Episodes
On the final day of the 2022 General Assembly session, lawmakers race to add a correction to an already passed education bill, allow excused absences for students for mental health reasons, give local officials control over library boards, make some convicted felons eligible for KEES scholarships, create a pilot program for diversion from incarceration, and address so-called SLAPP lawsuits.
Published 04/19/22
In the penultimate day of the General Assembly session, lawmakers override gubernatorial vetoes of legislation on tax policy, abortion restrictions, public assistance benefits, charter school funding, transgender student athletes, and public school curricula and principal hiring. The Senate approves a ban on unregulated slot-like games. Pro-choice advocates rally at the capitol.
Published 04/14/22
In the last day before the veto period, the House and Senate give final passage to the executive, legislative, and judicial branch budgets as well as an overhaul of public assistance benefits, broadband infrastructure funding, and a ban on governors using public funds to challenge the constitutionality of bills. Lawmakers also approve the state road plan.
Published 03/31/22
On day 57 of the General Assembly session, lawmakers announce their compromise state budget and give final passage to a new tax plan, charter school funding, requirements for school safety officers, an omnibus abortion bill, and penalties for “porch pirates.” Reproductive freedom advocates rally at the capitol.
Published 03/30/22
The Senate votes to exclude certain mentally ill criminals from the death penalty and to update constable training and duties. Lawmakers act this week on transgender athletes in girls’ sports, principal hiring and school curricula selection, charter school funding, and making churches essential services. They also override gubernatorial vetoes.
Published 03/28/22
The Senate gives final approval to a measure on principal selection and teaching history as well as a bill to ban transgender athletes in girls’ sports. House panels consider death notification training for coroners and energy company boycotts. Senate committees vote on stop-arm video cameras for school buses and an expedited teacher certification program.
Published 03/25/22
A Senate committee advances the omnibus abortion bill and rural hospital loan funding. The House approves legislation on the nursing shortage, child abuse and neglect, and a moment of silence in schools. The Senate debates designating churches as essential services, private bourbon barrel selections, and parental rights. A House panel moves to protect personal information of public officers.
Published 03/24/22
The House and Senate override Gov. Beshear’s vetoes of a resolution that ends the COVID state of emergency and a measure to overhaul unemployment benefits. The House also votes on a consistent tax rate for parimutuel bets and funds to treat gambling addiction. Lawmakers discuss their budget priorities.
Published 03/22/22
The House approves sports wagering and bans unregulated “gray” gaming machines. Gov. Beshear vetoes a bill that sets new rules for unemployment benefits and a resolution that would end the pandemic emergency. This week lawmakers also advanced welfare reforms and medical marijuana legislation.
Published 03/21/22
The Senate votes to ban abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy and provide scholarship options for some felons. A House committee acts on unregulated gaming machines, sports wagering, and tax rates for parimutuel bets. Senate panels consider Ukrainian refugee resettlement, the judicial branch budget, water project funding, and the process for prefiling legislation.
Published 03/17/22
While meeting at the Old State Capitol, the House passes an increase to the historic preservation tax credit and a resolution to create a Kentucky History Caucus. House committees consider the Read to Succeed Act and measures on school breakfasts, financial disclosures by colleges and universities, and catalytic converter theft. A Senate panel approves a resolution on nuclear power feasibility.
Published 03/16/22
The House votes to allow new cities in Jefferson County, increase penalties for trafficking fentanyl, require a new board at Kentucky State University, improve access to mental health treatment, and protect genetic data. The Senate approves tougher punishments for child abuse, a review process for executive orders, and regulations for solar farms.
Published 03/15/22
A recap of the General Assembly this week includes actions on the state budget in the Senate, medical marijuana, Delta-8 hemp products, COVID mask and vaccination mandates, abortion, transgender student athletes, and the Kentucky State University Board of Regents.
Published 03/14/22
The House passes a measure on COVID vaccination rights and a resolution to end the pandemic emergency declaration. Senate committees act on employer vaccine mandates, an abortion restriction, and a public comment requirement for school board meetings. A House panel revisits medical marijuana legislation.
Published 03/14/22
The Senate passes its version of the state budget and a ban on certain hemp products. A Senate committee considers a new process for executive orders. House panels approve bills on transgender athletes, the Kentucky State University Board of Regents, charging inmates for time in county jails, and nurse practitioner prescription practices.
Published 03/10/22
The House votes to ban mask mandates in day care centers, schools, and universities. House panels move to protect the privacy of COVID vaccination status and to create mobile crisis centers. The Senate approves bills to replace the Kentucky State University Board of Regents and to create an imagination Library program in the state.
Published 03/09/22
The Senate passes bills on election security, election administration expenses, animal care costs in cruelty cases, and companies that boycott fossil fuel industries. A Senate committee considers replacing the Kentucky State University Board of Regents. The House gives final approval to name, image, and likeness legislation.
Published 03/09/22
The Senate passes an overhaul of unemployment insurance and a proposed constitutional amendment to limit a governor’s clemency powers. House committees advance a tax cut plan, voting reform changes, and an update to campaign finance reporting. A Senate panel considers an election security bill.
Published 03/07/22
A recap of week nine of the General Assembly session includes action on a property tax freeze for motor vehicles, an income tax cut and a taxpayer rebate, a pay increase for lawmakers, changes to unemployment benefits, and new abortion restrictions. Lawmakers also introduce measures to expand gaming.
Published 03/07/22
The House passes an omnibus abortion bill. The Senate approves a resolution supporting the Ukraine, and a measure on motor vehicle property taxes. Senate panels consider actions against energy company boycotts and standards for library boards. A House committee discusses unicorporated areas of Jefferson County.
Published 03/04/22
House committees consider new abortion restrictions, and college athlete name, image, and likeness deals. The House approves limits on charitable bail organizations and protections for religious services during emergencies. Senate panels move to protect bourbon barrel picks and overhaul unemployment benefits. The Senate acts to address the nurse shortage.
Published 03/04/22
A recipe of day 36 of the 2022 Kentucky General Assembly.
Published 03/01/22
A recap of week eight of the General Assembly session includes a tax rebate proposal and tax reform legislation, hero pay for essential workers, the nursing shortage, charitable bail organizations, private information of public officials, teaching history in schools, and ending the COVID emergency.
Published 03/01/22
The Senate debates the Teaching American Principles Act and a resolution to end the COVID state of emergency. A House panel approves a bill about religious services during emergencies, while the full House votes on using public funds to challenge legislation. A Senate committee considers a refund to taxpayers.
Published 02/25/22