Government

Kentucky official upholds child-neglect ruling in near-fatal injury by Louisville teacher’s aide

BY: - March 30, 2023

Almost nine years after a 16-year-old boy with autism suffered two fractured legs — a near fatal injury — at the hands of a teacher’s aide with Jefferson County Public Schools, the state’s top human services official has upheld a finding of child neglect in the case. In a March 16 written order, Eric Friedlander, […]

GOP lawmakers file resolutions urging education commissioner’s dismissal for LGBTQ+ guidance

BY: - March 29, 2023

FRANKFORT — After Kentucky Education Commissioner Jason Glass was criticized by lawmakers for inclusive guidance for the state’s LGBTQ+ students, two lawmakers filed resolutions urging the Kentucky Board of Education to dismiss him from his role.? Calloway was speaking in support of overriding Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of Senate Bill 150, a sweeping anti-trans […]

Legislature overrides all Beshear vetoes, could still pass medical marijuana and sports betting

BY: and - March 29, 2023

FRANKFORT — Republicans on Wednesday flexed their supermajorities to override all 15 vetoes by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, while other notable legislation still awaits final passage. The GOP-controlled legislature could give final passage to bills legalizing medical marijuana and sports gambling after failed attempts to do so in past years. The legislature also could repeal […]

Kentucky legislature overrides veto of anti-trans bill

BY: - March 29, 2023

This story discusses suicide and anti-LGBTQ attacks in Kentucky. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.? The Trevor Project, which aims to end suicide among LGBTQ+ youth, also has trained counselors available around the clock. Reach them at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at […]

How one Northern Kentucky family prepares for potential passage of ‘anti-trans’ legislation

BY: - March 29, 2023

This article is republished from Link NKY. When Nancy Bardgett’s daughter came out as transgender, she was thankful that Jordan was able to receive the care she needed.? In addition to having a supportive family, Jordan, a student at Northern Kentucky University at the time, received mental-health support.? “She had supportive friends and she sought […]

Postpartum Medicaid expansion is the first step to maternal health equity, experts say?

BY: - March 29, 2023

Arkansas has the highest maternal mortality rate in the United States: 43.5 deaths from 2018 to 2021 for every 100,000 live births, according to the latest federal data. But the state only extends postpartum Medicaid to 60 days after childbirth.? A bill by Arkansas Rep. Aaron Pilkington, R-Knoxville, aims to change that and would seek […]

Veto overrides and sine die: What to expect the final two days of Kentucky’s legislative session

BY: - March 28, 2023

The Kentucky General Assembly reconvenes Wednesday for the last two days of this year’s session with some closely-watched bills still to consider and a chance to override more than a dozen vetoes of Republican-backed legislation by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. Since March 17, Beshear has had a ten-day period to consider whether to veto legislation […]

Beshear orders flags to half-staff in remembrance of Nashville school-shooting victims

BY: - March 28, 2023

Gov. Andy Beshear has directed that flags at state office buildings be lowered to half-staff until sunset on?Friday “in honor and remembrance of the victims of the acts of violence perpetrated on March 27 in Nashville, Tennessee,” according to a release from the governor’s office. Three children and three adult staff members were killed in […]

Shelves of library books

Process for challenging ‘obscene’ books, school programs becomes law without Beshear’s signature

BY: - March 27, 2023

A bill that opponents warn could lead to book banning became law without Gov. Andy Beshear’s signature after the governor chose not to sign or veto the measure. Secretary of State Michael Adams said Senate Bill 5 was delivered to his office without the governor’s signature Monday afternoon.? The measure, which had an emergency clause […]

Beshear signs Lofton’s Law, criminalizing hazing

BY: - March 27, 2023

Hazing that causes death or serious injury can be prosecuted as a felony in Kentucky under a bill that Gov. Andy Beshear signed Monday. Senate Bill 9, also known as Lofton’s Law, defines hazing in Kentucky statute and establishes penalties for the behavior. Hazing that leads to injury or death is a Class D felony, […]

Beshear vetoes bill to stop automatic payroll deductions for certain public employee unions

BY: - March 27, 2023

Calling it “an attack on unions and teacher associations that support and protect hard working Kentucky families,” Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed a bill that would stop automatic payroll deductions for some public employees’ unions or association dues. In his veto message, the governor said Senate Bill 7 violates the Kentucky Constitution by “targeting public […]

Beshear vetoes bill allowing ‘random’ venue changes in cases challenging Kentucky laws, decisions

BY: - March 27, 2023

Calling it an “unconstitutional power grab,” Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed a Republican-backed bill Friday that allows a court case challenging the constitutionality of Kentucky laws and orders to be moved at random to a new courtroom across the state.? Senate Bill 126, sponsored by Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, would give plaintiffs, defendants and the […]