By: Patrick Flannery
Representative, State of Kentucky
Only two weeks separate us from the veto period. This ten-day period provides a governor the opportunity to consider his or her action on legislation, while giving legislators the final word when they reconvene for the final days of session. Governors have three options when considering a bill. He or she could sign or veto a bill or resolution, or allow it to become law without a signature. As an even-year session, our final day of the Regular Session will be April 15 this year.
In an administrative move, we did see our session calendar change this week to allow us to use our time more efficiently. As of now, we moved two session days from the week of March 18 to the week of March 25. We will use the originally scheduled days for committee meetings and preserve our legislative days for House Floor action.
Of course, lawmakers continue their hard work advocating for legislation that will improve the lives of all Kentuckians. We will continue considering education reform bills, public safety measures, and the state budget.
With that said, here are a few summaries of bills that have passed the House and have moved on to the senate for further consideration. For more information on these bills, other legislation, or the legislative calendar, please visit legislature.ky.gov.
Ensuring the rights of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities: HB 214, known as the Frank Huffman Act, provides a “bill of rights” that clarifies the rights of individuals with intellectual disabilities. The rights included in this measure range from the right to personal dignity to pursuing vocational opportunities.
Ending human trafficking: With human trafficking becoming a more prevalent issue in our state and nation by the day, the House has acted on a measure to begin investigating the best way to put an end to these heinous crimes. HB 3 works in tandem with federal law to further prevent human trafficking, particularly in areas of public transit. This measure also takes steps to create a working group whose purpose would be to investigate ongoing human trafficking concerns in Kentucky. This group’s membership was solidified with a floor amendment which establishes that it will be comprised of several state/federal law enforcement groups, as well as non- governmental organizations that will advocate for victims in addition to the victims themselves.
Improving the career and technical funding formula: HB 499 creates a funding model for our public-school systems that is equitable to career and technical programs across the state. This bills funds CTE programs through enrollment and performance outcomes of program students. It also eliminates the midyear funding adjustment that currently takes place, which often reduces funding for programs.
Emphasizes the importance of civics education: HB 535 provides a civics course option for schools. Currently, students must complete a civics test to graduate high school. This bill allows schools to implement a half-credit course option to satisfy this graduation requirement, and raises the passing grade of the civics test to 70%.
Addressing students certified for medical cannabis treatments: HB 829 builds on legislation passed during 2023 that provided for the legalization of medical cannabis. This measure provides local governments and schools an “opt-out;” gives Kentucky-owned hemp producers priority; and requires patients see a physician annually.
Removing three-cue reading curriculum from Kentucky schools: HB 612 prohibits instruction of reading and language arts through the three-cueing instructional method. This measure also prohibits teacher preparatory courses, professional development courses, and intervention programs from using or teaching the three-cueing method.
School bus safety: HB 461 requires the use of cameras on all school buses by all school districts, and allows the school districts to employ cameras on the stop arm of school buses to record illegal passes of school buses when they are picking up or dropping of students.
Giving Kentuckians a vote on education: Both the House and Senate have approved HB 2, which would allow Kentuckians to vote on a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would clear the way for the legislature to empower parents to make educational choices for their children. For almost two centuries, education has been one of the primary focuses of our General Assembly. Kindergarten through 12th grade education accounts for more than 40% of the state’s budget and the legislature provided historic levels (even adjusted for inflation) of funding in the current and proposed budgets. However, there is still a great deal to be done and many believe the state’s 133-year-old constitution prevents progress from happening. HB 2 would allow voters to decide and settle the issue.
Providing patients more options: Kentuckians whose mandatory mail-order pharmacies cannot fill a prescription in a timely manner are one step closer to finding relief with the House passage of HB 190. This measure prevents patients from having to pay more to fill the prescription at a local pharmacy.
Lending a helping hand to our future veterinarians: The shortage of veterinarians in the commonwealth impacts not only pet owners, but also farmers and our food supply. The House approved HB 553, which establishes a student loan repayment program for eligible veterinary students in underserved areas of the commonwealth.
Reconstructing the office of conservation officers: Kentucky is home to one of the greatest fish and wildlife resource resources in the nation. With this comes a robust team of conservation officers who protect and serve our Commonwealth’s most precious resources. HB 586 rebrands conservation officers to game wardens and grants them additional legal authority, including jurisdiction over waterways. Currently, water safety enforcement lies with the Kentucky State Police.
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@lrc.ky.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
