FRANKFORT– As the Kentucky General Assembly swiftly approaches the two-thirds milestone of its 60-day regular session, the fervor within each chamber mounts, echoing the pulse of a vibrant democracy in action. Measures glide from desk to desk with the urgency of progress, painting a dynamic tableau of legislative labor.
Amid the bustling action, we, as guardians of governance, still shoulder the weighty responsibility of crafting a budget reflective of our constituents’ needs and aspirations. Concurrently, the imperative to address the state’s road plan remains necessary for building pathways to opportunity and connectivity.
As these critical matters currently reside in the hands of the Senate majority leadership, anticipation heightens. For now, we eagerly anticipate the unveiling of the Senate’s changes to the House budget to the entire body in the coming weeks. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, yet, the General Assembly continues to press forward.
In some exciting developments, I am thrilled to share news about our ongoing efforts to propel nuclear energy expansion here in Kentucky to new heights. A few years back, I had the honor of being appointed to the bipartisan Nuclear Energy Development Working Group—a dynamic assembly of experts hailing from various fields. Together, we embarked on a mission to explore the potential hurdles preventing the introduction of nuclear power in our state. Through collaborative efforts with utility representatives, environmental advocates, and industry leaders, we forged a path toward a brighter, more sustainable energy future.
Our collective dedication and hard work have borne fruit in the form of Senate Bill 198 (SB 198), a groundbreaking piece of legislation that recently soared through the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee with resounding support. SB 198 lays the groundwork for the establishment of the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority, a pivotal institution intimately linked with the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research. This authority is poised to become the preeminent state agency for nuclear energy matters, nurturing an environment conducive to the growth and development of the nuclear sector across our commonwealth.
The primary mission of the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority is multifaceted, aiming to invigorate our economy, ensure the safe production of energy, safeguard our environment, empower communities, advance energy education, and cultivate a skilled workforce for the future. Under the guidance of an advisory board comprising diverse voices from government, energy, environment, manufacturing, commerce, and community sectors, the Authority will chart a course toward sustainable nuclear energy development in Kentucky.
Moreover, the board will be tasked with appointing a director to spearhead efforts in promoting safe and responsible nuclear energy practices, fostering public understanding of nuclear opportunities, disseminating information on cutting-edge nuclear technologies, enhancing economic development initiatives, securing financial backing for nuclear projects, assisting communities in transitioning from fossil fuels, liaising with regulatory bodies, and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders with vested interests in nuclear energy development.
Having traveled the length and breadth of the country and partaking in numerous legislative conferences on this vital issue, I am thrilled to witness the fruits of our collective labor. As someone who has long championed responsible nuclear energy policies, I am immensely proud to see Kentucky taking bold strides in the energy sector.
SB 198’s triumphant passage in committee marks a significant milestone in our journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. I eagerly anticipate its progression on the Senate floor and through the House and am confident in the positive impact it will have on our state.
As we continue committee deliberations, numerous bills on a wide scope of issues are progressing through the legislative process.
MEASURES PASSED IN THE SENATE THIS WEEK
SB 107 prohibits the operation of semis and tractor-trailers in the far left lane of any roadway with three lanes or more. It also revises the fee structure for registrations of vehicles over 44 thousand pounds. It passed the Senate with unanimous consent.
SB 126 is a proposed constitutional amendment that prohibits the ability of the Governor to grant pardons or commute sentences 30 days before a gubernatorial election and ending at that gubernatorial inauguration. Due to the actions of our previous Governor, Matt Bevin, who released a handful of violent criminals with no basis for their release, I believe this action was necessary to provide more accountability and oversight over the executive branch. I voted yes, and the measure passed in the Senate 34-2-1.
SB 163 allows coroners to bury or cremate unclaimed bodies at the expense of the local government if the spouse or next of kin of the decedent cannot be identified. I voted against this bill as the burial of a loved one is a personal and sacred responsibility. However, the proposal advanced in the Senate with a vote of 27-9-1.
SB 91 establishes more regional offices to improve the accessibility and efficiency of obtaining government-issued identification. It also will establish a pilot project with the Kentucky State Police to offer skills tests for the intermediate permit twice a month in five counties that do not have regional offices. It moved through the Senate unanimously.
SB 45 establishes the Ashanti Alert System to protect missing adults at risk by leveraging existing technologies for law enforcement to swiftly disseminate information. I voted yes, and the bill passed 34-3.
SB 14 reforms the Kentucky Cosmetology Board and reduces unnecessary barriers for those in the nail tech industry. The measure passed the Senate with overwhelming consent.
SB 74 establishes a state child and maternal fatality review team in the Department of Public Health to analyze the circumstances surrounding child and maternal deaths and gaps in the current healthcare system to better identify areas needing improvement. It passed unanimously.
SB 140 removes the waiver application deadline for unemployment insurance overpayment of thirty days on unemployment insurance claims filed between January 27, 2020, and December 31, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I voted for the measure, which gained passage with overwhelming support.
SB 155 updates the Uniform Commercial Code rules and guidelines in Kentucky for businesses regarding transactions of digital assets. Despite my “NO” vote, the legislation advanced in the Senate 29-8.
SB 191 revises metrics on how Kentucky allocates funds for public postsecondary education. It flew through the Senate with unanimous consent.
HB 18 prevents local governments from requiring landlords to accept tenants who use federal housing assistance. It also prevents local governments from requiring landlords to pay fees related to emergency response calls to their property. I voted yes and the Senate advanced the measure off the chamber floor 25-11. It now goes back to the House with Senate changes.
Senate bills and House bills with Senate amendments passed on the floor this week now go to the House for further examination. For all bills passed this week, and a comprehensive list of proposals making their way through the process, I encourage you to visit the Legislative Record online at www.legislature.ky.gov.
With the filing deadline in the Senate rapidly approaching, your engagement is as vital as ever. If I can ever assist, please do not hesitate to contact me. To share feedback on an issue, feel free to email me anytime 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.
