>> Renee: IN A RACE TO FINISH BUSINESS BEFORE THE CLOCK STRIKE MIDNIGHT, LAWMAKERS BEAT THE DEADLINE BY FEW HEROS AND SENT A RAFT BILLS TO THE GOVERNOR ON EDUCATION, CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND BUDGETEDDERY CLEANUP MEASURES THAT WERE SWEPT IN ONE PILE UDAY ACCOUNT IS IT WAS THAT I DATE OF KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SESSION.

GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING FOURS "LEGISLATIVE UPDATE" TONIGHT.

I'M RENEE SHAW.

STATE LAWMAKERS NOTICED CREATIVE BILL CRUNCHING TO GET UNRESOLVED BILLS ENROLLED AND SENT TO THE GOVERNOR COMBINING UNRELATED MATTERS HE HAD PASSED INTO CHAMBER INTO ONE BIG CHRISTMAS TREE BILL IN SEVERAL OF THEM AS IT'S OFTEN CALLED SO HE START TONIGHT WITH SOME EDUCATION POLICY DEVELOPMENTS.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PASSED A FIX TO WHAT THE SENATE EDUCATION CHAIR CALLED A DRAFTING I DON'T EVER R. OVERCYTOON A BILL AIMED AT CRITICAL RACE THEORY.

THAT DRAFTING ERROR WOULD HAVE LEFT KENTUCKY'S TEACHERS SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL CHARGES FOR TEACHING HISTORY OUTSIDE THE CONFINES OF A NEW LAW THAT USES A MANDATED SET OF TEXTS, COURT CASES AND SPEECHES.

THE PRITCHARD COMMITTEE FORE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE CAUGHT THE ERROR OVER THE VETO PERIOD AND STEAD THE LANGUAGE OF TEACHING AMERICAN PRINCIPLES ACT THAT WAS ROLLED INTO THE SCHOOL GOVERNANCE MEASURE UNINTENTIONALLY EXPOSES EDUCATORS TO JAIL TERMS, FINES, LOSS OF TEACHING ELIGIBILITY, AND DISQUALIFICATION FROM SERVING ON SCHOOL BOARDS.

SENATOR MAX WISE SAYS THE DRAFTING ERROR WAS UNINTENTIONAL.

>> LASTLY, ANY TEACHER EMPLOYEE OF DISTRICT WHO WILLFULLY VIOLATES SUBSECTION 1 THROUGH 4 OF YS KRS SHALL BE INELIGIBLE FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE COMMON SCHOOLS FOR OOH PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS.

THIS WAS NEVER THE INTENTION WITH SENATE BILL 148 TO BE INCLUDED WITH SENATE BILL 1 THAT THERE WOULD BE PUNISHMENT OR THREATENING OF PENALTIES FOR TEACHERS WHO ARE EDUCATING IN THE CLASS ABOUT DISCUSSIONS.

THERE'S NOT A SINGLE PERSON IN THIS CHAMBER OR THE OTHER CHAMBER THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN WISHING TO PUNISHER INTENTIONALLY PUNISH ANY EDUCATOR FOR SPEECH IN THE CLASSROOM.

THIS WAS SIMPLY AN OVERSIGHT.

IT WAS A DRAFTING MISTAKE.

I'M GLAD THIS WAS CAUGHT.

>> Renee: TEACHERS WOULD HAVE BEEN OPEN TO CRIMINAL CHARGES FOR TEACHING MATERIALS THAT WERE NOT, QUOTE, RELEVANT, OBJECTIVE, NON-DISCRIMINATORY AND RESPECTFUL TO DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES.

THE CLEANUP LANGUAGE WAS ADD TODAY HOUSE BILL 44 IN WHAT'S CALLED A FREE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT.

IT PASSED THE SENATE 30 TO 3.

SENATORS CARROLL, SCHICKEL AND THAYER CAST THE THREE NO VOTES.

IN THE HOUSE TODAY JEFFERSON COUNTY ESPECIALLY EDUCATION TEACH TINA BOJANOWSKY POSTS POSSIBLE SCENARIOS THAT COULD ENSNARE TEACHERS WITH OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT CHARGES AVAILABLE THROUGH A SEPARATE LAW.

>> BUT THERE IS ANOTHER AREA IN OUR LAW, K RFPT 5 TPA .03 RO.

>> IT'S ENTITLED OFFICIALLY MISCONDUCT IN THE SECOND DEGREE, AND IT ISSUES UNDER THAT KRS TITLE, COULD SIMILARLY RESULT IN A MISDEMEANOR CHARGE OR CONVICTION.

