>> Casey: THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RETURNS AFTER A DELAYED WEEK DU TO WINTER WEATHER.

THE HOUSE AND SENATE BOTH TAKE UP MEASURES THAT WOULD MAKE PERMANENT SOME CHANGES BROUGHT ON BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

AND GUIDELINES FOR CHILD SUPPORT RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON DAY 15 OF THE 2021 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SESSION.

GOOD EVENING, AND THANK YOU FO JOINING US FOR "LEGISLATIVE UPD I'M CASEY PARKER-BELL.

THE KENTUCKY HOUSE SENT A MEASURE TO THE SENATE THAT WOULD MAKE UPDATES TO KENTUCKY'S CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES.

ACCORDING TO HOUSE BILL 404 SPONSOR C. ED MASSEY, IT HAS BEEN OVER 15 YEARS SINCE THE GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN UPDATED AND HIS MEASURE WILL BRING THE STATE UP TO COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL GUIDELI REPRESENTATIVE MASSEY SAYS THE MEASURE IS A RESULT OF WORK WIT COUNTY ATTORNEYS AND JUDGES.

HE SPOKE ON THE HOUSE FLOOR ABOUT SOME OF THE PROVISIONS IN HOUSE BILL 404.

>> FLARE COUPLE OF OTHER PROVISION IN THIS BILL THAT DEAL WITH SHARED YOU HAVE HAD CUSTODY AND SHARED PARENTING YOU.

MAY REALIZE THAT A WHILE AGO THAT THE COURT PASSED A RULE THAT THERE'S A PRESUMPTION OF SHARED CUSTODY AND SHARED PARENTING IN THE COMMONWEALTH, AND THIS HELPS US AS WE PREPARE CHILD SUPPORT WORKSHEETS TO ACCOMMODATE THOSE CONSIDERATIONS.

AND FINALLY, THERE IS A PIECE IN THERE FOR WHEN A CHILD IS REMOVED FROM THE HOME, THAT TRIGGERS A HEARING TO BE HELD, AND THE PURPOSE FOR THAT IS BECAUSE A LOT OF TIMES WHEN A CHILD IS REMOVED AND PUT INTO FOSTER CARE AND THERE'S NO TRIGGERING OF THAT HEARING, A PARENT, ESPECIALLY IN A DIVIDED FAMILY, MAY CONTINUE TO RECEIVE CHILD SUPPORT AND NOT EVEN HAVE THE CHILD.

AND THE GOAL IS TO GET IT DIRECTED SO THAT THE CHILD IS THE BENEFIT -- BENEFICIARY OF THOSE moneys >> Casey: HELPING CRAFT THE BILL WAS HOUSE MINORITY WHIP ANGIE HATTON.

MASSIE REFERRED TO HER AS THE PRIMARY CO-SPONSOR.

HATTON SAYS FAMILY LAW IS BIG PART OF HER LAW PRACTICE AND SHE EXPLAINS A DELAY BUILT IN TO ONE PART OF THE MEASURE.

>> RECOGNIZING THAT NOTHING IS EVER PERFECT, ONE PORTION OF THE BILL IS MADE, HAS A DELAYED EFFECTIVE DATE FOR NEXT MARCH IN 2022, AND THAT'S THE PORTION THAT DEALS WITH HOW WE CHARGE CHILD SUPPORT TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE LESS THAN 50/50 CUSTODY BUT MORE THAN THE STANDARD EVERY OTHER WEEKEND VISITATION, SO WE WANT TO DO THAT FAIRLY, WE WANT TO GIVE JUDGES TIME TO ADJUST TO IT AND FIGURE ON IT, AND WE'LL HAVE TIME TO FIX THAT NEXT SESSION IF WE NEED TO >> Casey: HOUSE BILL 404 PASSED THE HOUSE 92 TO ZERO AND NOW HEADS ACROSS THE CAPITOL'S THIRD FLOOR TO THE SENATE FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE A MEASURE SAID TO GO HAND IN HAND WITH HB 404, ALSO PASSED THE HOUSE TODAY.

HOUSE BILL 402 INCREASES THE THRESHOLD AMOUNT FOR FELONY "FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT," OR, MORE SIMPLY, FOR A FAILURE TO PAY CHILD SUPP HOUSE BILL 402 SPONSOR C. ED MASSEY EXPLAINED HIS BILL ON TH HOUSE FLOOR.

>> YOU MAY OR MAY NOT REALIZE THAT IN KENTUCKY, UNLESS WE PASS THIS, IF A PERSON GETS MORE THAN $1,000 BEHIND IN CHILD SUPPORT, THAT THEY ARE SUBJECT TO FELONY CHARGES.

CANDIDLY, MOST PEOPLE NEVER RECEIVE THOSE FELONY CHARGES, BUT NONETHELESS, IT'S THERE.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE CONSIDERED IS THAT IN TODAY'S WORLD, IF SOMEBODY LOSES THEIR JOB AND THEY HAVE NO MONEY COMING IN AND THEY HAD THE INA ABOUT IT TO HIRE COUNSEL TO FILE A MOTION TO MODIFY OR SUSPEND CHILD SUPPORT, THEN BY THE TIME THEY DO GET A JOB, THEY'RE ALREADY IN A FELONY STATUS, IF YOU WILL.

