KENTUCKY HOUSE SENDS BUDGET BILLS TO THE SENATE, LEGISLATIO TO CURB THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIV POWER HEAD TO HIS DESK, AND THE HOUSE PASSES A BILL THAT WOULD PROVIDE LIABILITY PROTECTION FO BUSINESSES DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC ON DAY SIX OF THE 2021 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SESSION.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TONIGHT FOR "LEGISLATIVE UPDATE."

I'M CASEY THE KENTUCKY HOUSE SENT BUDGET BILLS TO THE SENATE TODAY, BUT IT WAS UNLIKE THE TYPICAL BUDGE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS AND REVENU COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN JASON PETRIE CALLED PASSING THE BILLS A "PROCEDURAL" MOVE, PREPARING TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO CH.

>> THIS IS A CONTINUATION BILL.

WE HAD A BUDGET SESSION OF 60 DAYS LAST SESSION.

WE ENGAGED IN THE USUAL DEEP DIVE OF COMMITTEE SUBSTANCE ON EACH OF THE RESPECTIVE AREAS, THIS BEING TOUCHDOWNS.

AND THEN UNFORTUNATELY DUE TO COVID WE HAD TO SHORTEN THE PROCESS, TRUNCATE THE PRIORITY SETTING, AND ISSUE A BUDGET IN AN EMERGENCY UNPRECEDENTED CIRCUMSTANCE.

THIS YEAR WE PICKED THIS UP AND WE ARE TRYING TO GET PAST THE BUDGET REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE BECAUSE WE ONLY HAVE 30 DAYS, AND WE DID THAT WORK LAST TIME.

>> Casey: THE BILLS ON THEIR W TO THE SENATE ARE: HOUSE BILL 192, THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH BUDGET; HOUSE BILL 193, THE TRANSPORTATION BRANCH BUDGET; HOUSE BILL 194, THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH BUDGET; AND HOUSE BILL 195, THE JUDICIAL BRANCH BUDGET THE PROPOSAL FOR THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH BUDGET WAS THE ONLY BUDGET BILL THAT GARNERED DISCUSSION TODAY.

IN THE HOUSE.

A NUMBER OF DEMOCRATS ROSE TO SPEAK IN FAVOR OF THE PROPOSAL GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR MADE LAST HOUSE MINORITY LEADER JONI JENKINS AND MINORITY WHIP ANGIE HATTON EXPLAINED WHAT THEY HOPE WOULD COME FROM THE BUDGET PROC.

>> IT'S A CONTINUATION OF THE AUSTERE BUDGET THAT WE ALL WORKED HARD ON TOGETHER LAST SESSION, BUT BUT IT WAS PASSED AT A TIME WHEN WE WERE ALL REALLY SCARED.

WE DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN TO OUR ECONOMY.

WE WERE IN FEAR OF SOMETHING MUCH WORSE THAN WHAT ACTUALLY ENDED UP HAPPENING BY THE END OF FISCAL -- OR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2020.

IT'S A TURNED OUT, WE HAD AN EXTRA $625 MILLION THAT WE DIDN'T EXPECT, AND THAT IS BEYOND WHAT WE NEEDED FOR COMPLETION AND SATISFACTION OF THIS BUDGET.

SO WITH THAT $625 MILLION, WE HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO NEED OUR HELP AND WHO ARE ASKING THAT THAT MONEY BE SENT WHERE IT'S NEEDED.

AND RIGHT NOW WE HAVE PUT THAT ENTIRE AMOUNT INTO OUR RAINY DAY FUND IN THIS BUDGET.

IN ADDITION TO THE OVER $400 MILLION WE ALREADY HAVE.

SO I THINK IT'S ABOUT $1.2 BILLION WE HAVE SITTING IN OUR RAINY DAY FUND.

AND, GUYS, THIS IS A RAINY DAY.

THIS IS WHY WE HAVE THIS FUND.

THIS IS THE TIME WHEN SO MANY PEOPLE ARE IN NEED ACROSS OUR COMMONWEALTH.

YOU NOW, I BELIEVE THE BUDGET THAT THE GOVERNOR PROVIDED TO US WAS A BUDGET THAT WAS RESPONSIBLE AND IT WAS RESPONSIVE.

I BELIEVE IT WAS A BUDGET THAT SPENT ONE-TIME MONEY FOR ONE-TIME THINGS.

IT WAS A BUDGET THAT REACHED OUT TO THOSE PEOPLE ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH THAT ARE HURTING BECAUSE OF A LOT OF THINGS, BUT MAINLY BECAUSE OF THIS PANDEMIC.