A PUBLIC SERVANT IS GUILTY OF OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT WHEN THEY KNOWINGLY REFRAIN FROM PERFORMING A DUTY IMPOSED UPON THEM BY LAW.

SO THE DEFINITION OF PUBLIC SERVANT DOES INCLUDE TEACHERS AS THEY ARE PART OF A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION WITHIN THE STATE.

SO ANY ADULT COULD FILE A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT UNDER K IRAQ IRAQ 522.230 AND THE CONS FENCE OF OFFICIAL MISCONDUCTS IN THE SECOND DEGREE IS A CLASS B MISDEMEANOR MUN PUNISHABLE BY 90 DAYS, IN JAIL, A FINE UP TO $500.

SO WHAT I'M WONDERING AS I LOOK AT THIS OTHER STATUTE IS IF A TEACHER PROVIDES INSTRUCTION THAT IS NOT RESPECTFUL TO THE DIFFERING IDEAS OF STUDENTS BE A STUDENT'S MARINATE COULD FILE A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT THAT THAT TEACHER -- WHAT IF THE PARENT IS A HOLOCAUST DERN?

WOULD THE TEACHER POTENTIALLY BE LIABLE OF FISH MISCONDUCT IN THE SECOND DEGREE IF THE HOLOCAUST IS TAUGHT WITHOUT HONORING THE STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE THAT THE HOLOCAUST DID NOT OCCUR?

COULD THE TEACHER BE GUILTY OF OFFICIALLY MISCONDUCT FOR NOT RESPECTING DIFFERING RESPECTIVES STUDENTS EVEN THOUGH SENATE BILL 1 SAYS THAT NOTHING RESTRICT CONTROVERSIAL ASPECTS OF HISTORY.

WHAT IF A TEACHER DOES NO TEACH REAGAN'S TIME FOR CHOOSING SPEECH IN WOULD THEY BE SUBJECT TO OFFICIALLY MANAGES CONDUCT IN THE SECOND DEGREE FOR REFRAINING FROM PERFORMING A DUTY IMPOSED UPON THEM BY LAW?

WHILE HOUSING BILL 44 WILL ADDRESS THE PENALTIES IN KRS, IT WILL NOT ADDRESS THE POSSIBILITY THAT PER KRS 522.030 A TEACHER COULD BE FINED OR JAILED FOR VIOLATING THE LANGUAGE OF SB 138 THAT WAS AMENDED INTO SENATE BILL 1.

>> Renee: THE ORIGINAL PURPOSE OF HOUSE BILL 44 SPONSORED BY JOHNSON COUNTY REPUBLICAN BOBBY McCOOL IS TO ALLOW STUDENTS TO GET THE MENTAL HEALTH BREAKS THEY NEED IN SCHOOL WITH FLEXIBLE ATTENDANCE POLICIES THAT ARE ALREADY ALLOWED FOR MEDICAL ISSUES THAT ARISE WITH STUDENTS.

SCHOOLINGS PSYCHOLOGIST AND DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATIVE LISA WILLNER EMPLOYEES HAVE THE CHANGE IS LONG OVERDUE.

>> THIS WAS FROM MY PERSPECTIVE THE VERY BEST KIND LEGISLATION.

IT WAS BIPARTISAN.

IT WAS URBAN/RURAL IN ITS ORIGINS.

AND ALSO IN THE ISSUES THAT IT WILL ADDRESS.

AND IT CAME FROM STUDENTS.

SO I WANT TO GIVE A SHOUT-OUT TO CAMERON JULIAN FROM DuPONT MANUAL HIGH SCHOOL IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, TO JONATHAN COLE BUTCHER FROM JOHNSON TOWN CENTRAL IN JOHNSON COUNTY, JOHNS CENTRAL, EXCUSE ME, AND TO AMIR BOWMAN, A STUDENT AT MAYOR, YOU KNOW,IAN COUNTY WHO BROUGHT THE LEGISLATION FORWARD TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS IN THEIR SCHOOLS.

THESE STUDENTS HAVE WORK SO HARD ON THIS LEGISLATION IN BUILDING SUPPORT AT THEIR INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS WITH SCHOOL BOARDS AND WITH LEGISLATORS FOR THIS, SO THIS IS A BIG WIN FOR STUDENTS.

>> Renee: FINAL PASS.

>> Al Cross: HOUSE BILL 44 WAS AWARDED BY THE HOUSE WITHOUT OPPOSITION 95-0.

IT NOW HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS WOULD HAVE MORE CONTROL OVER LIBRARIES UNDER A BILL AWARD FINAL PASSAGE AFTER BOTH CHAMBERS VOTED TO OVERRIDE THE GOVERNOR'S VETO OF IT.

