COURTS ACROSS THE STATE COULD HEAR CASES ON CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES.

THE SENATE AND HOUSE SET COURSE FOR CONFERENCE COMMITTEES ON BUDGET BILLS, AND THE NEWLY FORMED IMPEACHMENT COMMITTEE HAS ITS FIRST MEETING.

ON DAY EIGHT OF THE 2021 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SESSION.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TONIGHT FOR LEGISLATIVE UPDATE.

I AM CASEY PARKER-BELL.

LAWSUITS PERTAINING TO CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES MAY BE FILED IN COUNTIES ACROSS THE STATE IF A BILL ON ITS GUY THE GOVERNOR BECOMES LAW.

HOUSE BILL THREE SPONSORED BY HOUSE JUDICIARY CHAIRMAN C. ED MASSEY WOULD ALLOW CHALLENGES TO STATUTE, EXECUTIVE ORDERS, ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS AND ANY CABINET PROGRAM TO BE FILED BY THE PLAINTIFF IN THE COUNTY THEY RESIDE.

SENATE JUDICIARY CHAIRMAN WHITNEY WESTERFIELD EXPLAINED THE SENATE'S CHANGES DO HOUSE BILL THREE ON THE SENATE FLOOR.

>> HOUSE BILL THREE IN THE ORIGINAL FORMAT CREATED THIS THREE-JUDGE PANEL, THE SENATE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE WHICH WE NOW ADOPTED ELIMINATES THE THREE-JUDGE PANEL PROCESS BUT ALLOWS PEOPLE, THE PLAINTIFFS TO FILE AN ACTION WHERE THEY ARE, INSTEAD OF TRAVELING FROM THE FAR CORNERS OF THE COMMONWEALTH TO FRANKLIN CIRCUIT COURT TO FILE AN ACTION, THEY CAN FILE IT RIGHT WHERE THEY ARE.

I DON'T WANT THIS BILL TO BE A STATEMENT ON THE PEOPLE WHO HOLD THOSE TWO SEATS NOW IN FRANKLIN CIRCUIT COURT.

I CAN FIND OPINIONS AND RULINGS FROM BOTH OF THOSE JUDGES WITH WHICH I AGREE AND WITH WHICH I DO NOT AGREE, IT IS NOT ABOUT THAT.

I AM FRANKLY MORE CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THOSE FOLKS GO TO RETIRE AND THEN RACES FOR THOSE TWO CIRCUIT JUDGE POSITIONS, WHENEVER THOSE OPENINGS OCCUR BECOME A SUPER POLITICAL PROCESS, BECAUSE EVERYBODY APPRECIATES AND REALIZES THE STATEWIDE IMPACT OF THE RULINGS COMING OUT OF THAT COURT.

WE NEED SPREAD THAT LOVE AROUND A LITTLE BIT.

>> LEXINGTON SENATOR REGGIE THOMAS ROSE TO SPEAK AGAINST HOUSE BILL THREE.

HE SAYS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS EXERTING INFLUENCE OVER THE JUDICIARY AND COMPARED IT TO BILLS PASSED LAST WEEK THAT ARE INTENDED TO CURB THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE POWER.

>> WE HAVE TO CALL THIS BILL WHAT IT IS, MR. PRESIDENT AND THERE IS A BILL THAT IS DESIGNED TO ALLOW PEOPLE WHO WANT TO CHALLENGE THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF AN AGENCY ACTION OR A STATUTE TO FIND A JUDGE IN THEIR HOMETOWN THAT THEY THINK IS GOING TO BE FAVORABLE TO THEM SO THEY CAN GET THE BEST RULING POSSIBLE.

WE LAWYERS REFER TO IT AS FORUM SHOPPING AND THAT IS NOT THE WAY, MR. PRESIDENT, THAT OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM OUGHT TO BE RUN.

THE FRANKLIN CIRCUIT COURT HAS WORKED VERY WELL OVER DECADES NOW IN BEING THE COURT WHERE THESE KINDS OF ISSUES ARE CHALLENGED, AND WE SHOULD NOT NOW WANT TO PER VETERAN THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM BY NOW GOING ALL OVER THE STATE TO FIND JUDGES WHO THEY BELIEVE THAT ARE FRIENDS WILL CHALLENGE THESE MATTERS.

>> WESTERFIELD RESPONDED TO THOMAS'S IMPLICATION THAT THE LEGISLATURE IS ATTEMPTING TO TAKE POWER AWAY FROM THE OTHER BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT.

HE SAYS KENTUCKY SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN MINTON NO LONGER HAS AN ISSUE WITH THE LEGISLATION, AND THAT IT ISN'T SPECIAL LEGISLATION INTENDED TO GIVE MORE POWER TO ONE PART OF THE STATE.

>> AND THEN FINALLY I GUESS I WOULD ASK A RHETORICAL DO WE THE MEMBERS THAT OPPOSE THE BILL, ARE YOUR CIRCUIT JUDGES NOT QUALIFIED TO HEAR THESE CLAIMS?

CAN SOMEONE TELL ME, WHERE IN THE SUPREME COURT RULES OR IN THE RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE OR IN THE STATUTE SOMEWHERE IS THERE SOME MAGICAL REFERENCE TO FRANKLIN CIRCUIT JUDGES HAVING A DIFFERENT QUALIFICATION OR PERHAPS A DIFFERENT KIND OF EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT BEFORE THEY CAN FILE TO RUN THERE.

OF COURSE NOT.

