House continues work as veto recess approaches
While time continues to run out on the 2024 Regular Session, there is still much work to be done. Within the last week, the Senate has amended and approved its budget, putting it back into our hands to either concur or to send to a conference committee to be negotiated. Additionally, we have seen a calendar change that moves days 53-56 to better align with committee scheduling. The final stretch of session is often referred to as the busiest portion. With bills being moved in both chambers ahead of the veto recess and more on the table for consideration, I would like to inform you this week on some of the measures we have been working on ahead of our deadline.
Ending human trafficking: With human trafficking becoming a more prevalent issue in our state and nation by the day, the House has acted on a measure to begin investigating the best way to put an end to these heinous crimes. HB 3 works in tandem with federal law to further prevent human trafficking, particularly in areas of public transit. This measure also takes steps to create a working group whose purpose would be to investigate ongoing human trafficking concerns in Kentucky. This group’s membership was solidified with a floor amendment which establishes that it will be comprised of several state/federal law enforcement groups, as well as non- governmental organizations that will advocate for victims in addition to the victims themselves.
Giving Kentuckians a vote on education: Both the House and Senate have approved HB 2, which would allow Kentuckians to vote on a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would clear the way for the legislature to empower parents to make educational choices for their children. For almost two centuries, education has been one of the primary focuses of our General Assembly. Kindergarten through 12th grade education accounts for more than 40% of the state’s budget and the legislature provided historic levels (even adjusted for inflation) of funding in the current and proposed budgets. However, there is still a great deal to be done and many believe the state’s 133-year-old constitution prevents progress from happening. HB 2 would allow voters to decide and settle the issue.
Providing patients more options: Kentuckians whose mandatory mail-order pharmacies cannot fill a prescription in a timely manner are one step closer to finding relief with the House passage of HB 190. This measure prevents patients from having to pay more to fill the prescription at a local pharmacy.
Evidence based effective reading instruction: Like many states, Kentucky has faced declining test scores in reading and writing. To improve reading and writing education, the House has acted on a measure to ensure that our students receive effective and evidence-based reading instruction. HB 612 prohibits three-cueing reading instructional practices in our classrooms. This model of instruction teaches students to read based on meaning, structure, syntax, and visual cues.
In other news, I had the privilege of joining Gary Jeff Walker on his radio show, The Night Cap, on March 12. We discussed current healthcare options in the state and the expansion of Kentucky’s system of healthcare providers offered through legislation I am sponsoring this session. HB 204 would reform the Certificate of Need process, making it more transparent and accessible by eliminating the dominant provider’s veto on provider applications. This measure allows the applying provider to have a fair and public hearing that will enable them to show the need for service in the region. If you missed this conversation and would like to hear it, it is available for replay on the iHeart radio website.