Briefs
Coyotes are on the move because it’s their mating season. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife offers these tips if you see one.
During coyote mating season Kentucky Fish and Wildlife officials say there are more sightings both in cities and the country.? The winter mating season is in its peak this month and will continue through March.? “Coyote sightings typically increase this time of year when they are mating, and through July when they are raising pups,” […]
Givens files bill for independent review of Department of Juvenile Justice
FRANKFORT — Another recommendation from the juvenile justice legislative work group has been put into proposed legislation.? Sen. David Givens, R-Greensburg, filed Senate Bill 158 Thursday. The measure would direct the Office of the Auditor of Public Accounts to contract a full performance review with a third party on the Department of Juvenile Justice’s pre-adjudication […]
Lofton’s Law headed for Senate, would make hazing that causes death or serious injury a felony
FRANKFORT — A bill that would make hazing a separate crime in Kentucky and provide prison sentences for hazing that causes injury or death cleared committee Thursday and now awaits a vote by the Senate. The Senate Judiciary Committee heard from the mother of Thomas “Lofton” Hazelwood, 18, who died in 2021 of alcohol poisoning […]
Kentucky Senate: Reopen Capital Avenue
FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Senate passed a measure to reopen a portion of Capital Avenue Wednesday, Senate Bill 11. The bill’s sponsor called it a symbol of open government.? Sen. John Schickel, R-Union, said in a floor speech that the move was in response to Gov. Andy Beshear closing a portion of the avenue between […]
Beshear signs bill providing $16.3 million to complete Bowling Green Veterans Center
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Wednesday signed a bill providing $16.3 million to complete construction of the Bowling Green Veterans Center. House Bill 2 provided an appropriation from the Budget Reserve Trust Fund to complete construction of the $53 million facility expected to be finished next year. The Veterans Centerwill be the state’s fifth long-term […]
Bill assuring Kentucky physicians confidential access to mental health support clears committee
This story discusses suicide and mental health. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. A bill aimed at preventing burnout in Kentucky’s physician ranks by supporting mental health access sailed out of committee Wednesday morning.?? Republican-sponsored Senate Bill 12 easily passed the […]
Anti-abortion amendment to Kentucky Constitution given little chance this session
Roughly three months after voters rejected?Amendment 2, which would have specified there is no right to an abortion in Kentucky’s Constitution, a similar amendment was proposed Tuesday by the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Whitney Westerfield.? But the amendment isn’t likely to move this session.? Senate Majority Floor Leader Daymon Thayer said Tuesday […]
Kentucky juvenile justice reforms have multi-million dollar price tags, state budget director says
FRANKFORT — State Budget Director and Executive Cabinet Secretary John Hicks told lawmakers Tuesday that the price tags to support executive branch reforms in the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice are $20 million in the next fiscal year’s operating budget and $26 million in the current capital budget.? Amid discussions about Kentucky’s juvenile justice system, […]
Students could use KEES to pay for certificate programs under bill clearing House Education Committee
FRANKFORT — Four bills that clarify and expand existing programs in Kentucky schools moved forward in the legislative process.? The bills, which are all sponsored by Republicans, received favorable recommendations from the House Education Committee Tuesday. Topics they address are dual credit courses, higher education scholarships, qualifications for classified school employees and insured student loans.? […]
Bill blocking local assistance with federal firearms regulations sails out of Kentucky House committee
FRANKFORT — A bill that would block local assistance with federal firearms bans — one of several filed by Republicans in the GOP-dominated Kentucky legislature that aim to curb gun control restrictions — sailed out of a state House of Representatives committee Tuesday.? House Bill 153 would prevent local law enforcement, employees of public agencies […]
Federal report shows 11 children died from maltreatment in Kentucky in 2021
The number of Kentucky children who were victims of abuse or neglect improved in 2021, according to a new report, but the commonwealth’s is still worse than the national maltreatment rate. The Child Maltreatment 2021 report, from the United States Department of Health & Human Services, found that Kentucky had 14,963 child victims in 2021. […]
Kentucky senators in agreement on passing TikTok ban bill
FRANKFORT — Kentucky senators were not divided on a proposal to put recent bans on a social media platform into state law.? On Friday, the Senate voted 33-0 on Senate Bill 20, a piece of legislation that would prohibit TikTok, a social media platform where users can create minutes-long videos, from state government devices or […]