MOST OF THESE ARE NOT RESOLVED AS FELONIES ANYWAY UNLESS THEY'RE VERY, VERY EGREGIOUS.

>> Casey: A COMMITTEE SUBSTITU FOR HOUSE BILL 402 WOULD HAVE RAISED THE THRESHOLD FOR FELONY FLAGRANT NONSUPPORT FROM $1,000 TO $2,500.

THE ORIGINAL BILL WOULD HAVE RAISED THE THRESHOLD TO $5,000.

BEFORE THE COMMITTEE TO HB 402 CAME UP FOR A VOTE, ELIZABETHTOWN REPRESENTATIVE JI DUPLESSIS SPOKE AGAINST IT.

>> I THINK THE $2,500 IS A JOKE.

MAYBE THAT'S STRONG LANGUAGE BUT IT SHOULD BE $5,000 LIKE THE ORIGINAL BILL SAID.

I THINK THAT WAS WELL THOUGHT THROUGH.

I THINK THAT'S MORE IN LINE WITH WHAT A FELONY WOULD BE, WHEREAS $2,500 IS REALLY JUST A COUPLE MONTHS OF PAYMENTS, EVEN LESS THAN THAT FOR SOME FOLKS.

FOR SOME FOLKS THAT'S NOT EVEN ONE MONTH.

SO, MR. SPEAKER, I WOULD JUST URGE THAT WE PASS THE ORIGINAL BILL AS WRITTEN.

>> Casey: THE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FAILED TO PASS ON A VOICE VOTE, AND THE HOUSE VOTED ON THE ORIGINAL MEASURE WHICH WOULD RAISE THE FELONY THRESHOL TO $5,000.

LOUISVILLE REPRESENTATIVE TOM BURCH VOTED AGAINST HOUSE BILL 402.

HE SAYS THE MEASURE DOESN'T HELP THE CHILDREN WHO NEED IT.

>> I THINK THE ORIGINAL LEGISLATION ON CHILD SUPPORT, $1,000, WAS A LOT OF MONEY IN THOSE DAYS.

IF A DELINQUENT FATHER OR A MOTHER GETS $1,000 BEHIND, RAISING IT TO $5,000 ISN'T GOING TO MAKE THOSE CHILDREN EAT ANY BETTER OR HAVE THEIR HOUSING ANY BETTER OR ANYTHING.

AS A MATTER OF FACT, WHAT IF HE GETS TO $5,000 AND PAYS $1,000 OFF, THEN IT STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN FOR HIM TO GET UP TO $5,000 AGAIN.

SO THIS $5,000 ISN'T GOING TO HELP ANYBODY EXCEPT THE GUY WHO IS DELINQUENT IN HIS CHILD SUPPORT.

>> Casey: BURCH WAS ONE OF 22 MEMBERS TO VOTE AGAINST HOUSE BILL 402, BUT THE MEASURE PASSE WITH 71 YES VOTES.

IT NOW HEADS TO THE SENATE.

UTILITY WORKERS FROM OTHER STATES THAT COME TO KENTUCKY TO HELP REPAIR DAMAGED LINES AFTER A NATURAL DISASTER COULD BE GETTING SOME HELP FROM HOUSE BILL 84 WOULD EXEMPT EMPLOYEES RESPONDING TO A DISASTER FROM BEING ASSESSED OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING TAXES AN FEES IF THEY COME TO KENTUCKY FOR EMERGENCY-RELATED OR DISASTER RESPONSE WORK.

HOUSE BILL 84 SPONSOR MYRON DOSSETT SAYS IT WOULD HELP EMPLOYEES LIKE THOSE THAT CAME TO KENTUCKY DURING THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF WINTER WEATHER, TO HELP RESTORE POWER AND COMMUNICATION LINES.

>> WE ARE GOING TO ALLOW THOSE UTILITY WORKERS WHO LIVE OUTSIDE THE STATE AND VOLUNTEER TO COME HERE DURING A WEATHER DISASTER OR A NATURAL DISASTER TO HELP GET OUR UTILITIES BACK GOING TO GET OUR COMMUNICATION BACK GOING AS WELL.

THIS IS A WAY FOR US TO SAY THANK YOU BECAUSE CURRENTLY, IF THEY COME HERE AND WORK HERE JUST IN THE LAST WEEK OR SO, NEXT YEAR THEY'RE GOING TO HAVE TO FILE A W2 FORM FOR THOSE WEEK TO 2 WEEKS THAT THEY MAY HAVE WORKED HERE.

THIS IS OUR WAY, KENTUCKY'S WAY OF SAYING THANK YOU FOR GETTING OUR LIGHTS, OUR HEAT, OUR COMMUNICATIONS BACK UP working >> Casey: DOSSETT SAYS KENTUCKY WOULD BE THE 34th STATE TO HAVE THIS TYPE OF LAW ON THE BOOKS.

A DISASTER RESPONSE PERIOD IS DEFINED IN THE BILL AS BEGINNIN 10 DAYS PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF THE GOVERNOR OR PRESIDENT'S DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY AND EXTENDING UNTIL 3 DAYS AFTERWARD.