THE MEASURE APPEARED DEAD LAST NIGHT AFTER IT FELL SHORT OF THE NECESSARY VOTES TO OVERTURN THE VETO.

BUT TODAY IT WAS RESURRECTED.

SENATE BILL 167 LETS COUNTY JUDGE EXECUTIVES APPOINT LIBRARY BOARD MEMBERS AND HAVE MORE SAY IN HOW LIBRARY FUNDS ARE SPENT.

PIKEVILLE SENATOR PHILLIP WHEELER, THE BILL'S SPONSOR, SAID IT SEEKS TO BRING ACCOUNTABILITY TO PUBLIC LIBRARY TAXING DISTRICTS AND THE APPOINTMENT PROCESS.

BUT THE BILL'S OPPONENTS TAKE A CONTRASTING VIEW.

>> IT CREATES A LOCAL OPTION WHEREBY DISTRICTS, WHERE THERE IS SOME POTENTIAL MALFEASANCE OR MISCOMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE POLITICAL BODIES AND THE LIBRARY BOARDS WHERE BY THE COUNTY FISCAL COURT CAN PASS A RESOLUTION TO CREATE AN ALTERNATIVE APPOINTMENT PROCESS TO HAVE SOME VETO POWER OVER CAPITAL EXPENDITURES, AND BASICALLY GIVE PEOPLE WHO ARE TAXED REPRESENTATION AND A SAY ON HOW THEIR MONEY IS SPENT.

CURRENTLY PUBLIC LIBRARY TAXING DISTRICT THROUGHOUT THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY HAVE NO ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE VOTERS WITHIN THE TAXING DISTRICT.

THIS IS ABOUT AS UN-AMERICAN AS IT GETS.

TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION.

>> Renee: THE MEASURE WOULDN'T APPLY TO ALL 120 COUNTIES.

LIBRARIES IN SOME COUNTIES ARE FUNDED BY DEDICATED INDEPENDENT TAXs AND GOVERNED BY MEMBERS OF THE LIBRARY BOARD, NOT LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS.

THAT'S HOW IT WORKS IN FAYETTE COUNTY WHERE SENATE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS CHAIR REGGIE THOMAS LIVES.

HE SAYS SELF-GOVERNED AND SELF-FINANCED LIBRARIES ARE FREE FROM PARTISAN POLITICS AND FOCUSED ON PROVIDING LIBRARY SERVICES NOW BUT THAT COULD CHANGE, HE BELIEVES, UNDERSTAND THIS LAW NEW LAW.

BOONE COUNTY REPUBLICAN JOHN SCHICKEL WAS QUICK TO REBUT.

>> WHAT THIS BILL DOES IS THAT IT CREATES THE LIKELIHOOD OR THE POSSIBILITY THAT LIBRARY BOARDS NOW ARE GOING TO BE HIGHLY POLITICAL IN NATURE, HIGHLY PARTISAN IN NATURE BECAUSE THOSE ARE PICKED BY THE COUNTY JUDGE/EXECUTIVE.

WE DON'T DO THAT IN FAYETTE COUNTY.

I EMPHASIZE, OUR MAR OR OUR CITY COUNCIL HAS NO AUTHORITY TO PICK WHO THE LIBRARY BOARD IS.

BY DOING THAT, YOU CREATE THE POSSIBILITY -- I'M NOT SAYING A LIKELIHOOD -- BUT THE POSSIBILITY THAT THAT LIBRARY BOARD IS DETERMINED NOW BY AN ELECTED OFFICIAL, CAN DETERMINE WHO -- WHAT BOOKS ARE BOUGHT, WHAT BOOKS ARE READ, WHAT BOOKS ARE NOT BOUGHT, THE POSSIBILITIES CENSORSHIP EXISTS, WHICH WE DON'T NO ...

IN FAYETTE COUNTY.

THAT'S WHY THIS GOVERNOR VETOED SENATE BILL 167 AND THAT'S WHY I'M ASKING THIS BODY TO SUSTAIN THE GOVERNOR'S VETO.

>> I HAVE TO RESPOND TO MY GOOD FRIEND, THE SENATOR FROM FAYETTE.

HE'S EXACTLY RIGHT, ALL THE THINGS HE SAYS, BUT HE LEFT OUT ONE WORD OR TWO WORD, ACTUALLY, AND THAT'S NOT ACCOUNTABLE TO TAXPAYERS.

NOT ACCOUNTABLE TO TAXPAYERS.

THE SKY IS NOT FALLING WITH THIS BILL.

