protection Act, did not pass the House in the final days of the legislative session. This bill sought to significantly strengthen Kentucky’s agritourism sector and provide a crucial framework for the growth and sustainability of agricultural tourism throughout the commonwealth.
SB 101, which received unanimous approval in the Senate, aimed to define and promote agritourism and encourage people to visit and engage with Kentucky’s diverse agricultural, horticultural, and agribusiness operations. The bill ensures that agritourism activities are recognized and protected to allow recreational, educational, and entertainment pursuits that connect visitors with the state’s rich agricultural heritage. Although I am disappointed that this bill did not pass, I remain committed to re-filing this legislation. I believe it promises to enhance the state’s appeal as a destination for agritourism and support the local economy.
Recognizing the critical role of transportation in economic development and quality of life, we have secured substantial funding to improve roads and bridges across Senate District 18. Over the next two years, $60,243,768 will be allocated for transportation projects as follows:
- Boyd County: $14,326,129
- Carter County: $18,799,639
- Greenup County: $18,054,000
- Lewis County: $9,064,000
These investments will facilitate smoother travel, safer roads, and support the continued growth and development of our region.
As we adjust to these new laws and benefit from new projects and infrastructure, my goal as your state senator is to ensure our district receives the proper attention and resources necessary to propel us forward. Despite doubts in some areas, I hope these policies positively impact the quality of life for all residents and lay a solid foundation for future generations.
The enactment of these laws and the implementation of new projects represent significant steps forward for our community. Your engagement and feedback are crucial as we continue to strive for progress and improvement. Together, we can ensure a brighter, safer, and more prosperous future for all residents of Kentucky.
For a comprehensive review of all the new laws now in effect, I encourage you to visit the LRC web page. If I can assist you, feel free to 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.