A FISCAL NOTE ON THE MEASURE SAYS THERE WILL BE IMPACT TO KENTUCKY'S GENERAL FUND, BUT THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH BECAUSE OF THE UNPREDICTABLE NATURE OF NATURAL DISASTERS.

HOUSE BILL 84 PASSED THE HOUSE CHAMBER 94 TO 0.

THE SENATE WILL NOW HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONSIDER THE MEASURE.

THE HOUSE TOOK UP A NUMBER OF BILLS THAT WOULD MAKE PERMANENT CHANGES BROUGHT ON BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

ONE WOULD HELP PROVIDE ACCESS TO TELEHEALTH SERVICES.

RICHMOND REPRESENTATIVE DEANNA FRAZIER SAYS HOUSE BILL 140 WOULD MAKE PERMANENT LANGUAGE THAT WAS CREATED TO ADDRESS ISSUES DURING THE PANDEMIC.

>> THROUGH HOUSE BILL 140 WE ARE SIMPLY CODIFYING CURRENT COVID RELATED TELEHEALTH PROVISIONS OF THE INTO STATUTE.

ALL OF THE CURRENT COVID RELATED REGULATIONS REGARDING TELEHEALTH HAVE ALLOWED FOR TIMELY, FLEXIBLE AND EFFICIENT PATIENT COMPARE.

THE YOU'LLTATIONOF TELEHEALTH MASS BEEN ONE OF THOUGH RARE SHINING MOTELS OF HOPE DURING THIS PANDEMIC IT'S SOMETHING OUR STATE NEEDS TO CONTINUE TO DO SO THAT THOSE WHO ARE LEERY OF INPATIENT VOTERS THOSE WHO LIVE IN OUR RURAL AREAS CAN ACCESS A >> Casey: A NUMBER OF FLOOR AMENDMENTS MADE CHANGES TO THE HOUSE FLOOR AMENDMENT 1, SPONSORED BY LOUISVILLIAN LISA WILLNER, WOULD RECOGNIZE THE INTERSTATE COMPACT WHERE TELEHEALTH SERVICES CAN BE PROVIDED OUTSIDE OF KENTUCKY TO THOSE WHO LIVE HERE.

IT ALSO CREATES A DEFINITION FOR A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.

HOUSE FLOOR AMENDMENT 4 IS SPONSORED BY HOUSE HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES CHAIR KIM MOSER SHE EXPLAINS PART OF THE AMENDM.

>> THIS AMENDMENT SAYS THAT RURAL HEALTH CLINICS OR FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS ARE OFTEN THE ORIGINATING SITE OF A TELEHEALTH VIDEO CALL, BUT THEY'RE NOT THE END PROVIDER, AND SO THIS AMENDMENT ENSURES THAT THESE CLINICS ARE REIMBURSED A FACILITY FEE FOR THE ORIGINATION OF THE TELEHEALTH VISIT TO SOMEONE LIKE A SUBSPECIALIST LIKE A CARDIOLOGIST OUTSIDE OR OUT OF TOWN.

THIS PARTICULAR PIECE OF THE AMENDMENT ALIGNS WITH CMS REIMBURSEMENT FOR SUCH FEES, AND IT ENSURES THAT ONLY ONE REIMBURSEMENT IS PROVIDED FOR RURAL HEALTH CLINICS OR FQHCs AND IT FURTHER DEFINES FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTERS, FQHC LOOKALIKES AND ORIGINATING SITES IN RURAL HEALTH amendments >> Casey: HOUSE FLOOR AMENDMENT 4 HOUSE BILL 140 ALSO PASSED THE HOUSE 95 TO 0.

IT IS NOW ON ITS WAY TO THE SENATE FOR CONSIDERATION THERE.

ANOTHER MEASURE MEANT TO MAKE CHANGES BROUGHT ON BY THE PANDEMIC PERMANENT WOULD ALLOW GROCERY ITEMS TO BE SOLD BY KENTUCKY RE SALYERSVILLE REPRESENTATIVE JOH BLANTON EXPLAINED HIS HOUSE BIL 190 ON THE HOUSE FLOOR.

>> THIS BODY PASSED A REQUEST VERY YIKE NEEDED LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE COVID RELIEF FOR BUSINESSES AND OTHER ENTITIES AROUND THE STATE MUCH LIKE WITH WITH TELEHEALTH THAT WE HEARD FROM THE LADY FROM MADISON A LITTLE WHILE AGO, AND WHAT WE'VE LEARNED FROM SOME OF THAT LEGISLATION IS SOME OF THOSE THINGS WERE GOOD PRACTICES, AND WE NEED TO MAKE THEM PERMANENT RATHER THAN JUST DURING THIS EMERGENCY TIME.

AND SO THAT'S WHAT THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION IS GOING TO DO.