WHAT IT DOES IS IT DOES SOMETHING WE'VE BEEN TRYING TO DO FOR YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS HERE IN THE KENTUCKY STATE SENATE, FINALLY MAKE THESE PUBLIC ENTITIES ACCOUNTABLE TO TAXPAYERS.

>> Renee: THE SENATE VOTED TO OVERRIDE THE GOVERNOR'S VETO 23 TO 13.

IN HIS VETO MESSAGE, GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR SAID SB 167 ALLOWS LIBRARY FUNDS TO BE USED TO LEASE PROPERTY OR BUILD NEW BUILDINGS FOR, QUOTE, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

HE REASONED IT WOULD, QUOTE, OPEN THE DOOR FOR TAXPAYER DOLLARS COLLECTED FOR THE LIBRARY SERVICES TO BE USED TO SUBSIDIZE PRIVATE FOR-PROFIT INSTITUTIONS.

COORDINATED TO NEWS RECORDS, PIKE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY HAS REFUSED TO GIVE OVER ITS BUILDING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MIKEVILLE.

SENATOR PHILLIP WHEELER, THE BILL'S SPONSOR, IS VERY PIKE LITTLE.

HOUSE DEMOCRAT PATTI MINTER FROM BOWLING GREEN SAID HER CONSTITUENTS OPPOSE THE BILL, AND NBC OF THE LOCAL LIBRARY BOARD THERE, MINTER SAID, BELIEVE IT UNNECESSARY.

>> BUT I THINK IT'S TIME TO TALK TO THIS LOWER FLOOR ABOUT THE HERALD-LEADER ARTICLE, THAT WHY IS IT THAT WE NEED A LITTLE THAT ONLY AFFECTS A COUPLE OR THREE COUNTIES IN EASTERN KENTUCKY THAT WOULD AFFECT MOST OF THE STATE?

AND EVENTUALLY IT'S OBVIOUSLY AN WEDGE TO BE ABLE TO TAKE TAX MONEY THAT IS ALLOCATED FOR LIBRARIES AND APPLY TO IT OTHER THINGS OR TO TAKE LIBRARY PROPERTY AND GIVE IT TO OTHER ENTITIES.

THIS IS NOT -- THIS SHOULD NOT BE A POLITICAL PROCESS.

THE HERALD-LEADER ARTICLE THAT RIPS THE COVER RIGHT OFF OF OF THIS MAKES IT CLEAR THAT GOES A POLITICAL PROCESS.

THIS IS A VERY POLITICAL THING.

AND IF YOU LIVE IN ONE OF THE OTHER 117 COUNTIES WHERE THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE, THEN I THINK YOU'RE DECEIVING YOURSELF IF YOU THINK THIS CAN'T HAPPEN TO YOUR COUNTY AND IT CAN'T HAPPEN TO YOUR LIBRARY BOARD.

>> Renee: THE HOUSE VOTED TO OVERRIDE THE GOVERNOR'S VETO ON A NARROW MARGIN.

52 TO 39.

51 VOTES WERE NEED TO OVERTURN THE VETO.

IT WILL NOW BECOME LAW.

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY IS BELIEVED TO BE A PATHWAY TO HELP THE FORMERLY INCARCERATED STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LAW.

IT'S THE MOTIVATION OF SENATE BILL 163 THAT REMOVES THE RESTRICTION THAT KEEPS STUDENTS WITH PAST FELONIES FROM ACCESSING THE KENTUCKY EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP, KEES, THAT ARE CREDITS THAT ARE AWARD BASED ON GPA AND COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAM SCORES.

REPRESENTATIVE JAMES TIPTON EXPLAINED FURTHER ON THE HOUSE FLOOR TONIGHT.

>> LEGISLATION THAT WE'VE HAD IN THE LAST FEW YEARS, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT THERE'S BEEN A PROHIBITION ON ANYONE WHO IS A CONVICTED FELON FROM RECEIVING ANY KEES MONEY, THAT IS REMOVED.

THAT CONTINUES TO BE REMOVED.

BUT WE'RE ALSO INTERESTED IN TRYING TO PREVENT RECIDIVISM FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE INCARCERATED.

AND WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE ABILITY TO HAVE THE TRAINING TO GET A QUALIFIED JOB IS IN PLACE.

THE THREE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT, THERE WAS SOME DISCUSSION ABOUT PUTTING A FIVE-YEAR LIMIT, A PERSON WOULD HAVE TO BE OUT FROM THEIR SENTENCE FOR FIVE YEARS BEFORE THEY WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR ANY OF OUR SCHOLARSHIP AND GRANT PROGRAMS.