IT PROVIDED RELIEF TO INDIVIDUALS.

IT PROVIDED RELIEF TO SMALL BUSINESSES.

IT PROVIDED MONEY FOR OUR VERY, VERY DISASTROUS UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE SYSTEM.

IT IS A BUDGET THAT ALSO PROVIDED HOPE FOR THE COMMONWEALTH SO THAT WE COULD COME OUT OF THIS PANDEMIC WITH AN ECONOMY THAT WAS RARING TO GO.

>> Casey: REPRESENTATIVE JASON PETRIE WAS QUICK TO TAMP DOWN EXPECTATIONS ABOUT WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH THIS YEAR'S BUDGET.

HE SAYS THE STATE HAS TO BE CAREFUL WITH ITS USE OF ONE-TIM.

>> WHEN WE CONSIDER THOSE ISSUES, THERE ARE THINGS THAT WE HAVE TO PUT IN CONTEXT.

REVENUE PROJECTIONS ARESHIP THINGS.

YOU HAVE TO CONSIDER WHAT IT'S BEING COMPARED TO, WHETHER IT WAS AN ANOMALY OR WHEN IT WHETHER IT WAS NORMAL COURSE PUNCH TO CONSIDER WHETHER THERE ARTIFICIAL INFLUENCES DURING THE YEAR OR PERIOD THAT YOU'RE CONSIDERING, SUCH AS AN US UNPRECEDENTED AMOUNT OF UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROCEEDS WHICH RESULT IN STATE TAX REVENUE, WHETHER OR NOT THERE WERE OTHER ANOMALIES OF FEDERAL MONEY COMING IN AND AFFECTING NORMAL MARKET AND ECONOMY FORCES.

YOU ALSO HAVE TO CONSIDER, AS WE WEIGH THE PRIORITIES IN THIS BUDGET AND EVERY OTHER, THAT ALTHOUGH SOME WANT TO SAY WE HAVE A GREAT TRAJECTORY AHEAD OF US, BUT AT THE SAME TIME WE HEAR OUR NUMBERS MAY BE THE WORST IN THE PANDEMIC, THAT THE VACS NATIONS ARE NOT MOVING FAST ENOUGH, THAT WE'RE NOT SURE WHEN WE'LL BE ABLE TO, QUOTE/UNQUOTE, REOPEN.

SO WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THE GROUND THAT WE STAND ON MAY APPEAR FIRM AT TIMES, BUT WHEN YOU LOOK UNDERNEATH THE TOP THIN LAYER, THERE MAY BE FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS THAT REQUIRE PRUDENT, CAREFUL ANALYSIS OF WHERE WE ARE BEFORE WE SPEND ONE-TIME MONEY THAT'S AVAILABLE.

ONE-TIME MONEY HISTORICALLY IN KENTUCKY, AS I'VE OBSERVED, RESULTS IN RIBBONS BEING CUT AND FANFARE BEING GIVEN, BUT LITTLE TO NO CONVERSATION HOW THOSE BUILDS AND RIBBONS AND FANFARE ARE DEALT WITH IN SUBSEQUENT BUDGETS FOR MAINTENANCE AND UPGRADES, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE PROJECT OR PURPOSE MAY BE.

IT IS INCUMBENT UPON US NOT TO OVEREXTEND OURSELVES WITH ONE-TIME MONEY.

>> Casey: PETRIE SAYS HE EXPEC FUNDING THE PENSION SYSTEM WILL BE A PRIORITY AGAIN.

DURING THI APPROPRIATIONS AND REVENUE COMMITTEE MEETING LEGISLATORS SKIPPED OVER HOUSE BILL 191, WHICH IS THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSA FOR COVID-19 RELIEF.

PETRIE SAID THIS WAS DUE TO A TECHNICAL ISS ALSO TODAY, THE KENTUCKY HOUSE CREATED AN IMPEACHMENT COMMITTE THAT WILL DETERMINE WHETHER GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR SHOULD BE IMPEACHED AFTER FOUR CITIZENS SUBMITTED A PETITION LAST WEEK.

LOUISVILLE REPRESENTATIVE JASON NEMES WILL CHAIR THE COMMITTEE.

OTHER MEMBERS ARE REPRESENTATIVES: C. ED MASSEY, KIM KING, SUZANNE MILES, ANGIE HATTON, GEORGE BROWN, AND PATTI "ARBITRARY ORDERS THAT WERE LACKING IN DEMONSTRABLE STUDIES THAT PRODUCED CONFUSION AND ANGER," THAT'S HOW REPUBLICANS CHARACTERIZE GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS DURING THE PANDEMIC.

