Consumer privacy, line of duty death benefits, and kratom receive attention
The eighth week of the 2024 Regular Session began with President’s Day. . . . We were extremely productive this week, as legislative committees met to consider legislation and approximately 20 bills passed the House. Here are a few examples of the bills we passed that are now head to the Senate for further consideration. For more information on these measures, please visit legislature.ky.gov.
Consumer Privacy Protections/HB 15: The bill would protect the data privacy of online consumers in Kentucky by guaranteeing the right of Kentuckians to access collected data, change what data is collected, demand deletion of collected data, and demand no sale of data. This measure requires companies must answer requests within 45 days and only applies to companies with 100,000 customers or 25,000 customers, if over 50% of the company’s income is derived from the sale of consumer data.
Fire Safety Requirements for Residential Real Estate Transactions/HB 23: This legislation would require at least one smoke alarm be in place for any residence sold. The measure requires both the buyer and seller to acknowledge the smoke detector’s presence in the home upon closing.
Increase Minimum Line of Duty Death Benefits/HB 164: This measure would increase the minimum line of duty death benefits which beneficiaries who are not spouses may receive.
Protecting Healthcare Workers from Workplace Violence/HB 194: This bill would help address the healthcare worker shortage by adding protections for those who dedicate their lives to helping others. HB 194 would expand the language of felony assault to include assault of a healthcare worker, even those who are under contract with the hospital.
Regulating the Sale of Kratom/HB 293: This legislation would regulate the sale of Kratom in Kentucky. HB 293 would keep Kratom out of the hands of individuals under the age of 21 and protects our children from this drug. There are no uses of Kratom approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It produces both stimulant and sedative effects, is shown to be addictive, and may lead to psychological and physiological dependence.
Recognizing Patriot Day/HB 219: The measure permits the Freedom Flag to be flown along with the American flag and the state flag of the commonwealth each September 11, which is known as Patriot Day as a remembrance of September 11, 2001. While a tragedy, this day is an important part of our nation’s history and has shaped our modern world today. It is important for young people to see this flag flown in remembrance of the American lives we lost on September 11, 2001, and we must never forget what happened on that fateful day.