Author
Poll shows GOP voters in Kentucky support gun removal measure, Westerfield assures Senate
FRANKFORT — In what he said could be his last speech on the Senate floor, Sen. Whitney Westerfield assured his colleagues that “the politics … are safe” to support a law that would temporarily remove firearms from Kentuckians at risk of harming themselves or others.? Speaking on Friday night, Westerfield cited polling that found 76% […]
Democrats hope to force vote on abortion exceptions as session winds down
FRANKFORT — Democrats are hoping to force lawmakers to take a stand on loosening Kentucky’s near total ban on abortion before going home Monday. Sen. David Yates, D-Louisville, announced Thursday that he is filing a discharge petition for his Senate Bill 99, which would create exceptions in the abortion ban for rape and incest. He […]
‘We cannot hold on:’ Kentucky child care providers plead for more help from lawmakers?
More than 250 Kentucky child care providers responsible for 150,000 children across the state sent lawmakers a letter Tuesday pleading for more support, saying what’s been proposed in the state budget “is not enough” as their industry is “at risk of collapse.”? The letter asks lawmakers to pass a supplemental lifeline funding bill in the […]
Government transparency decisions await Kentucky lawmakers when they reconvene Friday
FRANKFORT — A bill that open government advocates warn would introduce loopholes into Kentucky’s open records law could make its way to Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s desk when lawmakers return to Frankfort later this week.? The final two days of the 60-day regular session — Friday and Monday — are set aside to consider gubernatorial […]
No money to build new nursing school raises old question: ‘When will it be Kentucky State’s time?’
FRANKFORT — Kentucky State University requested $50 million this year to build a nursing school for its growing class of future health care providers. The legislature ultimately rejected the request, even though Kentucky enjoys a record-high revenue surplus and suffers from a shortage of nurses. “The real tragedy is that we had the money to […]
Coming Monday: Total eclipse of the sun
LOUISVILLE — As millions gear up for the total solar eclipse on Monday, Kentuckians are being cautioned to protect their eyes from sun damage and prepare for traffic delays.? A solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking the sun and causing momentary darkness, according to the National Aeronautics […]
Kentucky lawmakers break for veto period leaving anti-diversity bill dead in the water
FRANKFORT — This year’s banner culture war crusade fizzled out in the Kentucky Senate in the final days of the General Assembly. The Senate took no action on a House overhaul of Senate Bill 6, a Republican-backed bill aimed at curbing diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in Kentucky’s public universities and colleges. Lawmakers could revive […]
New restrictions on vape sales in Kentucky win approval with tobacco industry backing
FRANKFORT — A bill to curb underage vaping, which opponents say will hurt small businesses and encourage? a “monopoly,” got in under the wire Thursday night, winning approval in the final hours before lawmakers broke until mid-April.? Changes to House Bill 11 made earlier in the day by the Senate Judiciary Committee — including lessening […]
Momnibus picks up controversial baggage on road through Kentucky Senate
FRANKFORT — The maternal health bill Momnibus took an unexpected turn in the final days of the 2024 legislative session that cost it some allies.? Provisions of a bill that previously provoked a walkout by Democratic women were added with the sponsor’s consent but without debate in the Senate Health Services Committee.? House Bill 10, […]
Plan for a mental health juvenile detention facility advances in Kentucky legislature
FRANKFORT — A Kentucky House committee unanimously moved forward a bill that would establish a special mental health juvenile detention facility for housing “high acuity” youth, a move the sponsor called “critical.” Sponsored by Sen. Danny Carroll, a West Kentucky Republican, Senate Bill 252 can now go to the full House for consideration, having already […]
‘A shame:’ $300 million Horizons Act is ‘dead,’ sponsor says
FRANKFORT — The $300 million child care bill called the Horizons Act is “dead,” its sponsor said Wednesday.? The state budget approved by the Senate failed to allocate all the money the Horizons Act called for — and the final budget that will emerge from a House-Senate conference is also unlikely to do so. The […]
Ethan’s Law passed by Kentucky legislature?
FRANKFORT — Celebrity dog Ethan was in the Kentucky Capitol Tuesday to see senators pass a bill named after him, which would allow a person to be charged with a felony the first time they torture a dog or cat.? House Bill 258 is now nearly law, having passed the Senate 31-5 with one member […]