ON SATURDAY, THE GOP-DOMINATED LEGISLATURE PASSED NEW LAWS TO CORRECT WHAT THEY BELIEVE WAS A OVERREACH OF POWER FROM THE STATE'S CHIEF EXECUTIVE.

THE SENATE-AMENDED HOUSE BILL 1 LETS BUSINESSES BE OPEN and FULLY OPERATIONAL WITH IN-PERSO SERVICES, AND ALLOWS SCHOOLS TO RETURN TO IN-PERSON INSTRUCTION DURING THE PANDEMIC.

BUSINESSES WOULD BE ABLE TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL CENTERS FOR CONTROL OR STATE EXECUTIVE BRANCH GUIDELINES, WHICHEVER IS LEAST RESTRICTIVE.

WINCHESTER PHYSICIAN RALPH ALVARADO CARRIED THE BILL ON THE SENATE FLOOR SA.

>> TO ANY BUSINESS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT OR SCHOOL CAN REMAIN OBJECT OP AND OPERATE LOSINGIT MAINTAINS AND UNLESS AN OPERATIONAL PLAN THAT MEETS OR EXCEEDS CDC COMIC BOOK GUIDANCE OR EXECUTIVE GUIDANCE, DETAILS HOW THE WILL FOSTER THE SAFETY CUSTOMERS, ATTENDANCE AND PATRONS KRUG SOCIAL DISTANCING REQUIREMENTS AND IS POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE ON THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF EFFORT TO PHYSICAL LOCATION OR BUSINESS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT OR SCHOOL.

A BUSINESS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT OR SCHOOL CAN PREPARE BY A RECOGNIZED ORGANIZATION AND IT PROHIBITS ANY STATE OR LOCAL AGENCY FROM ENFORCING HIS RESTRICTION RELATED TO THE GOVERNOR'S STATE OF EMERGENCY THAT EXCEEDS CURRENT GUIDELINES ISSUED BY THE CDC OR FROM THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH ORDERS.

THIS IS A GOVERNOR THAT HAS NO COMMUNICATION, WHO MOCKS THE CITIZENS OF THE COMMONWEALTH, AND WHOSE DISMISSIVE OTHERS, WHO DOESN'T BUILD CONSENSUS, IS UNWILLING TO EVEN LISTEN TO OPINIONS OPPOSITE OF HIS OWN.

ON NOVEMBER THE 3rd, THE CITIZENS LET THIS GOVERNOR KNOW HOW THEY FELT ABOUT HIS APPROACH TO GOVERNMENT.

THE CITIZENS INFORMED US, THEIR REPRESENTATIVES, THAT THEY WANTED STABILITY AND PREDICTABILITY, AND THIS BILL IS AN ATTEMPT TO DO JUST THAT IN 2021.

>> Casey: THE HOUSE'S PRIORITY MEASURE ALSO ADDRESSES KENTUCKY'S ONCE HEALTHY, NOW DEPLETED, UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANC TRUST FUND.

NOW JOBLESS BENEFITS ARE PAID OUT FROM A FEDERAL GOV LOAN THAT WILL FALL ON BUSINESSES TO REPAY.

EMPLOYERS ARE FACING COST INCREASES TO THE TUNE OF $100 PER EMPLOYEE.

HOUSE BILL 1 WAIVES PENALTIES AND INTEREST ON LATE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TAXES THAT WOULD BE DUE AT THE END OF MARCH AND GIVES MORE TIME TO PAY THE TAX.

THE MEASURE ALSO RESTARTS IN-PERSON NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTA VISITATION THAT'S BEEN SUSPENDE BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC.

IT LETS ONE PERSON, DEEMED AN ESSENTIAL DAILY CARE VISITOR, SEE THEIR LOVED ONE IN A LONG-TERM CARE F SENATE DEMOCRAT REGGIE THOMAS REFERENCED ANOTHER BILL LAWMAKERS PASSED THAT WOULD SUNSET EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDERS AFTER 30 DAYS WHEN SPEAKING AGAINST HOUSE BILL 1.

HE REASONS THE LEGISLATION WILL LEAD TO MORE CONFUSION, INCREASED VIRUS CASES AND HOSPI.

>> IF THAT HAPPENS AND ALL WE HAVE IS THE CDC GUIDELINES OR NOTHING FROM THE EXECUTIVE, THEN THAT WOULD SUGGEST TO ME, MR. PRESIDENT, THAT WE'RE BACK TO THE WILD, WILD WEST WHERE PEOPLE CAN DO WHATEVER THEY WANT BECAUSE THERE IS NO EXECUTIVE GUIDANCE AT ALL.

