Legislature considers education, economy, and housing measures ahead of veto recess
Rep. Marianne Proctor – This week marks the beginning of the veto recess period. This time period is designated for the governor to review legislation passed by the General Assembly throughout the 2025 Regular Session. The veto period extends until March 27, during which the Governor will consider several bills, signing some into law, allowing some to become law without a signature, or issuing vetoes. Afterwards, the General Assembly will convene for two final days of session to address any vetoes before the final day of the 2025 Regular Session on March 28. This week, I would like to highlight some of the important measures before the legislature on a wide range of issues:
HB 2 would clarify that currency and bullion transactions are exempt from sales and use taxes, as specified under existing law. This bill would also provide individuals with the right to pursue damages and refunds as a remedy for those who have been forced to pay the tax as a result of issues within the Department of Revenue. In addition, this measure would hold government agencies accountable by waiving sovereign immunity, allowing lawsuits to proceed when violations occur.
HB 6, referred to as the Kentucky Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (REINS), is aimed at limiting abuse of the regulatory process. It prevents programs and agencies from issuing new regulations or amending existing ones after March 31, 2025, unless they meet specific exceptions, such as addressing public safety threats or preventing the loss of federal or state funds. The measure also specifies that certain agencies must also obtain the governor’s certification for proposed regulations. Any regulation filed in violation of these rules will be void and unenforceable. It would call attention to particularly costly regulations by requiring those that cost at least $500,000 over two years as having a “major economic impact.”
HB 10 would strengthen protections for property owners facing the removal of squatters and the potential for damage related to their unlawful occupation. The measure would establish a streamlined process for law enforcement to remove unauthorized occupants from private property while enhancing penalties for those who unlawfully damage real estate.
HB 208 wouldrequire school districts across the Commonwealth to develop a policy that limits cell phone usage throughout instructional time during a school day to minimize distractions and interruptions. It further provides that school districts shall block social media access on school internet to create a more focused learning environment.
HB 695 contains several provisions aimed at retooling the taxpayer funded health insurance program for Kentucky’s poor and chronically ill. The measure would create an oversight board to investigate the Medicaid program’s effectiveness and cost-efficiency; prevent a governor from expanding the program without legislative action; and establish a work requirement for recipients who are physically able and not directly providing care to a child or disabled adult.
SB 3 aims to update Kentucky’s approach to student-athlete compensation by aligning with evolving national standards for name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements. The bill permits universities and their affiliated organizations to directly compensate student-athletes through NIL agreements, ensuring that such compensation aligns with fair market value. SB 3 also provides legal protections for student athletes in contract disputes and clarifies enforcement mechanisms.
SB 2 would prohibit the use of public funds for hormone therapy or elective gender reassignment surgery for incarcerated individuals.