Senator Robin L. Webb
FRANKFORT— We have completed day 16 of the 30-day 2025 Regular Session, and the pace has been intense. All was foreshadowed by the recent weather impacts across Kentucky and particularly east Kentucky. Our area experienced hardship in water-related issues such as flooding, roads, slides, and more, but, overall, we were fortunate compared to our neighbors.
Relentless rains submerged entire communities, turning familiar landscapes into scenes of destruction. Lives were tragically lost, homes swept away, roads rendered impassable, and countless families displaced. For the first time, all 120 counties were under a flash flood and storm warning. Pike, Perry, and other counties sustained damages to the cities and rural areas. I visited Magoffin and Johnson counties, where there was flooding as well. Our people are the most resilient and, once again, they come together to share their time, energy, talents, and faith to get through this time. My mountain colleagues and I are unified in our resolve to address the needs of our region. Thanks to all the first responders and state agencies who have pitched in, and all the non-profits, businesses, and private individuals for the outpouring of support.
For over a year, I have been working on issues relating to natural disasters, including flooding, tornadoes, and fire. I was tasked with putting my technical education and background to work with international and national groups to look at best practices and technologies that states can implement to assess risk, study disasters, look at infrastructure resilience, and plan for mitigation and remediation when they strike. Additionally, we are exploring how to best steward government tax dollars, both federal and state, in dealing with federal, state, and local initiatives.
I have been interviewed by national news outlets and appeared in articles regarding impacts by Politico and Pew. I have been working for several months on the creation of the Disaster Prevention Resiliency Task Force to study the aforementioned issues, and this week, I filed Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 67 to do just that. I have received exceptional support from the west to the east and appreciate Sen. Robby Mills, of Henderson, coming on to co-sponsor.
A highlight of the week was Hunger Free Kentucky Day—which reminds us that there are many of all ages and backgrounds grappling with food insecurity. Our own advocate, Dan Blevins of Helping Hands of Greenup County, braved the elements for his annual visit but had to cut his trip short and return to address our own flooding issues.
Hayley Poynter of Lewis County and Cade Carter of Carter County attended UK Pharmacy School Lobby Day. It was not Hayley’s first venture to Frankfort, and I have watched Cade grow up from his soccer days at West Carter, where my son Troy coached him. I am very proud of them, and they represented their school and profession well!
A group dear to me is the Kentucky Optometrists. They were in town, and Dr. Randy Steel represented our area. I also heard some Doc Webb stories from the group!
After two years of collaborating with the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA) Board of Examiners, non-veterinary dental practitioners, horse owners, and other stakeholders, my Equine Dental and Chiropractic Senate Bill (SB) 69 passed committee and the Senate floor. It allows inclusion of these non-veterinary practitioners a path of licensure by inclusion in allied animal health disciplines. The measure will allow individuals who have been providing care in animal husbandry in these areas to have required education, training, and accountability. It will continue to strengthen the relationships between allied providers, veterinarians, and patients. This measure will also improve care affordability and access for our equine population, particularly in rural areas where there is a large animal veterinarian shortage.
A highly publicized bill passed the Senate this week SB 79, which updates Kentucky’s state employment policies, including new employee classifications, layoff procedures, and payroll guidelines. A key amendment imposes strict telework restrictions, limiting remote work to emergencies or two days per month for certain employees. I agree that there has been some abuse and service voids with remote working on some levels, yet I opposed the measure because the amendment goes too far and there needs to be a balanced and rational approach to the problem. The bill overlooks the importance of worker efficiency, travel times, telework in supporting rural communities, rebuilding local tax bases, and encouraging broadband investments vital for regional economic development. The same must be balanced with proper operation of government offices, availability on phone and in person for contact in service, and chain of accountability of performance. It passed the Senate 25–10, and I feel we haven’t seen the bill in its final form.
Some of the other measures passing the Senate during the fourth week of the 2025 session include:
SB 2 prohibits state correctional facilities from using government funds to provide hormone treatments and gender-related healthcare to transgender inmates. I voted for this measure, and it passed the Senate 31–6.
SB 84 establishes a de novo standard for judicial review of state agency actions. It passed 28–6.
SB 18 updates insurance requirements for vehicle business licensees. This measure passed unanimously.
SB 24 expands the definition of insurance fraud to include property and casualty misrepresentations. It passed 36–0.
SB 13 limits the number of Medicaid managed care organizations to three by 2026. This measure passed 36–0.
SB 77 adjusts the membership structure of Kentucky’s Education Professional Standards Board. It passed 36–0.
SB 15 clarifies employment relationships within franchise businesses. This measure passed unanimously.
SB 103 directs Kentucky’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to prioritize in-state service providers and report annually on its activities. It passed unanimously.
SB 179 establishes the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority and creates a Nuclear Energy Development Grant Program to support nuclear energy projects across Kentucky. I was a cosponsor of this bill, and it passed 36-0.
SCR 43 supports the Crisis Recovery Support Network for mental health recovery following crises. The resolution passed unanimously.
All the measures granted passage by the Senate will now go to the House to continue their journey through the legislative process.
For an in-depth review of the bills passed thus far, I encourage you to visit the legislative record online by visiting the Legislative Record at LEGISLATURE.KY.GOV. There, you can also review the progress of other legislation and delve into all the bills filed this session.
Moving forward to the latter portion of this 30-day session, I encourage you to stay engaged in the legislative process. With the bill filing deadlines now passed in both the Senate and the House, the stage is set for the policies on the docket for this session. Over 1,100 bills have been filed in this short, 30-day session, and your advocacy remains crucial.
I encourage you to stay engaged in the legislative process—your voice matters. Whether you’re advocating for your community, your profession, or an issue close to your heart, your input helps shape the decisions that impact us all. Please reach out to share your thoughts and perspectives. I can be contacted by email at SD18@cm.kylegislature.govor through the General Assembly Message Line at 1-800-372-7181. Kentuckians with hearing loss can use Kentucky Relay by dialing 711.
For more information or high-resolution photos, visit www.legislature.ky.gov.