WHAT WE DID IN SENATE BILL 150, AND WE'RE CODIFYING THAT IN MORE PERMANENT LANGUAGE, IS ALLOW FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTS TO BE ABLE TO SELL FOOD ITEMS, GROCERIES SUCH AS BREAD, MILK, AND OTHER STAPLES TO THEIR CUSTOMERS TO HELP WITH THE CUTBACK IN THE NUMBER OF MEME THAT WAS GOING TO BE ABLE TO BE IN THEIR FACILITIES -- PEOPLE THAT WAS GOING TO BE TO BE ABLE TO BE IN THEIR FACILITIES AND ALSO TO MAKE IT MORE READILY AVAILABLE FOR THE CONSUMER.

>> Casey: HOUSE BILL 190 WAS PASSED BY THE HOUSE 92 TO 0.

THE SENATE ALSO PASSED A BILL THAT AIMED TO MAKE SOME COVID CHANGE THE SENATE APPROVED A MEASURE THAT WOULD ALLOW KENTUCKIANS TO CONTINUE TO PURCHASE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ALONG WITH TAKE-OUT MEALS FROM EATERIES IN THE COMM LAWMAKERS APPROVED SO-CALLED "COCKTAILS TO GO" IN LAST YEAR' LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

SENATOR JOHN SCHICKEL'S SENATE BILL 67 WOULD MAKE THAT A PERMANENT OPTION FOR PATRONS.

>> IT APPLIES TO RESTAURANTS, SMALL FARM WINERY, PEOPLE WITH RETAIL DRINK LICENSES, AND WHAT IT DOES, MR. PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE CHAMBER, IT ALLOWS THESE INSTITUTIONS TO SELL ALCOHOL TO GO IF THEY MEET THESE STRICT RETIREMENTS EVER REQUIREMENTS.

THE ALCOHOL MUST BE PURCHASED IN CONJUNCTION WITH A MEAL.

THE DRINKS MUST BE PURCHASED IN REASONABLE AMOUNTS AND NOT IN BULK QUANTITIES.

THE CONTAINERS MUST BE SEALED.

THERE'S A WHOLE PROTOCOL FOR THAT, INCLUDING THEY MUST BE IN A LOCKED NON-PASSENGER PART OF THE CAR, AND KRS 243115 WHICH IS THE K RECEIVES WE PASSED YEARS AGO, WHEN YOU TAKE A BOTTLE OF LINE THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY OPENED OUT, ALL THOSE LAWS APPLY TO THIS.

AND, OF COURSE, THERE'S NO SALES IN DRY TERRITORY AND, OF COURSE, NO SALES TO MINORS.

>> Casey: SENATE MAJORITY FLOO LEADER DAMON THAYER SAYS THE LEGISLATION COULD BE CALLED "TH RESTAURANT RECOVERY AND RELIEF ACT" FOR WHAT IT WILL DO TO HEL ESTABLISHMENTS HURT BY COVID SH.

>> THE ASPECT THAT WORKS WELL ON THIS BILL IS WE'RE AT NO GIVING THEM ANY STIMULUS MONEY, WE'RE NOT PASSING A BAIL-OUT FOR THEM.

WE'RE JUST ALLOWING THEM TO HAVE FREE ENTERPRISE, AND I'VE ALWAYS SUPERIOR COURT ON THIS FLOOR ABOUT REMOVING ARTIFICIAL BARRIERS TO FREEBIES.

SENATE BILL SEVEN DOES THAT.

THIS IS A LIFELINE TO OUR RESTAURANTS AROUND THE COMMONWEALTH.

AND FOR THOSE WHO ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS, YOU KNOW THERE'S A HIGHER PROFIT MARGIN ON DRINKS, WHETHER THEY'RE ALCOHOLIC OR NOT, THAN THERE IS FOOD, SO IT'S BEEN A MAJOR BOON FOR THESE BUSINESSES DURING THE COVID, AND AS THEY SEEK TO RECOVER BACK TO NORMAL LEVELS OF BUSINESS AS WE GET BACK TO A NORMAL LIFESTYLE HERE, HOPEFULLY IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.

SENATE BILL 67 WILL ALLOW THAT TO >> Casey: LOUISVILLE DEMOCRA DAVID YATES, WHO IS A PERSONAL-INJURY LAWYER, SAYS TH MEASURE WILL HAVE POSITIVE IMPACTS BEYOND HELPING RESTAURA.

>> MY MOTHER HAD A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER, I HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF REPRESENTING A LOT OF FAMILIES OVER THE YEARS THAT HAVE BEEN INJURED BY DRUNK DRIVERS.

AND SO ANY TIME I LOOK AT ALCOHOL SALES, I ALWAYS THINK HOW THAT AFFECTS OUR FAMILIES, OUR CONSTITUENTS.

TO ME IT MACKS A HECK OF A LOT MORE SENSE TO BE ABLE FOR SOMEONE TO HAVE THE DRINKS TO GO TO TAKE IT HOME AND DRINK AS OPPOSED TO SIT IN THE BOOTH, CONSUME THE DRINKS, AND THEN DRIVE HOME.

SO IN ADDITION TO THE STIMULUS THAT WE PROVIDE TO THE RESTAURANTS, I THINK IT ALSO ADDS A SENSE OF A LITTLE BIT OF COMMON SENSE TO PUBLIC safety >> Casey: LAWRENCEBURG REPUBLICAN ADRIENNE SOUTHWORTH SAYS THE BILL WOULD ALSO PROMOTE PERSONA.