AND IF THAT'S THE CASE, THAT'S A VERY DANGEROUS PATH FOR US TO GO DOWN AS A STATE, PARTICULARLY IN LIGHT OF A COVID-19 PANDEMIC WHICH AS OF TODAY, MR. PRESIDENT, WE DON'T KNOW WHEN THAT WILL END.

WE ALREADY ARE AWARE OF A VIRULENT STRAIN THAT WE KNOW IS MORE CONTAGIOUS THAN WHAT WE HAVE NOW.

>> Casey: NORTHERN KENTUCKY REPUBLICAN CHRISTIAN MCDANIEL SAYS THE STORY HAS YET TO BE TOLD OF THE IMPACT THE GOVERNOR'S RESTRICTIONS HAVE HA ON SMALL BUSINESSES, DAY CARE OPERATIONS AND SCHOOLCHILDREN, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE MARGINS.

>> YOU KNOW, IT MIGHT SURPRISE THE MEMBERS OF THIS CHAMBER TO KNOW I REGULARLY, INSIDE OF MY LITTLE SENATE DISTRICT, ONE-THIRD HAVE KENTON CROWN, I LEG GO REG LIF HAVE ONE OF THE RICHEST AND BEST PERFORMING SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE POOREST AND LOWEST PERFORMING DISTRICTS IN THE COMMONWEALTH.

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE RIPPLES IN THAT ACHIEVEMENT GAP.

I WILL SAFELY SAY TODAY, MR. PRESIDENT, THAT WHEN WE ARE BACK IN THIS CHAMBER IN 2022, THE CENTRAL CONVERSATION AROUND PUBLIC EDUCATION WILL BE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP.

WE WILL BE STUNNED AT THE RIPPLE THAT WE SEE THERE.

>> Casey: DEMOCRATS IN BOTH TH HOUSE AND SENATE HAVE DECRIED THE NEAR BREAKNECK PACE OF PASSING LEGISLATION THE FIRST WEEK OF THE SESSION.

CARTER COUNTY DEMOCRAT ROBIN WEBB SAID MORE TIME TO DELIBERATE THE MEASURE COULD YIELD A BETTER PRODUCT THAN WHAT'S BEING OFFER SHE AND OTHERS WORRY THE MEASUR UNSEATS LOCAL CONTROL.

>> THIS IS NOT AN EXACT SCIENCE WE'RE GETTING READY TO CODIFY THIS AND WE'RE TAKING LOCAL CONTROL AWAY FROM THE CITIES.

I DON'T LIVE IN THOSE CITIES, BUT I CERTAINLY, I HAVE -- I WOULD LIKE TO THINK THAT AS LEADERSHIP THAT'S DULY ELECTED TO PROTECT THOSE INDIVIDUALS, MY SON'S ON OUR CITY COUNCIL IN MY HOMETOWN, BUT WE'RE TAKING AWAY LOCAL PURVIEW HERE, AND THESE -- THE CDC THEMSELVES SAYS THAT THIS IS NOT -- THESE ARE CONSIDERATIONS.

THEY'RE NOT TO IS YOU PLANT WHAT WE'RE DOING AS POLICYMAKERS.

>> WE JUST REMOVED THE POWER AND ABILITY FOR LOCAL CONTROL TO DEAL WITH THE THINGS HAPPENING AT HOME.

IF THIS PASSES, I YOU READ TO IT SAY IF THERE'S A NURSING HOME THAT HAS A TERRIBLE OUTBREAK THE HOME AND IT'S SPREADING LIKE WILDFIRE IN LOUISVILLE, IT'S NOT AFFECTING PARTS OF HARLAN OR EASTERN OR WHEREVER, IT'S NOT AFFECTING THE WHOLE STATE BUT WE DO KNOW IT WILL GET THERE EVENTUALLY, CAN WE NOT, BASED ON THIS, WE HAVE NO ABILITY TO ACT.

WE HAVE NO ABILITY TO QUIT.

AND THAT'S PART OF GOVERNMENT.

AS WE PLAYPLAY LOT OF POLITICS HERE, I'VE LEARNED REALLY QUICK, AND EVERYBODY KEEPS SAYING "WELCOME TO THE SENATE."

THIS SHOULD BE different >> Casey: THE SENATE-AMENDED HOUSE BILL ONE CLEARED THE CHAMBER AFTER SOME INTENSE DEBATE 28 TO HOUSE MEMBERS APPROVED OF THE SENATE CHANGES 74 TO 21, SECURING IT FINAL PASSAGE AND I IS NOW ON THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

THE SENATE'S PRIORITY MEASURE I IN THE BILL STACK TO BE SENT TO THE FIRST FLOOR.