WE DID MAKE SOME MODIFICATIONS TO THAT.

THERE ARE SOME HIGH LEVEL OFFENSES, MORE VIOLIN LEVEL OFFENSES THAT ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DO THAT.

HOWEVER, MOST OF YOUR LOWER LEVEL OFFENSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO DO THAT.

AND THE GOAL OF THIS IS IS TO -- WHEN PEOPLEY GET OUT, GIVE THEM A SECOND CHANCE.

THEY HAVE SOME HOPE.

THEY HAVE IS ON ABILITY.

>> Renee: THE THOUSANDS APPROVED THE MEASURE WITHOUT OPPOSITION.

IN THE SENATE THERE WAS MINOR OPPOSITION BUT NOT FROM FORMER LAW ENFORCER DANNY CARROLL.

HE WAS COMPLEMENTARY OF THE NEGOTIATED BILL THAT ADDRESSED CONCERNS FROM STAKEHOLDERS.

>> AND I THINK WE ALL REALIZE THAT IN TODAY'S TIME AND WHERE WE'RE HEADED AS A STATE IS TO FOCUS ON REHABILITATION AND TREATMENT AND SECOND CHANCES, AND I'M VERY AWARE OF THAT, VERY SUPPORTIVE OF THAT.

BUT I STILL FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT WE STILL NEED TO BALANCE ADJUST IN WITH THIS AS WE MOVE FORWARD -- JUSTICE IN WITH THIS AS WE MOVE FOR AND I THINK THERE ARE CERTAIN CRIMES THAT ARE SO HEINOUS THAT THEY DON'T DESERVE THE SAME OPPORTUNITIES THAT OTHERS, AND I THINK THIS BILL, THROUGH ALL THE NEGOTIATIONS THAT WE STRUCK A FAIR BALANCE IN THAT ENDEAVOR, AND I HOPE IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THOSE WHO ARE OFFENDER AND THAT THEY USE THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT ARE GOING TO BE GRANTED TO THEM TO TURN THEIR LIVES AROUND FOR EVERYONE'S BENEFIT.

>> Renee: SENATE MAJORITY LORD DAMON THAYER ALSO PRAISED THE MEASURE.

THE LAST ONE PASSED BY THE 2022 GENERAL ASSEMBLY AROUND 9:00 THIS EVENING.

HE REASONS THAT WITH HELP WANTED SIGNS ALL ACROSS THE STATE, THE MEASURE COULD MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON BUILDING KENTUCKY'S WORKFORCE.

>> I'M NOT SURE THE ENORMITY OF THIS BILL WILL BE KNOWN FOR A WHILE.

WE HAVE A MAJOR WORKFORCE PROBLEM IN THIS STATE WITH OVER 100,000 JOBS UNFILLED, HELP WANTED SIGNS EVERYWHERE.

I BELIEVE, ESPECIALLY THE PRIORITY SCHOOL PART WHERE WE -- PROPRIETARY SCHOOL PART WHERE WE KNOW WE HAVE A SHORTAGE OF WORKS NECESSITY TRADES.

THE THERE WILL BE TRANSFORMATION.

>> Renee: SENATE BILL 1 CONSECUTIVE RECEIVED FINAL PASSAGE FROM THE SENATE 34 TO 1.

JOHN SCHICKEL WAS THE LONE NO VOTE.

THE MEASURE NOW HEADS TO THE GOVERNORS' DECKS-FOR-HIS APPROVAL, VETO OR LET BECOME LAW WITHOUT HIS SIGNATURE.

A BILL THAT WOULD ESTABLISH A PILOT PROGRAM IN TEN COUNTIES TO PROVIDE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS & INSTEAD OF INCARCERATION HAS RECEIVED FINAL PASSAGE.

SENATE BILL 90 WOULD PROVIDE ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND VO CAGLE TRAINING IN ADDITION TO SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER OR MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT.

THE BILL'S SPONSOR, SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN WHITNEY WESTERFIELD,ED THE SAID THE LEGISLATURE HAD TO FIND MONEY FOR THE PROGRAMS, AND AFTER MUCH NEGOTIATION THAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED.

>> WE NEEDED TO FIND RESOURCES TO PUT IN IT.

THAT'S WHAT THIS -- THE CHANGES NOW HAVE.

IT'S GOT AN APPROPRIATION IN THE BILL BY WAY OF THIS THREE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE THE REPORT BHD, A PART OF THAT MONEY GOING TO AOC TO PROVIDE THE RESOURCES THEY NEED TO PAY FOR STAFF AND FOR THE SOFTWARE CHANGES THAT THEY'VE GOT TO MAKE BASS THEY'RE GOING TO DO A LOT OF THE DATE COLLECTION THAT'S CALLED FOR IN THE BILL BECAUSE, AGAIN, IT'S A PILOT.

