Week 3: 2025 Legislative Session
It’s official. House Bill 1 has been signed into law, marking another step forward in delivering tax relief to hardworking Kentuckians. This measure authorizes the next half-percentage reduction in the state’s individual income tax, bringing it down from 4 percent to 3.5 percent. As a result, an estimated $718 million will remain in the hands of Kentucky families, allowing them to save, invest, and spend as they see fit. This reduction will officially take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, and continue our commitment to responsible tax policy that benefits both individuals and the state’s economy.
With this priority completing the legislative process, a number of other priorities continued along during week three of the 2025 Legislative Session ahead of bill filing deadlines next week. The last day to file legislation in the Senate is Tuesday, February. 18. The deadline for the state House of Representatives is Wednesday, February 19.
In the meantime, lawmakers returned to Frankfort this week and convened for legislative business at the historic Old State Capitol, where they approved Senate Bill (SB) 313, officially designating June as Kentucky History Month.
I am proud to announce that my first Senate bill, Senate Bill 84, has successfully passed out of committee. It is a significant step in restoring judicial independence and ensuring government accountability in Kentucky. For too long, state agencies have been able to expand their authority beyond what lawmakers intended, often at the expense of individual rights and legislative oversight. By preventing courts from deferring to agency interpretations of the law, SB 84 reinforces the constitutional separation of powers and ensures that unelected bureaucrats cannot overstep their bounds. This bill is about protecting Kentuckians from government overreach and reaffirming that courts, not agencies, have the final say in interpreting the law.
Here are some measures that won Senate approval during week three and are now moving to the House for consideration.
Senate Bill 18 introduces specific insurance requirements for automotive recycling dealers, distinguishes their coverage terms, and adds an exemption for dealers with certified self-insurance from the Department of Insurance. It also clarifies when dealer-provided insurance is primary or secondary in cases involving loaned vehicles.
Senate Bill 26 enhances protections for parents and prospective adoptive parents with disabilities in Kentucky. The bill would prohibit discrimination based solely on disability in adoption or parental rights decisions. It would mandate individualized assessments and adaptive services to address parenting challenges, ensure transparency by requiring documentation of evaluations for at least two years, and align state policy with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Disability would be defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities, excluding individuals actively engaged in substance abuse. SB 26 would prioritize keeping families together while safeguarding the welfare of children. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services would conduct thorough assessments and provide supportive services to ensure fair and informed decision making.
Senate Bill 59 takes a small-government approach to expanding affordable housing by allowing faith-based organizations to develop housing on their existing properties. The bill removes regulatory barriers and designates such projects as permitted uses in all residential and commercial zones while ensuring local oversight. The bill requires the property to have been purchased by the religious institution before Jan. 1, 2025. Prompted by the 2024 Affordable Housing Task Force, this initiative leverages the resources of religious institutions to address housing needs without increased government intervention.
Senate Bill 61 protects the rights of private property owners and ensures that Kentuckians have the freedom to use and share their residential pools without unnecessary government interference. This legislation underscores a commitment to personal freedoms and responsible governance.
Senate Bill 64 enhances protections for critical infrastructure by expanding legal safeguards to include cable TV, telephone, and broadband facilities. Addresses the growing problem of copper theft, which has caused 911 outages, power failures, and costly repairs, by strengthening penalties under KRS Chapter 511 for burglary, trespass, and criminal mischief. By imposing stricter consequences for damaging or tampering with essential infrastructure, the bill prioritizes public safety and service reliability. An emergency clause ensures immediate enactment upon passage.
Senate Bill 73 introduces new measures to combat sexual extortion, enhance victim protections, and raise public awareness through education and resource accessibility. The bill establishes clear legal consequences for perpetrators, robust civil remedies for victims, and proactive requirements for schools and communities to prevent and respond to such offenses. It emphasizes protecting minors, holding authority figures accountable, and creating safer environments. SB 73 aims to empower victims to seek justice by enhancing punitive and preventive measures. According to the FBI, one of the fastest-growing crimes against children is sexual extortion. The bill prosecutes those who prey on our kids.
Senate Bill 76 modernizes escrow retainage rules in construction contracts by raising the threshold from $500,000 to $2 million to align with current project costs. It ensures timely payments by requiring retained funds in qualifying contracts to be held in escrow. The bill also prohibits contract waivers of escrow provisions under KRS 371.160 which closes loopholes that allow companies to bypass protections. SB 76 promotes fairness, stability, and transparency in Kentucky’s construction industry by strengthening financial safeguards.
Senate Bill 85 strengthens government oversight by expanding the auditor of public accounts and commonwealth ombudsman’s authority. Building on Senate Bill 48 (2023), which moved the Ombudsman’s Office from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) to the Auditor’s Office, this bill clarifies roles, enhances confidentiality protections, and requires background checks for employees. It also mandates state agencies, including CHFS, provide software access to the auditor to address the ongoing iTWIST dispute over access to child welfare data. The bill improves public access to the Ombudsman’s Office by requiring CHFS to display contact information, grant read-only access to emails, and transfer a dedicated phone line. It also authorizes the ombudsman to receive and report on suspected child abuse cases while ensuring confidentiality. The bill carries an emergency designation, meaning it would take effect immediately upon its filing with the Kentucky Secretary of State’s Office.