SENATE BILL 1 EMERGENCY EXECUTIVE ORDERS BY THE GOVERNOR THAT RESTRICT IN-PERSON SCHOOL INSTRUCTION, BUSINESSES, CHURCHES, RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS AND SOCIAL GATHERINGS AFTER 30 DAYS.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY CAN EXTENDED THOSE ORDERS AFTER THE 30-DAY P THE BILL ALSO REMOVES THE AUTHORITY OF THE GOVERNOR AND SECRETARY OF STATE TO CHANGE TH MANNER OF THE ELECTION DURING A DROP BOXES FOR BALLOTS TO BE DROPPED OFF, MAIL-IN BALLOTING, AND VOTING CENTERS REPLACED THE PRECINCT MODEL DURING THE 2020 GENERAL ELECTION.

REPRESENTATIVE JAMES TIPTON EXPLAINED THAT PRO IT DREW THE IRE OF DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS CHAIR DERRICK GRAHAM.

>> IF YOU WILL RECALL, WHEN WE WERE HERE IN THE 2020 SESSION, WE WEREN'T SURE WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN.

AT THAT TIME WE INTRODUCED LEGISLATION THAT WOULD ALLOW THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND THE GOVERNOR JOINTLY TO DETERMINE THE MANNER OF THE ELECTION.

NOW, PREVIOUSLY IN A PRIMARY ELECTION THEY HAD THE ABILITY TO MOVE THE ELECTION 35 DAYS, THE DATE FOR THE ELECTION 35 DAYS.

THAT HAS NOT CHANGED.

THAT IS STILL IN THERE.

HOWEVER, IN THIS SECTION THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE -- THEY COULD CHANGE THE TIME OR PLACE BUT NOT THE MANNER OF THE ELECTION.

WE FEEL LIKE THAT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO DETERMINE THE MANNER IN WHICH WE CONDUCT OUR ELECTIONS.

>> I'M AFRAID, MR. SPEAKER, THAT IF WE TAKE THAT AWAY FROM THE TWO PEOPLE WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING THE SAFE AND SECURE BUT LETTERS CARRYING OUT ELECTIONS, THAT THE THE POLITICS WILL COME BACK HERE INTO THIS CHAMBER AND DOWN THE HALL, AND WHAT WE'LL DO IS DO WHAT SOME LEGISLATURE ARE ALREADY STARTING TO DO, IS TO TRY TO CUT DOWN AND CUT BACK ON THE ACCESS OF VOTING FOR PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY OF COLOR.

>> Casey: THE BILL WAS AMENDED TO REAFFIRM SECOND AMENDMENT GU RIGHTS AND PROHIBIT GOVERNMENTA ENTITIES FROM IMPOSING RESTRICTIONS ON PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY OR WORSHIPPING IN PERS DRY RIDGE REPUBLICAN SAVANNAH MADDOX ALSO HAD IDEAS ON HOW TH MEASURE COULD BE IMPROVED.

SHE EXPLAINS HER FLOOR AMENDMENT.

>> SIMPLY PUT, IN THE EVENT THAT IT WOULD BECOME NECESSARY FOR A GOVERNOR TO SEIZE, TAKE, OR CONDEMN PROPERTY DURING A STATE OF EMERGENCY, THIS AMENDMENT STIPULATES THAT COMPENSATION MUST BE PROVIDED.

THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY WOULD BE DETERMINED BY USING EMINENT DOMAIN STATUTES THAT ALREADY EXIST IN KRS 16-540 THROUGH KRS 416-07O.

MOREOVER THIS AMENDMENT ALSO PROVIDES SPECIFIC PROTECTIONS FORE FREEDOM OF SPEECH, PEACEABLE ASSEMBLY AND THE RIGHT TO WORSHIP IN PERSON.

GIVEN THAT KENTUCKIANS WERE PROHIBITED FROM ATTENDING SEARCH SERVICES BY EXECUTIVE ORDER BACK IN THE SPRING OF 2020, WE CLEARLY SEE THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THIS INFRINGEMENT OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IS NEVER AGAIN ALLOWED TO OCCUR.

>> Casey: THE AMENDMENT WAS AP SEVERAL HOUSE MEMBERS MAINTAINE THE BEST WAY TO REOPEN KENTUCKY'S ECONOMY IS GET THE VIRUS SPREAD UNDER CONTROL.