WE WANT TO SEE HOW BELL WELL IT WORKS.

>> Renee: KENTUCKY SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE WILL SELECT THE COUNTIES FOR THE PILOT PROGRAM.

THAT THE BILL 90 AS AMENDED WAS APPROVED BY THE SENATE 35 TO 1.

THE HOUSE AWARDED FINAL PASSAGE TO THE MEASURE 91 TO THROW WHICH SENDS IT ON TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

THE SENATE GAVE FINAL APPROVAL TO A BILL THAT WOULD PROVIDE A PATHWAY FOR THE DISMISSAL OF SLAP LAWSUITS.

SLAP STAND FOR STRATEGIC LAWSUITS AGAINST PUBLIC PARTICIPATING.

OR LAWSUITS USED TO INTIMIDATE OR SUPPRESS SPEECH OF COMMUNITY LEADERS, JOURNALISTS AND OTHERS IN EXERCISING THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.

CROFTON SENATOR WHITNEY WESTERFIELD CARRIED HOUSE BILL 222 ON THE SENATE FLOOR.

HE EXPLAINED WHY THE MEASURE IS NECESSARY.

>> SO IF YOU WERE TO PROTEST HERE AT THE LEGISLATURE, PROTEST AT YOUR CITY COUNCIL MEETING, BUT THEN SOMEONE FROM THE CITY COUNCIL DECIDES TO FILE A LAWSUIT CALLING DEFAMATION AGAINST YOU AS YOU PROTESTOR OR WHATEVER YOU, THAT'S JUST AN EXAMPLE.

THERE ARE PLACES WHERE THAT SORT OF LAWSUIT IS FILED IN AN ATTEMPT TO SHUT PEOPLE UP FROM BEING ABLE TO EXERCISE THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS, TO PROTEST LAWFULLY AND PEOPLES THIS BILL CREATES A PATH BY WHICH LITIGATIONPHILES FILED IN AN ATTEMPT -- THAT'S WHY THEY CALL IT AGAINST PUBLIC PARTICIPATION -- SO IF THERE'S A LAWSUIT FILED LIKE THAT, YOU'VE GOT AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUT PUT EVERYTHING IN THAT LAWSUIT ON HOLE FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND MAKE AN ARGUMENT BEFORE THE COURT TO POSSIBLY HAVE THE CASE THROWN ON IT ON THE GROUNDS THAT IT'S A SLAPP LAWSUITS.

>> Renee: HOUSE BILL 222 SPONSORED BY DEMOCRAT REPRESENTATIVE NIMA KULKARNI RECEIVED FINAL PASSAGE BY THE SENATE 30 TO TWO.

IT'S NOW HEADED ON TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

THERE'S A LOT OF CLEANUP DONE ON THE LAST DAY OF THE SESSION AND THE CREATIVE BLEND OF UNRELATED MEASURES AND ONE BILL TO GET THEM ACROSS THE FINISH LINE IS A TRADITION.

AND THAT'S NO EXCEPTION TO A MEASURE THAT ORIGINALLY SEEKS TO CREATE THE CENTER FOR CANNABIS RESEARCH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY.

IT WAS USED TO CODIFY SOME APPROPRIATIONS MADE IN THE STATE BUDGET.

THE SENATE APPROPRIATIONS AND REVENUE CHAIRMAN CHRISTIAN MCDANIEL EXPLAINED.

>> THE SENATE COMMITTEE SUB 1 TO WITH US HOUSE BILL 604 SIMPLY AMENDS THE BUDGET BILL.

SOME OF IT IS CHEMICAL CLEANUP.

SOME OF IT IS ESTABLISHING A FEW PROGRAMS LIKE THE MENTAL HEALTH VANS AND THE OWENSBORO HOSPITAL, A LITTLE BIT OF IT IS TOM CHANGES IN WORDING SURROUNDING SOME OF THE FUNDING THAT WE HAD DONE.

THE BIG THING, MR. PRESIDENT, IS THE THERE'S A $210 MILLION APPROPRIATION TO THE KERS NON-HAZARDOUS FUND IN THERE.

>> Renee: THE AMENDED HOUSE BILL 64 PASSED THE SENATE 29 TO 2.

REPUBLICANS DURAN SOUTHWORTH AND MIKE NEMES WERE THE NO VOTES.