>> I AM REALLY HAPPY THAT THIS BILL ACTUALLY HELPS ALL OF THE GROUPS INVOLVED.

I THINK THIS IS MAJORLY IN FAVOR OF PUBLIC INTEREST ON A NUMBER OF LEVELS, NOT TO MENTION AS WAS EARLIER MENTIONED BY THE IT'S SENATOR FROM SCOTT, RESTAURANTS AND PROFIT MARGINS, BUT ALSO IN RESPONDENT THAT WE HAVE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY.

I'M THE FIRST PERSON TO STAND UP TO SAY I'M REALLY IN FAVORITE 21st AMENDMENT IN THE SENSE THAT IT GIVES THE STATES THE ABILITY TO REGULATE THIS INDUSTRY, BUT I'M ALSO MUCH IN FAVOR OF KEEPING THINGS TAMPED DOWN TO MANAGEABLE AND NOT HAVING IT OUT OF CONTROL THAT BROUGHT ON PROHIBITION IF THE FIRST PLACE.

OVER 100 YEARS AGO WE HAD OVER THREE TIMES THE NUMBER OF DRINK CONSUMPTION AS WE DO NOW, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS, AND WE CERTAINLY DON'T WANT TO HEAD INTO A SITUATION WHERE THINGS ARE TOTALLY OUT OF CONTROL.

I THINK THAT THIS BILL BALANCES BECAUSE INSTEAD OF SOMEONE BUYING CASES AT A TIME AND BRINGING THEM HOME, THEY CAN ORDER A DRINK WITH A MEAL, WHICH WOULD HELP KEEP THE RESPONDENT FACTOR THAT I'M INTERESTED IN -- RESPONSIBILITY FACTOR THAT I'M INTERESTED IN AND HELP REDUCE o >> Casey: SENATE BILL 67 PASSED THE CHAMBER ON A 28 TO 7 VOTE AND GOES TO THE HOUSE FOR CONSI THE SENATE ALSO CONSIDERED A MEASURE THAT WOULD END COPAYMENTS CHARGED BY MANAGED CARE ORGANIZATIONS TO MEDICAID RECIPIENTS AND THOSE COVERED BY THE KENTUCKY CHILDREN'S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM, ALSO KNOWN A SENATOR STEPHEN MEREDITH OF LEITCHFIELD SAYS COPAYMENTS SHOULD SERVE THE FUNCTION OF SHARING RISK BETWEEN PROVIDERS AND PATIENTS, AND ENCOURAGE PATIENTS TO CHANGE THEIR BEHAVIORS AND MAKE BETTER HEALT CARE DECISIONS.

BUT HE CONTENDS COPAYMENTS FAIL TO MEET EITHER .

>> I HAD A PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN APPROACH ME AND TELL ME HE LIKED MY SENATE BILL 55.

HAVE I SAID I DO, TOO, BUT YOU TELL ME WHY YOU LIKE IT.

HE GAVE ME AN EXAMPLE OF A PATIENT HE HAD-- THIS IS A PRIMARY CARE -- A PATIENT WHO THE CHRONIC PULMONARY DISEASE, COPD.

HE SAID THIS PATIENT HAD CALLED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT IN HIS OFFICE, AND HIS RECEPTIONIST TOLD THE EMACIATE PATRICIA THAT SEEK WE CAN SEE YOU ON SUCH-AND-SUCH DATE AND BY THE WAY THERE IS A $1 MEDICAID COPAY, AND THE PATIENT SAID, WELL, AND AGAIN BEAR IN MIND THIS JUST FOR PAY SINGLE DOLLAR, THE PATIENT SAID, WELL, MAYBE I CAN WAIT AND ACTUALLY CAME IN THE NEXT WEEK AND HIS SITUATION HAD WORSENED AND ACTUALLY HAD TO BE ADMITTED TO THE HOSPITAL.

SO AGAIN, WITH THIS COPAY WE DID NOTHING TO IMPROVE THE ACCESS OF CARE.

WE DID NOTHING TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND WE CERTAINLY DIDN'T REDUCE THE COST.

ONE MORE OPTION THAT THE PATIENT WOULD HAVE HAD WOULD GO TO THE ER BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE UNDERSTAND IN THEIR WORDS, IT'S FOR FREE, BUT UNFORTUNATELY EVERY TIME YOU GO TO ER THERE'S NO SUCH THIN A PRIMARY CARE VISIT.

IT'S TRULY AN EMERGENT VISIT UNTIL YOU ARE OTHERWISE.

IT CAN COST HUNDREDS IF THOUGHT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS SO ADDING COSTS TO THE SYSTEM AGAIN.

SO THE PURPOSE OF ELIMINATING THESE COPAYS IS AGAIN THE INCREASED ACCESS TO CARE, REDUCE THE COST OF HEALTH CARE, AND TO IMPROVE HEALTH CARE QUALITY.