THEY BLASTED THE MEASURE AS AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL POWER GRAB THA PLAYS POLITICS WITH PEOPLE'S LI THAT WAS THE ESSENCE OF THE ARGUMENT MADE BY FRESHMAN DEMOCRAT PAMELA STEVENSON FROM LOUISVILLE AND OTHERS.

>> YOU CAN'T MICROMANAGE EMERGENCY.

BY ITS VERY NATURE, IT'S FLUID.

IT CHANGES MINUTE BY MINUTE.

IT REQUIRES LEADERSHIP.

IN MY 27 YEARS IN THE AIR FORCE, I HAVE NEVER HAD A BATTLEFIELD COMMANDER STRIPPED OF POWER TO WIN THE WAR.

AND IN THIS INSTANCE THAT'S WHAT WE'RE DOING, STRIPPING HIM OF A EMERGENCY POWER TO WIN A WAR.

THEN SECONDLY, WHY IS IT THAT WE SAY WE WANT A SMALLER GOVERNMENT, THAT WE SAY WE'RE THE GOVERNMENT THAT IS FOR THE PEOPLE, AND WE DO THE OPPOSITE IN THIS BILL?

YOU COULDN'T GET US ALL TO AGREE ON HAMBURGERS FOR LUNCH, LET ALONE WHAT TO DO WITH AN EMERGENCY ON SHORT NOTICE AFTER 30 DAYS.

DON'T TIE HIS HANDS.

>> THIS BILL IS GOING TO TAKE AFFECT WHILE WE'RE STILL IN SESSION.

THESE EXECUTIVE ORDERS THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS PUT IN PLACE HAVE BEEN THERE FOR MORE THAN 30 DAYS.

UNDER THIS BILL, THE LEGISLATURE IS, IT'S GOING TO BE THE LEGISLATURE'S JOB TO DO SOMETHING WITH THESE EXECUTIVE ORDERS.

YOU HEARD ME ASK THE GENTLEMAN FROM SPENCER WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?

I DON'T KNOW.

WHAT'S THE PLAN?

IS THERE A PLAN?

YOU ALL MIGHT NOT LIKE THE PLAN THAT'S IN PLACE, BUT YOU DON'T HAVE A PLAN, EITHER.

>> Casey: AFTER LENGTHY DEBATE SENATE BILL ONE WITH THE HOUSE CHANGES WAS SENT BACK TO THE SENATE ON A 75 TO 21 VOTE ON SA THE SENATE ENDORSED THOSE HOUSE ADDITIONS, SENDING IT TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

AMONG THE FLOOD OF BILLS MEANT TO CURB THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE POWER AND RECEIVING FINAL PASSAGE THIS WEEKEND WAS SENATE BILL 2.

PARIS SENATOR STEPHEN WEST'S MEASURE WOULD SET A TIME LIMIT ON SOME REGULATIONS TO 30 DAYS.

REGULATIONS PLACING RESTRICTION ON SCHOOLS, BUSINESSES AND PLACES OF WORSHIP ARE AMONG THOSE THAT WOULD REQUIRE GENERA ASSEMBLY APPROVAL AFTER 30 DAYS WELLINGTON REPRESENTATIVE DAVID HALE IS THE CHAIR OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION REVIE HE CARRIED SENATE BILL 2 ON THE HOUSE FLOOR.

>> SO THE BOTTOM LINE IS THIS.

THESE REGULATIONS ARE LAW.

THEY ARE LAW AND THEY BECOME LAW, BASICALLY THE LAW OF THE LAND IMMEDIATELY WHEN THEY'RE PUT IN PLACE.

IT TAKES AFFECT RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE.

REGULATIONS OF THE FINAL RULES THAT ARE PUT INTO PLACE TO CARRY OUT THE STATUTES PASSED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO CARRY OUT OUR WILL, AND THE INTENT HERE, BUT THEY ARE NOT HEARD ON EITHER COMMITTEE, EITHER IN THE HOUSE OR THE SENATE.

THESE REGULATIONS ARE NOT HEARD ON THE FLOOR OF THIS BODY OR THE FLOOR OF THE BODY DOWN THE HALL.

AND SO ONLY AFTER THESE REGULATIONS ARE PROMULGATED CAN WE AS THE LEGISLATURE PROVIDE FEEDBACK AND OVERSIGHT.

ONLY AFTER THE FACT CAN WE MAKE SURE THAT OUR WILL WAS CARRIED OUT.

>> Casey: HALE SAYS HE BELIEVE ONE OF THE BEST PARTS OF SENATE BILL 2 IS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR TIMELY PUBLIC COMMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS.

