SNAP, election integrity, math education, substitute teacher certification, motor vehicle registration, certificate of need
Rep. Marianne Proctor reports on progress made in addressing pressing issues in the Commonwealth. Here are a few of the measures the House acted upon during the halfway point of the 2024 session:
Passed House Committee:
Eligibility for supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP)/HB 367: As a member of the House Standing Committee on Families and Children, I voted to approve HB 367 to reform the SNAP benefits for able-bodied people that are not working. The measure would prohibit CHFS from taking certain actions regarding the SNAP including increasing the eligibility standards for participation in the program.
Improving Election Integrity/HB 53: When HB 53 comes to a vote on the House floor, I look forward to supporting this bill. The measure would require that the Attorney General randomly select at least one ballot scanner and one race tabulated on that scanner for a hand-to-eye recount, which fulfills the requirement for a risk-limiting audit. Additionally, the measure would require that the hand-to-eye recount be performed by each county clerk.
Improving Math Education/HB 162: I plan to support HB 162 on the House floor when we take a vote. The measure would establish new education practices on mathematics in Kentucky classrooms. It provides multitiered systems of support for children struggling to achieve success on grad-level material. It also would direct the Department of Education to provide support, and intervention services to school districts.
Approved by the House and heaing to the Senate for further consideration:
Substitute teacher certification/HB 387: I was an affirmative vote on HB 387 to allow more substitute teachers in the classroom, which would decrease the burden on teachers. This bill would permit the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) to issue emergency certification for substitute teaching to anyone with a high school diploma, or an equivalent, that meets all other substitute teaching requirements provided by EPSB regulations. It would also allow EPSB to provide 5-year certification for applicants with a bachelor’s degree, and 10-year certifications for individuals with out-of-state certification or those who previously had a teaching certification.
Motor vehicle registration/HB 375: I voted yes on HB 375 to help our military service men and women. The measure is a military friendly measure that allows for registration for primary owner who lives in Kentucky and the co-signer/co-buyer or the vehicle to not reside in the state. If primary owner is no longer an owner, the co-owner shall move the vehicle title to their state of residence.
Update on Certificate of Need/HB 204: the measure has been assigned to the House Standing Committee on Health Services but has not been put on the agenda yet.