THIS IS A FISCAL NOTE TO THIS IT'S GOING TO COST OUR STATE APPROXIMATELY $13 MILLION, ROUGHLY $3 MILLION FROM THE STATE GENERAL FUND, $8 MILLION BY MATCHINGAL FRATERNAL ORDER FUNDS, BUT THE CABINET IS IN SUPPORT OF THIS BILL THIS SAY THIS CAN BE ABSORBED WITHIN THE CURRENT GENERAL FUND.

>> Casey: EVEN THOUGH THE CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES WILL HAVE TO PAY MORE TO COVER COPAYMENTS FOR MEDICAID AND K-CHIP PATIENTS, SENATOR WILL SCHRODER SAYS IT WILL BE WORTH IT IN THE LONG RUN.

>> NI ANY TIME YOU HEAR A -- I THINK ANY TIME YOU HEAR A BILL IS GOING TO COST FUNDS, IN THIS CASE I BELIEVE IT WAS $11 MILLION OUT OF THE GENERAL FUND, AND I REALIZE THAT THE CABINET SAID THEY CAN AFFORD THE COST, SO THAT'S CERTAINLY A GOOD THING, BUT I THINK A LOT OF CONSTITUENTS WOULD SAY, YOU KNOW, WHY IS THIS A GOOD THING FOR KENTUCKY?

BUT AS THE SENATOR FROM GRAYSON EXPLAINED, THIS MONEY IS NOT BEING COLLECTED RIGHT NOW.

IT'S A COUNTERPRODUCTIVE MEASURE THAT IS COSTING OUR PROVIDERS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH TIME, ENERGY, AND MONEY BY DOING THE CURRENT MODEL, SO I APPLAUD HIM AND APPLAUD THIS BODY FOR LOOKING AT IT FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE IN A WAY THAT OVERALL IS GOING TO BRING SAVINGS TO THE COMMONWEALTH.

THANK you >> Casey: SENATE BILL 55 PASSED THE SENATE ON VOTE OF 34 TO 1.

THE SENATE ALSO GAVE F PASSAGE TO SENATE BILL 3, WHICH WOULD MOVE THE KENTUCKY OFFICE OF AGRICULTURE POLICY TO THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

IT NOW HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR'S DES THE KENTUCKY HOUSE PASSED A RESOLUTION TODAY THAT ENCOURAGE THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ADOPT THE HYDE AMENDMENT, WHICH WOULD PREVENT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FROM USING TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO FUND ABORTIONS.

LOUISVILLE REPRESENTATIVE JASON NEMES SPOKE ON HOUSE RESOLUTION.

>> SO NOW THERE IS UNFORTUNATELY THE DEBATE HAS DEVOLVED INTO CUSHIONS OF CONGRESS GETTING RID OF THE HYDE AMENDMENTINGS AND LET'S BE CLEAR WHAT THAT MEANS.

WHAT THAT MEANS IS THAT YOUR TAXPAYER DOLLARS WILL BE FUNDING BOOZER DEAN AGAIN.

IT HASN'T HAPPENED SIPS BEFORE I WAS BORN.

WHAT THIS RESOLUTION SAYS TO OUR SENATORS AND CONGRESS PERSONS FROM KENTUCKY, PLEASE DO NOT GET RID OF THE HYDE AMENDMENT.

IT'S SOMETHING THAT IS A SECOND TO US AND HAS BEEN SO FOR MORE THAN -- SACRED TO US AND BEEN SO MORE THAN 40 YEARS, AND IF WE DO GET RID OF THE HYDE AMENDMENT OUR TAX DOLLARS WILL BE SPENT ON ABORTING BABIES THE IN UNITED STATES.

I ASK YOU TO VOTE YES ON THIS.

A NO VOTE UNFORTUNATELY TO BE IN SUPPORT OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS FUNDING ABORTIONS ONCE AGAIN 40 FIRST TIME IN OVER 40 YEARS.

>> Casey: A DIFFERENT LOUISVIL REPRESENTATIVE DISAGREED WITH THE HOUSE RESOLUTION.

REPRESENTATIVE JOSIE RAYMOND VOTED AGAINST THE MEASURE.

SHE ASKED THE RESOLUTION'S SPONSOR, NANCY TATE, A QUESTION.

>> THERE'S ALL KINDS OF STUFF THAT I DON'T LIKE MY TAX DOLLARS GOING TO, EVEN WHEN THERE'S A DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT.

AS CITIZENS OF A REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY, DO WE GET TO DECIDE THAT THERE ARE PARTS OF THE FEDERAL BUDGET THAT WE DISAGREE WITH AND EVER EVER THEREFORE OUR TAX DOLLARS DON'T GO TO?

>> LADY FROM EDEN.

>> AGAIN, AS I'VE STRESSED, THIS IS ACTUALLY A BIPARTISAN SUPPORT AND IT HAS BEEN IN A PLACE FOR APPROXIMATELY FOUR DECADES, AND SO I THINK AT THIS POINT THE CONGRESS HAS BEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE OF THIS AMENDMENT, AND, YEAH, I THINK THAT BECAUSE OF THAT AND BECAUSE OF THE -- THAT'S A REFLECTION OF THE POLLS THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN THAT SAY THAT OUR TAX DOLLARS SHOULD NOT BE USED TO SUPPORT THIS.