HE SAYS THAT MANY TIMES ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS WOUL EXPIRE BEFORE THE PUBLIC WOULD GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON THEM.

BUT COVINGTON REPRESEN BUDDY WHEATLEY SAYS THAT THE CHANGES IN SENATE BILL 2 WOULD HAMPER GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR'S ABILITY TO ADDRESS EMERGENCIES.

>> WHAT I RECOGNIZE IN THIS BILL IS THAT IT ACTUALLY CREATES MORE RED TAPE.

WE'RE CREATING MORE REGULATION.

WE'RE CREATING MORE PROCESSES THAT WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH JUST TO GET REGULATIONS PASSED.

AND IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE THE KIND OF EFFICIENCY THAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR, ESPECIALLY GIVEN THE NUMBER OF REGULATIONS.

WE ALL HAVE TO DEAL WITH AND OUR CONSTITUENTS HAVE TO DEAL WITH, INCLUDING OUR BUSINESSES AND OUR SCHOOLS AND ALL PARTS OF OUR SOCIETY.

I BELIEVE THIS LEGISLATION MAKES THE GOVERNOR JUMP THROUGH MORE HOOPS TO GET HIS VERY IMPORTANT WORK DONE TO HELP STOP A GLOBAL PANDEMIC.

>> Casey: A HOUSE FLOOR WAS TAGGED ONTO BILL BEFORE IT WAS PASSED TO THE SENATE THE HOUSE PASSED SENATE BILL 2, 74 TO 21, AND THE KENTUCKY SENATE CONCURRED WITH THE HOUSE CHANGES, 29 TO 4, SENDING DOWNSTAIRS TO THE GOVERNOR'S DE ON SATURDAY, THE KENTUCKY HOUSE DEBATED AND VOTED ON HOUSE BILL 10, WHICH WOULD PROVIDE BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS WITH SOME LEGAL PROTECTION FROM CUSTOMERS FILING LAWSUITS, AFTE CLAIMING A BUSINESS CAUSED THEM TO CONTRACT COVID.

TO QUALIFY FOR PROTECTION, BUSINESSES WOULD HAVE TO BE COMPLYING WITH PROPE SAFETY REGULATIONS.

THE BILL'S REPRESENTATIVE STEVE SHELDON, SAYS DEALING WITH COVID IS BAD HE SAYS BUSINESSES SHOULDN'T HAVE TO ALSO FACE FRIVOLOUS LAW.

>> IT'S A REAL FEAR FOR EMPLOYERS TO DEAL WITH, OKAY, WE'VE GOT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'VE GOT EVERYBODY QUARANTINED, AND IT SHOULD BE.

WE SHOULD OBJECT TOP OF THINGS, AND WE ARE, AND THIS BILAL LOUSE FOR US TO CONTINUE DOING THAT.

WE CONTINUE DOING THAT, NO MORE THAN THE GOVERNOR OR THE PRESIDENT OR ANYBODY ELSE CAN PREDICT THIS VIRUS.

WE CAN'T, EITHER.

SO, YES, THERE'S A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF SUPPORT FOR THIS.

THAT'S WHY I STAND HERE TODAY.

>> Casey: SOME OPPONENTS, INCLUDING NEWPORT DEMOCRAT RACHEL ROBERTS, WORRY THE BILL IS NOT GETTING THE DISCUSSION I.

>> PERCEPTION AND IMPLICATION-WISE I ASK THIS BODY TO CONSIDER THE CUMULATIVE EFFECTS OF THE BILLS WE ARE RACING THROUGH WITHOUT TIME FOR TRUE COMMITTEE AND PUBLIC INSIGHT.

GIVEN HOUSE BILL 1 THAT THIS BODY PADS IN RECORD TIME -- PADS IN RECORD TIME, IT IS POTENTIALLY EVEN HARDER FOR WORKERS, OUR ESSENTIAL WORKERS, TO GET PROTECTIONS IN THEIR WORKPLACES AND FORM BY OUR ALREADY OVERBURDENED AND UNDERFUNDED HEALTH DEPARTMENTS.

WITH ONE HAND THIS BODY IS TAKING AWAY THE ABILITY FOR THE STATE AND THE EXECUTIVE TO PROTECT WORKERS AND WORKPLACES, AND WITH THE OTHER HAND WE ARE SEEMINGLY TAKING AWAY THE FEW WAYS THAT WE HAVE LEFT TO ENFORCE AND ENCOURAGE ADHERENCE TO THE FEW PROTECTIONS THAT WE HAVE LEFT FOR OUR WORKERS AND OUR ESSENTIAL WORKERS.

I WILL BE VOTING NO ON THIS BILL.

