Rawlings Files SB 59 and SB 52

Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, has filed Senate Bill 59 to strengthen protections for taxpayers by enforcing Kentucky’s ban on the use of public funds to influence ballot questions and Senate Bill 52 to protect individual liberty and property rights by placing clear limits on government permitting and licensing authority.

Kentucky law already prohibits taxpayer dollars from being used to advocate for or against ballot questions, but the statute currently lacks enforcement mechanisms. Senate Bill 59 addresses that gap by establishing civil and criminal penalties to ensure public institutions are held accountable.

“Taxpayer dollars belong to the people, not the government,” Rawlings said. “Citizens should never be forced to fund political messaging they may disagree with, especially when it comes from government entities.”

Rawlings said the bill protects the integrity of elections and public trust. “This legislation ensures the government stays neutral,” he said. “When public resources are misused for political advocacy, it undermines confidence in the democratic process. This bill restores that trust.” Senate Bill 59 reinforces constitutional boundaries and ensures public funds are used only for their intended public purposes.

Senate Bill 52 would protect individual liberty and property rights by placing clear limits on government permitting and licensing authority.

Many Kentuckians must obtain government permission to work, build or use their own property, only to encounter vague standards, indefinite delays or subjective decisions by unelected officials. Senate Bill 52 requires permitting authorities to clearly define approval criteria, act within reasonable timelines and provide fair, impartial appeal options when permits are denied.

“When government permission becomes unpredictable, it becomes a barrier to freedom,” Rawlings said. “People should not have to guess what the rules are or wait indefinitely for a decision that affects their livelihood or property.”