Spring has arrived here in the Bluegrass State, and we find ourselves in the final stages of the 2024 Regular Session. With only a few legislative days remaining and sine die on the horizon, the Kentucky General Assembly remains fully committed to the important work of shaping the future of our commonwealth.
At the forefront of our legislative efforts are ongoing budget deliberations, where we meticulously allocate resources for the upcoming two-year biennial budget.
This process demands careful consideration and thorough debate to ensure that every dollar is used wisely and responsibly for the betterment of all Kentuckians.
As a specially selected member of the budget conference committee, I am honored to advocate for you and what advances Kentucky.
Simultaneously, we are taking advantage of the extended daylight hours by wrapping up final committee hearings and floor activity, pushing essential bills forward addressing a wide range of issues from education and health care to infrastructure and more.
Before I get into our activity this week, I wanted to say how very pleased I am that UofL South Hospital had their grand opening of a $78 million, 60-bed facility on West Hebron Lane. They are now better equipped to serve residents in Shepherdsville and Bullitt County, the largest county in the commonwealth without this option, until now. The benefits of UofL South Hospital extend beyond to serve patients from Hardin, Spencer, Nelson, and Meade counties.
The following bills were approved in the Senate this week:
SB 101 expands the definition of agritourism to allow the public to view and participate in activities where animals are used to provide entertainment.
SB 239, known as the “Health Care Rights Protection Act,” aims to safeguard the conscience rights of medical practitioners, health care institutions, and payers by granting them the right to refuse participation in or payment for health care services that contradict their sincerely held beliefs. While upholding federal laws on emergency care and sexual assault, this provision shields individuals from legal repercussions and discrimination. They must still fulfill their obligations to perform other medical duties.
SB 344 introduces measures to oversee the sale and advertising of vapor products in Kentucky by creating of a directory listing of approved vapor product manufacturers and products and requiring annual certification for compliance. Provisions include advertising restrictions to prevent the use of certain terms and depictions appealing to minors with fines for violations and seizure of non-compliant products. The bill establishes a dedicated enforcement fund, funded by fees, penalties, and enforcement actions, to support monitoring and regulatory efforts.
HB 22 seeks to eliminate the unnecessary burdensome task of requiring a physician to oversee the automated external defibrillators (AED) program for any entity that requires an AED.
HB 30 establishes the Kentucky Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Suicide Prevention Program.
HB 86 expands interment eligibility in Kentucky state veterans’ cemeteries to include eligible National Guard and Reserve service members and their families.
HB 88 relates to unlawful trade practices and aims to strengthen consumer protections, enhance transparency in financial transactions, and improve regulatory oversight in the financial and real estate sectors.
HB 159 establishes that health care providers are immune from criminal liability for harm arising from a health services-related act or omission other than gross negligence or wanton, willful, malicious, or intentional misconduct.
HB 274 seeks to permit pharmacists to administer vaccines to children 5 years of age or older according to prescriber-approved protocols with the consent of a parent or guardian.
HB 478 seeks to authorize the Energy and Environment Cabinet to allow expansion of construction or demolition waste sites from one to two acres, contingent upon compliance with existing permit requirements and meeting additional conditions, including posting a $10,000 bond for the expanded area’s compliance assurance.
HB 492 defines “qualified local government” and requires employees with access to federal tax information to undergo criminal background checks by both the Kentucky State Police and the FBI. The fee for these checks is limited to processing costs, and the Kentucky State Police can establish necessary regulations.
HB 581 aims to prohibit local governments from using zoning processes or measures that unfairly hinder retail filling stations from locating in areas where similar businesses operate. It ensures that retail filling stations are treated equitably compared to electric vehicle charging stations and other businesses in zoning processes and measures.
Find more on these bills online at Legislature.ky.gov and visit KYSenateRepublicans.com for news releases from the Senate Majority Caucus.
You can find the status of legislation by calling 866-840-2835 or receive legislative meeting information at 800-633-9650. You can also watch and follow legislative activity at KET.org/legislature and Legislature.ky.gov.
It’s a privilege to represent you in Frankfort. Please contact my office if I can assist you in any way. You can email me at mike.nemes@lrc.ky.gov or reach my office toll-free at 1-800-372-7181.