I URGE MY FELLOW COLLEAGUES TO DO THE SAME.

>> Casey: SOME HOUSE MEMBERS W OWN SMALL BUSINESSES SAY THEY'R DOING ALL THEY CAN TO FIGHT COVID, AND THEY COULD USE THIS LOUISVILLE REPUBLICAN KEN FLEMING IS IN THAT GROUP.

>> MY EMPLOYEES, I SERVE THEM.

YES, I HAVE CUSTOMERS, BUT THEY ARE OUT ON THE FRONTLINE AND I PROVIDE THEM AS MUCH AS I CAN IN ORDER FOR THEM TO PERFORM THE SERVICE.

SO TO SIT HERE AND SAY THAT, YOU KNOW, ACCOUNTABILITY, COME ON.

SMALL BUSINESS, WE'RE ACCOUNTABLE.

I MEAN, I UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS TRYING TO GET A BUY-IN.

WE ARE IN THE TRENCHES.

THE GENTLEMAN IN THE 17th DISTRICT AND I, WE'RE IN THE TRENCHES.

WE SEE IT DAY IN AND DAY OUT.

I ENCOURAGE TO YOU VOTE TO SUPPORT THIS BILL.

IF THERE'S ANY ISSUES OR ANY THINGS THAT COME UP, IT WILL BE TAKEN UP IN THE SENATE IT.

WILL COME BACK TO US, AND WE'LL RECOLLECT FIGHT.

BUT WE NEED TO GET THIS OUT BECAUSE IT IS TIME SENSITIVE, AND WE NEED TO HELP OUR SMALL BUSINESSES BECAUSE THEY'RE THE LIFEBLOOD OF THIS STATE AND OUR COMMUNITIES.

>> Casey: THE HOUSE PASSED THE BILL 75 TO 21, SO IT NOW MOVES TO THE KENTUCKY SENATE.

THE KENTUCKY HOUSE TOOK ACTION SATURDAY ON SENATE BILL 9, OFTE CALLED THE "BORN ALIVE" BILL.

IF IT BECOMES LAW, IT WOULD BECOME ILLEGAL TO DENY A BORN ALIVE INFANT NOURISHMENT OR CARE, INCLUDING A CHILD BORN ALIVE AFTER AN ATTEMPT AT AN AB REPRESENTATIVE WALKER THOMAS EXPLAINS WHY HE IS IN FAVOR OF THE MEASURE.

>> OUR NATION JUST CAME UP WITH A VACCINE TO COMBAT COVID-19 AND MAKE IT AVAILABLE IN ONLY NINE MONTHS.

SOMETHING THAT WAS NEVER HEARD OF BEFORE.

TRIALING TO PROTECT EVERY LIFE DURING THIS -- TRYING TO PROTECT EVERY LIFE DURING THIS DEADLY PANDEMIC.

TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING DAILY, AND DON'T THE NEWEST CITIZENS OF KENTUCKY DESERVE TO HAVE A CHANCE AT LIFE, VIRTUALLY OR NON-VIABLE, NO MATTER HOW EARLY THEY ARE BORN?

>> Casey: CRITICS OF THE BILL QUESTION WHETHER IT'S NEEDED.

SENATE MINORITY LEADER JONI JENKINS SAYS EXISTING LAWS ALREADY COVER A SITUATION LIKE .

>> THIS BILL IS UNNECESSARY AND MISLEADING AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HOW HEALTH CARE ACTUALLY WORKS.

SO-CALLED BORN ALIVE BILLS LIKE THIS ONE ARE BASED ON FALSE CLAIMS.

THE BILL IS UNNECESSARY, AS DOCTORS ALREADY HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE MEDICAL CARE.

THE BILL IS POTENTIALLY HARMFUL IN THAT IT INTERFERES IN THE DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP.

CLEARLY, INFANT SIDE IS ALREADY AGAINST THE LAW.

>> Casey: THE HOUSE PASSED THE BILL 76 TO 18 AND HAS BEEN DELIVERED TO THE GOVERNOR.

THAT CONCLUDES OUR COVERAGE FOR DAY SIX OF THE 2021 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SESSION.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS, CALL 1-800-633-9650.

YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW OUR GAVEL-TO-GAVEL COVERAGE THROUGHOUT THE DAY BY LONDON KET'S-ELECT COVERAGE APP TO YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET YOU CAN WATCH ON OUR KENTUCKY CHANNEL OR FOLLOW ALONG ONLINE AT KET.ORG AND SEE OUR EXCLUSIVE .

WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT.

I'M CASEY PARKER-BELL.

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.