FRANKFORT— The fifth week of the legislative session was another busy one in Frankfort, filled with meaningful discussions, important recognitions, and visits from dedicated leaders across the district.
I was especially proud to welcome Cody Plank, CRNA, of Ashland and president of the Kentucky Association of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (KyANA), along with Evan Harris, faculty member at Murray State, and Jarred Carpenter, a University of Louisville student, to the Senate floor. Through Senate Resolution 94, we formally recognized their contributions to the healthcare field, ensuring that their work and advocacy received the attention it deserves. Cody has been a strong presence in Frankfort for years, and I’ve always known he would emerge as a leader in his profession.
This week also marked Kentucky Cities Day at the Capitol, bringing together local officials from across the district to have their voices heard. I had the pleasure of visiting with Greenup city officials, Ashland Police Chief Todd Kelley, and other local leaders who work tirelessly to serve their communities. It was a special moment to welcome Grayson city officials, including my son and mayor of Grayson, Troy Combs, to the Capitol. Having my daughter, Lindsey, in Frankfort to introduce them before the Senate made the moment even more meaningful. I’m incredibly proud of the work our local officials do to support our communities, and I appreciate the opportunity to recognize them in the halls of our commonwealth’s Capitol.
I also had the honor of speaking at the Energizing Eastern Kentucky: A Collaborative Effort for Our Future event, where I discussed the critical intersection of energy and economic development for our region. These are issues close to my heart, and it was encouraging to see so many engaged leaders from the energy sector, area development districts, and local governments—including County Judges Sparks and Hall—working toward a stronger future for Eastern Kentucky. Ensuring that our energy resources drive economic growth while supporting our workforce and communities remains a top priority, and I appreciated the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation.
In legislative developments, a bill I am sponsoring, Senate Bill (SB) 58, recently advanced through the Senate State and Local Government Committee with bipartisan support. This legislation offers a commonsense solution for families with loved ones who have disabilities, ensuring they can plan for the future without jeopardizing critical benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. Too many families worry about what will happen to their children or dependents when they are no longer able to provide direct care. SB 58 allows members of Kentucky’s state-administered retirement systems to designate a special needs trust as a beneficiary of their retirement benefits. This simple but significant change will help ensure financial security for some of our most vulnerable citizens while protecting access to essential assistance programs.
Outside of our continued work in committees, the Senate advanced a number of bills off the floor in the fifth week as our workload grows heavier and the days grow longer. Bills passing our chamber include:
Senate Bill 19 requires a daily one- to two-minute moment of silence in Kentucky public schools for student reflection, prayer, or other quiet activities, with parents informed before implementation. I supported this bill because a moment of reflection can provide clarity and peace at the start of the school day. It passed 30-6.
Senate Bill 60 prohibits government agencies from restricting actions or refusals based on sincerely held religious beliefs, raising the evidentiary standard to clear and convincing evidence. I voted in favor, and it passed 29-7.
Senate Bill 129 helps address the housing shortage in Jefferson County by allowing local governments to hold blighted, tax-delinquent properties for up to five years to encourage redevelopment. I supported this measure, which passed 34-3.
Senate Bill 100 strengthens regulations on the sale of tobacco, nicotine, and vapor products by requiring retailer licensing, enforcing penalties for sales to those under 21, and supporting youth vaping prevention programs. It passed 33-3.
Senate Bill 71 seeks to shift control over public library board appointments by granting county judge-executives the authority to appoint board members, with fiscal court approval, across most of Kentucky. I opposed this measure because it strips libraries of their independence, opening the door to censorship, funding cuts, and decisions made by individuals with no real understanding of how libraries serve the public. Despite these concerns, it passed 22-11-1.
Senate Bill 4 would regulate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) within Kentucky’s state agencies to ensure ethical and transparent practices. It establishes an Artificial Intelligence Governance Committee to develop guidelines for AI use, emphasizing public disclosure, employee training, and data protection. I supported the measure, which passed the 30-3.
A number of bills and resolutions advanced with full bipartisan support during the fifth legislative week, including: SB 25, SB 50, SB 27, SB 121, SB 65, SB 83, SB 178, SJR 28, SJR 55, SB 169, SB 57, SCR 61, SB 174, SB 176, and SB 245.
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 at LEGISLATURE.KY.GOV. There, you can also review the progress of other legislation and delve into all the bills filed this session.
Time moves fast in a 30-day session, and with 20 days behind us, we are officially in the home stretch. The Kentucky Senate has spent the bulk of this session advancing its own legislative priorities, carefully crafting policies, and setting the stage for debates on issues that matter to our constituents. Apart from the state income tax reduction in House Bill 1, much of our chamber’s focus has been on Senate-driven legislation.
With just eight legislative days remaining before the veto period, we will soon begin welcoming a wave of House bills for our consideration. This marks a pivotal moment—where two chambers with different approaches and priorities must align, negotiate differences, and determine what ultimately makes it across the finish line.
The next few days will be fast-paced, unpredictable, and critical. Bills that have spent weeks in committee will either gain momentum or stall under scrutiny. Some will be amended, refined, or combined. Others will face their final vote. The process is deliberate, sometimes frustrating, but always essential—this is how legislation is shaped into law.
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.