I'M GOING TO SAY A HEALTH CARE THAT IS UP TO THIS POINT BEEN DETERMINED TO BE OPTIONAL BECAUSE IF IT IS -- THERE'S A PROVISION THAT SAYS THAT IF THE HEALTH CARE PRACTICE IS NEEDED FOR THE LIFE OF THE MOTHER, THEN THERE IS AN EXCEPTION.

>> LADY FROM JEFFERSON.

>> THANK YOU.

SO JUST TO CLARIFY.

AS TAXPAYERS, WE DON'T GET TO DECIDE WHICH PARTS OF OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT are -- >> Casey: HOUSE RESOLUTION 4 PASSED THE HOUSE 74 TO 18.

TONIGHT, GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR SIGNED SENATE BILL 120 INTO LAW.

THE LEGISLATION LEGALIZES HISTORICAL HORSE RACING MACHINES.

THE MEASURE WAS PASSED AFTER THE KENTUCKY SUPREME COURT RULED LAST YEAR THAT THE HISTORICAL HORSE RACING MACHINES ARE NOT PARI-MUTUEL RACING.

THE LAW WILL TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY.

AS WE LEAVE YOU TONIGHT, WE'RE BRINGING YOU ANOTHER SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF A NEW FACE IN THE KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

AS PART OF OUR FRESHMAN PROFILES SERIES, WE'LL GET TO KNOW THE BACKGROUNDS OF THE NEW LEGISLATORS, WHAT PROMPTED THEM TO SEEK ELECTED OFFICE, AND WHA THEY HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH WHILE THEY'RE HERE THIS SESSION.

TONIGHT, REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAM LAWRENCE OF MAYSVILLE.

>> I'M WILLIAM LAWRENCE.

I'VE BARREN AND RAISED IN MASON COUNTY AND I REPRESENT THE -- BEING 32 I HAVE ONLY HAD A FEW JOBS.

I STARTED OFF MY FIRST JOB WAS ACTUALLY KROGER.

I REMEMBER STARTING THERE, AND POLITICS WAS NEVER PART OF THE PLAN, AS WE DISCUSSED EARLIER.

GETTING INTO PROBABLY ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO I STARTED MY ON COMPANY, MY WIFE AND I TOOK MONEY OFF THE 401(K) THAT I HAD AND WE STARTED IN THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS, HAVING NO EXPERIENCE IN BUSINESS AND BEING FIRST GENERATION LANDLORD MY DAD THOUGHT I HAD LOSS LOST MY MIND BUT MY MOM HELPED US AND CLEANED AND THINGS, AND AS WE STARTED WE HAVE SEEN SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH, WE SAW THE NEED FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE GOOD AFFORDABLE HOUSING, AND SO IT BECAME WHAT WE WERE INTERESTED IN AND DOING.

IN GROWING THE UNITS WE HAVE 87 AND NOW WE HOUSE A LOT OF AFFORDABLE PROPERTIES, WE GOT INTO HISTORICAL BUILDINGS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

A BUILDING THAT WAS CONDEMNED AND SHUT DOWN NOW HOUSES 13 FAMILIES.

SO THAT WAS SORT OF WHAT LED UP TO US DECIDING TO RUN FOR OFFICE, AND SO THAT WAS THE JOBS THAT I HAVE DONE, AND I WORKED FOR A COUPLE UTILITY COMPANIES AND THINGS LIKE THAT AND JUST WENT FULL-TIME FOR MYSELF ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO.

POLITICS WAS CERTAINLY NEVER PART OF THE PLAN.

WHEN THE NEWS COME OUT THAT JOHN SIMS WAS NO LONGER DISABILITY GOING TO BE IN OFFICE, ME BEING A REPUBLICAN, I WANTED TO JOIN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND KIND OF BACK A CANDIDATE FOR WHOMEVER WAS GOING TO RUN, AND IN DOING THAT, MAKING THE PHONE CALLS AND THINGS, MY NAME HAD GOTTEN BROUGHT UP AND SENATOR WEST CALL ME ONE DAY TO DISCUSS THAT.

WILLIAM, I HAR YOUR GOING TO RUN.

I SAID, NO, THAT'S NOT THE TRUTH AT ALL.

BUT THE MORE THAT I THOUGHT ABOUT IT AND SEEING NO ONE WAS WILLING TO STEP UP, SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO BE THE CHANGE THAT YOU'RE WANTING TO SEE, AND MY WIFE AND I PRAYED IT, THOUGHT ABOUT IT, TALKED TO MY PASTOR AND FAMILY AND TOLD HIM IT'S GOING TO BE A DAUNTING TASKTH.

P. P IT'S GOING TO TAKE AWAY FROM OUR FAMILY AND TAKE AWAY FROM HUR TIME, BUT IF YOU CAN MAKE CHANGE IT'S WELL WORTH IT THE TIME SPENT.

BEING FROM THE LITCHFIELD AREA THAT'S WHERE I ENJOY.

WHEN I SEE PEOPLE SUCCEED, I THINK THAT IS A HUGE DRIVING FORCE IN OUR STATE, ECONOMY AND GIVING PEOPLE JOBS AND HOPE AND EXCITEMENT FOG TO GO TO WORK.