LATER IN THE HOUSE THE MEASURE WAS APPROVED 85 TO 7, SENDING IT ON TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS TONIGHT ON THE SENATE FLOOR, SENATE MAJORITY LEADER DAMON THAYER RECALLED LEGISLATION THAT HE SAYS MAKES THIS A SUCCESSFUL SESSION.

>> UNDER THE CATEGORY OF EDUCATION WE PASSED A LANDMARK TRANSFORMATIONAL CHARTER SCHOOLS BILL.

WE PASSED SENATE BILL 1 COMBINED WITH SENATE BILL 138 WHICH DOES LONG-NEEDED SITE-BASED REFORM AND INCORPORATED THE SENATOR FROM TAYLOR'S TEACHING AMERICAN PRINCIPLES ACT.

MANY KUDOS TO THE SENATOR FROM BOONE WHO HAD BEEN PURSUING SENATE BILL 1 FOR MANY YEARS.

WE PASSED THE SENATOR FROM BOURBON'S READ TO ACHIEVE ACT WHICH WILL HELP TENS OF THOUSANDS OF KENTUCKY KIDS GET TO READING AT GRADE LEVEL BY THE THIRD GRADE.

SENATOR FROM TAYLOR PASSED A LANDMARK NATION-LEADING NAME, IMAGE, LIKENESS BILL IN THOUGH LESS AN AUTHORITY THAN THE UK MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH JOHN CALIPARI CALLED IT EXACTLY THAT.

UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE SENATOR FROM HENDERSON AFTER THREE YEARS, WE PASSED SENATE BILL 83, THE FAIRNESS IN WOMEN'S SPORTS ACT, TO SAVE WOMEN'S SPORTS ACT, A LANDMARK BILL THAT HAS GOTTEN KENTUCKY NATIONAL HEADLINES.

THE SENATOR FROM GREEN WORKED HARD ON SENATE BILL 265, THE KENTUCKY STATE GOVERNANCE RESTART.

AND ALSO HOUSE BILL 63, THE SCHOOL SRO BILL, IS ANOTHER STEP FROM SENATE BILL 1, THE SCHOOL STATE OF AND RESILIENCY ACT FROM A COUPLE YEARS AGO.

IF YOU'RE PRO-LIFE, AS ARE THE MAJORITY OF KENTUCKIANS, BIG WINS.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NO VOICE, THE UNBORN.

WITH HOUSE BILL 3, AN OMNIBUS PRO-LIFE BILL THAT HAS BEEN YEARS IN THE MAKING.

AND IF YOU'RE PRO-LIFE, YOU SHOULD ALSO CARE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS TO KIDS AFTER THEY'RE BORN, AND WE APPROVED THAT WITH THE SENATOR FROM JEFFERSON 36'S SENATE BILL 8, THE CHILD WELFARE REFORM BILL.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM, HOW ABOUT THE GREAT WORK DONE BY THE SENATOR FROM HENDERSON ON THE NURSING BILL TO HELP SHORE UP THE SHORTAGE WE HAVE IN THE HEALTH CARE FIELD.

AND SENATE BILL 94, WORK READY SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

AND THE CONTINUING WORK OF THIS BODY ON BROADBAND EXEMPLIFIED IN HOUSE BILL 315, NOT TO MENTION THE $75 MILLION IN ARPA FUNDS IN THE BUDGET TO HELP RESTORE AND REVIVE OUR IMPORTANT TOURISM ECONOMY.

MANY BILLS WERE PASSED TO LIMIT EXECUTIVE POWER.

MR. PRESIDENT, COVID IN 2020 REVEALED HOLES IN OUR CONSTITUTION AND OUR STATUTES AS IT RELATES TO THE BALANCE OF POWER BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE AND THE JUDICIAL BRANCH -- THE JUDICIAL BRANCH.

>> THE SEPARATE FROM JESSAMINE'S SJR 150 ENDED THE COVID-19 STATE OF EMERGENCY, IN FACT AND IN LAW, MONTHS AFTER IT WAS ACTUALLY REALLY OVER.

AND THE SENATOR FROM BOURBON'S SENATE BILL 65 DECLARES ALL DMV REGULATIONS FOUND DEFICIENT -- ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS FOUND DEFICIENT, NULL AND VOID, ACTUALLY CREATING A STRONGER VOICE FOR THE PEOPLE'S BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT WHEN IT COMES TO ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS.

OF COURSE, THE ONCE IN EVERY TEN-YEAR REDISTRICTING, MR. PRESIDENT, AS WE PASSED NEW MAPS, ACCORDING TO LAW FOR THE SENATE, THE HOUSE, THE UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVES FROM KENTUCKY, AS WELL AS A ONCE IN A GENERATION REDOF OUR JUDICIAL MAPS.

