And other Frankfort news.

Since the 2024 election, school officials have taken heat over claims they spent public resources to oppose the school choice ballot measure.

The Kentucky attorney general warned educators at the time but didn't pursue any charges.

Now, a pair of Northern Kentucky Republicans want stiffer penalties, so that doesn't happen again.

Our June Lefler has more as we begin tonight's legislative update.

It's already illegal for public resources to be used for political speech, but such infractions could result in a $500 fine or a class A misdemeanor on a third offense.

Under Senate Bill 59.

That if something's illegal but there's no penalty for violating the law.

It may as well be legal.

It adds those penalties.

Campaigns should be funded by voluntary contributions.

You should not be compelled to finance advocacy with which you disagree.

Resources include public dollars and the working hours of public employees.

So just to be clear, if a public employee, especially during the work day, sends a message for or against a measure on their official email that would be illegal under this bill.

That's correct.

Okay.

Thank you.

But Senate Bill 59 goes further than that.

Currently saying school district employees could even offer impartial words on a proposed ballot measure.

Look, I mean, my I think our public servants are often the best subject matter experts on about issues that would appear on the ballot.

You know, I can even think of a specific example.

I mean we have a recall provision for when school boards raise taxes.

So if that question went on the ballot and the finance director of that school board would not be able to present impartial information about the budget impacts to the school district, if that recall went through.

So I, I just I object to the word impartial in all of this bill.

To me, that's simply I mean, impartial means unbiased.

The bill also says it applies to regional education associations, not just full time educators.

The Kentucky Education Association, the statewide teachers union, opposes the measure.

However, a lawyer for the Kentucky School Boards Association says his organization should be immune.

Seems to me that what you have described as a CcpA would have virtually 100% of their resources provided by the local school district by the tax dollars.

So therefore, would this bill prohibit CcpA from using those funds to speak for or against a ballot measure?

I don't believe that it would, because, like I said, just because we provide a service that government pays for, it does not make us government.

I think if you also look at the Supreme Court case, Citizens United, that gives corporate entities a right to free speech.

I think that sort of covers this as well.

The House State Government Committee passed Senate Bill 59 with one no vote for Kentucky edition.

I'm Gene Leffler.

Thank you Jim.

The bill now heads to the House floor, possibly for final passage.