WHEN I WORK FOR SOMEONE ELSE, AND I'M NOT RUNNING IT DOWN BY MI MEANS, I WAS NOT EXCITED ABOUT IT.

OWNING MY OWN BUSINESS OR BEING ABLE TO WORK FOR MYSELF IS PROBABLY THE MOST REWARDING THING THAT I HAVE DONE, AND I HAVE SEEN SO MANY PEOPLE IN MY DISTRICT AND SO MANY OF OUR FRIENDS START THEIR OWN BUSINESSES.

WE HAVE SOME GREAT BUSINESSES.

A FRIEND OF MINE STARTED HER COMPANY FROMCH CONTRACT, AND I WANT TO BE THERE TO SUPPORT PEOPLE LIKE HER BECAUSE HER VISION WAS TO HELP PEOPLE LITERALLY JUST LIKE OURS IS TO PROVIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR FOLKS, HERS WAS TO EMPLOY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND TO START A LITTLE BAKERY AND SHE HAS GROWN FROM A TINY KITCHEN AND STARTS SHE HAS A NURSING DEGREE AND SAID I WANT TO BE THERE FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS AND GROW THE ECONOMY.

HOUSE BILL 1 IS GOING TO GROW KENTUCKY'S ECONOMY AND SEVERAL OTHER BILLS TO HELP SUPPORT BUSINESSES.

I'M WORKING CLOSER TO THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BECAUSE THAT IS MY PASSION.

THAT'S WHAT I KNOW.

THAT'S WHERE I COME FROM.

THAT IS MY LANE.

I'M GOING TO TRY TO STAY IN IT.

AND JUST TO SEE BUSINESSES SUCCEED AND TO REALLY BRING SOME LIFE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE, LIKE YOU SAID A MOMENT AGO, THIS COVID YEAR HAS BEEN TOUGH ON BUSINESSES WEBSITES BEEN TOUGH ON FAMILIES IN GENERAL, AND I THINK THAT IT'S NOW THE UGLIES EVER LEGISLATURES ARE LEGISLATURE'S RESPONSIBILITY TO GET THINGS BACK ON TRACK AND TO PUT PEOPLE BACK TO WORK AND MAKE THEM EXCITED ABOUT GOING BACK TO WORK, SAFELY OBVIOUSLY, BUT WE'VE GOT TO GET OUR STATE BACK OPEN AND WE'VE GOT TO GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER.

MY FAITH IS A DRIVING FORCE IN WHO I AM.

IT WILL READ A LOT OF THE DECISIONS THAT I WILL MAKE HERE IN THIS LEGISLATURE AND AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF MY PEOPLE.

I KNOW THAT I'M NOT HERE TO REPRESENT MYSELF OR MY PERSONAL BELIEFS OR VIEWS, AND I'LL DO MY BEST TO NOT DO THAT, BUT MY MORAL VALUES ARE THE CORE OF WHO I AM, AND I WON'T WAIVER ON THAT, AND I MADE THAT CLEAR THE ON CAMPAIGN TRAIL.

HOW WE FUND THE ROADS AND HOW WE FUND DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF OUR STATE, I'M WILLING TO NEGOTIATE, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO MY MORAL VALUES, THAT'S ONE THING I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT I STAND UPON THAT.

WE ALL FAIL.

WILDLIFE PROBLEMS.

AND I THINK THE GREATEST QUALITY IN A CHRISTIAN PERSON OR IN ANYONE THAT HAS FAITH AT ALL IS NOT THE ABILITY TO NEVER FAIL BUT THE ABILITY TO BACK UP AFTER THEY FAIL AND BE WILLING TO OWN THAT AND SAY I'M A MAN AND I'M GOING TO OWN PITS AND DOES MYSELF off >> Casey: YOU CAN VIEW OTHER PROFILES OF THE 2021 GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S FRESHMAN LEGISLATORS ON KET'S YOUTUBE PA LAST WEEK'S WINTER WEATHER BROUGHT SOME CHANGES TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S CALENDAR FOR THE REST OF THE SESSION.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DID NOT MEET LAST WEEK AND WILL MAKE UP THOSE CANCELED DAYS ON FEBRUARY 22ND, MARCH 1ST AND 2ND.

THE FINAL DAY TO FILE BILLS IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE WAS MOVED TO TOMORROW, FEBRUARY 23RD.

THAT'S ALL FOR OUR DAY 15 COVERAGE OF THE 2021 KENTUCKY COVERAGE OF THE 20-21 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SES FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS SCHEDULE, CALL 1-800-633-9650.

YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW OUR GAVEL TO GAVEL COVERAGE THROUGHOUT THE DAY BY DOWNLOADING KET'S LEGISLATIVE COVERAGE APP TO YOUR SMART PHONE OR TABLET.

YOU CAN WATCH ON OUR CHANNEL OR FOLLOW ALONG ONLINE AT KET.ORG, AND WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT "LEGISLATIVE UPDATE" FOR MANY NIGHT, 11:00 P.M. EASTERN, 10:00 P.