OUR ENTIRE WESTERN KENTUCKY CAUCUS WORKED OVERTIME ON SENATE BILL 150 TO MAKE SURE THAT THE DOLLARS ALLOCATED FROM THE STATE ANDAL FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MADE IT BACK TO THE SURVIVORS OF THE WESTERN KENTUCKY TORNADOES AND HELPED THEM REBUILD AFTER LAST WINTER'S -- LAST DECEMBER'S DISASTROUS TORNADOES IN THAT REGION OF THE STATE.

UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE SENATOR FROM KENTON WE PADS A CONSERVATIVE EXECUTIVE BRANCH BUDGET THAT NOT ONLY PUT OVER $1 BILLION IN THE BUDGET RESERVE TRUST FUND, MR. PRESIDENT, BUT GAVE ACROSS-THE-BOARD RAISES TO STATE EMPLOYEES, MUCH DESERVED AND MUCH OVERDUE.

HOW ABOUT THE GENERATIONAL CHANGE IN TAX REFORM?

FOLLOWING UP ON WORK THAT STARTED FIVE YEARS AGO TO CONTINUE CUTTING THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX RATE FOR WORKING KENTUCKIANS FROM PADUCAH TO PIKEVILLE, COVINGTON TO CORBIN AND EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN.

IT MAKES US MORE COMPETITIVE WITH OUR SURROUNDING STATES, MAKES US MORE BUSINESS FRIENDLY, AND ALLOWS KENTUCKIANS TO KEEP MORE OF WHAT THEY EARN IN THEIR PAYCHECKS.

UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE SENATOR FROM MARION, WE PASSED A ROAD PLAN THAT SECURES FUNDING FOR THE BRENT SPENCE BRIDGE, THE MOUNTAIN PARKWAY AND I-69, OUR THREE MEGA PROJECTS AS IDENTIFIED IN THE PAST BY THIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND CONTINUED TO FUND ROAD AND BRIDGE REPAIR ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH.

MR. PRESIDENT, WE HAVE ONLY TWO SIGNATURE INDUSTRIES.

YOU'VE HEARD ME TALK ABOUT THIS.

BOURBON AND HORSES.

AND WE PASSED BILLS HELPING BOTH OF THOSE INCLUDING HOUSE WILL 607, PARE YOU MUTUAL RACING TAX STANDARDIZATION, PUTTING OUR HORSE INDUSTRY AND OUR RACING CIRCUIT ON FIRM GROUND TO BE THE LEADING YEAR-ROUND CIRCUIT IN NORTH AMERICA WITHIN THE NEXT TWO YEARS, AND THANK TO THE HARD WORK OF THE SENATOR FROM BOONE, HOUSE BILL 500, WHICH GIVES NEW PRIVILEGES TO OUR BURGEONING CRAFT DISTRILLERY INDUSTRY AND CODIFIES THE ALL-WORN BARREL SELECTION FOR OUR STILL RIS AND RETAILERS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH.

AND FINALLY, MR. PRESIDENT, MUCH NEEDED AND CONTINUED REFORM TO OUR ELECTIONS INCLUDING HOUSE BILL TALENT 1 WHICH WILL BAN OUTSIDE MONEY GOING TO OUR COUNTY CLERKS.

THAT WAS MOST FAMOUSLY KNOWN AS VAN THE ZUCKER BUCKS MONEY.

AND THEN UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE SENATOR FROM HENDERSON, MORE ELECTION REFORMS MAKING OUR BALLOT MORE SECURE AND ENSURING ELECTIONY INTEGRITY FROM THE SENATOR FROM HERNANDEZ.

>> Renee: FOR JOURNALIST'S ANALYSIS OF THE SESSION TUNE NO "COMMENT ON KENTUCKY" TOPPER NIGHT AT 8 EVEN, SEVEN CENTRAL RIGHT HERE ON KET, AND ON MONDAY NIGHT AT 8:00 EASTERN ON KET I WELCOME LEGISLATIVE LEADERS TO THE "KENTUCKY TONIGHT" TABLE FOR THEIR ANALYSIS OF THE KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2022.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WATCHING OUR COVERAGE THIS SESSION.

YOU CAN GO BACK ONLINE TO SEE WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED AND WE'LL BE HERE DURING THE INTERIM TO BRING YOU COVERAGE THAT YOU COUNT ON.

FROM ALL OF US HERE AT KET, THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

I'M RENEE SHAW AND I'LL SEE YOU REAL SOON.