THEY ARE THE EXACT SAME CIRCUIT JUDGES WE HAVE IN CHRISTIAN, TODD COUNTY, GREENE COUNTY, FAYETTE COUNTY, EVERYWHERE ELSE INBETWEEN HERE AND THERE AND YONG, THEY ARE ALL EQUALLY QUALIFIED.

>> FRESHMAN SENATOR DAVID YATES SLAYS IS AN ADVANTAGE TO HAVING CASES INVOLVING THE STATE IN FRANKLIN CIRCUIT COURT.

HE SAYS COURTS ACROSS THE STATE MAY NOT EVEN WANT TO TAKE UP CASES INVOLVING CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES.

WE HAVE EXPERTS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY AND THE EXPERT IN AGENCY, EXPERT IN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW AND THEY HANDLE THESE COMPLEX ISSUES DAY IN AND DAY OUT.

LIKE MANY OF MY COLLEAGUES WHO TRAVELED AROUND THE STATE AND WE HAVE BEEN IN DIFFERENT CIRCUIT COURTS, MAY NOT BE AS VERSED IN PARTICULAR AGENCY LAW, OR EVEN SOME CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS, FOR THAT STEAK AND I THINK WHAT WE WANT TO DO IS MAKE SURE THESE ARE HANDLED CORRECTLY AT THE CIRCUIT COURT BECAUSE FAILURE TO DO SO CREATES ADDITIONAL COSTS AND CREATES AN ISSUE IN THAT FRANKFORT HERE, WHERE THERE IS CAPITAL OF KENTUCKY, THIS IS WHERE OUR -- THERE IS WHERE WE RUN OUR GOVERNMENT, SO IF THERE IS A CHALLENGE TO AN AGENCY WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE GOING TO COME OVER TO TESTIFY AND GET THOSE THINGS DONE EFFICIENTLY.

>> REPUBLICANS SAY JUDGES ACROSS THE STATE ARE QUALIFIED AND PREPARED FOR PRESIDING OVER CASES INVOLVING CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES.

PIKEVILLE SENATOR PHILLIP WHEELER AND LITCHFIELD SENATOR STEPHEN MEREDITH SAY HOUSE BILL THREE WILL EMPOWER PARTS OF THE STATE THAT AREN'T NEXT TO FRANKFORT.

>> I THINK THAT IN MY MIND, THIS IS A BILL THAT ACTUALLY GIVES MORE POWER TO THE CITIZENS OF THE COMMONWEALTH IN THE SENSE THAT CURRENTLY ONLY THE WEALTHY FOR PEOPLE WITH MEANS HAVE THE ABILITY TO GO TO FRANKFORT TO CHALLENGE A STATUTE WHICH THEY DEEM UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

THEY HAVE TO HAVE AN ATTORNEY THAT IS EITHER WILLING TO EX-INTEND FUNDS FOR BE WILLING TO EXPEND THE FUNDS THEMSELVES TO DRIVE HOURS FROM ACROSS THE STATE DOWN TO THE CENTER OF GOVERNMENT TO CHALLENGE STATUTES THEY DEEM TO BE UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

I THINK IN THIS SENSE THIS BILL ACTUALLY GIVES MORE POWER TO THE PEOPLE IN THAT CIRCUIT JUDGES THROUGHOUT THE COMMONWEALTH WILL BE ABLE TO HEAR THEIR CITIZEN IT IS CONCERNS.

>> THIS BILL IS GOOD BECAUSE IT ADDRESSES THE FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM THAT WE HAVE WITH EVERYTHING IN RURAL COMMUNITIES.

IT IS SO EASY TO SAY, WE WILL GO TO, GO TO THE BIG CITY TO GET IT DONE, PARTICULARLY WITH HEALTHCARE.

YOU DON'T HAVE A HOSPITAL IN YOUR COMMUNITY, DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT.

YOU CAN DRIVE UP THE ROAD.

IT IS NOT THAT EASY.

I WISH IT WAS.

THE WAY THE SITUATION IS RIGHT NOW, IT PLACES OUR PEOPLE AT A DISTINCT FINANCIAL DISADVANTAGE.

WE HAVE TO COME TO THE FAR CORNERS OF KENTUCKY, TO COME TO FRANKFORT.

IT MAY SEEM LIKE A SIMPLE THING BUT IT IS A MONUMENTAL THING TO MOST PEOPLE, SO WITH THE CAN CURRENT SYSTEM WE ARE TRULY DYING, DENYING EQUAL ACCESS OF LIBERTY TO OUR CITIZENS.

>> SENATE MINORITY LEADER MORGAN MCGAR I HAVE SAID, QUOTE, I SIMPLY DON'T LIKE THIS BILL.

HE EXPLAINED WHY AFTER VOTING AGAINST THE MEASURE.

>> NO MATTER WHAT WAS SAID I DO THINK IT TARGET AS JUDGE AND I THINK IT TARGET IT IS CIRCUIT AND THE REALITY IS, WHEN WE ARE TALKING ABOUT WHETHER CHALLENGES CAN BE BROUGHT IN OTHER CIRCUIT COURTS IN THE STATE, THEY CAN IN FACT, ONLY TWO OF THE 11 CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES AGAINST STATE GOVERNMENT IN THE LAST YEAR WERE BROUGHT IN FRANKLIN CIRCUIT.

REMEMBER THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES, THE CHALLENGES DEALING WITH COVID WERE BROUGHT IN THE BOONE CIRCUIT COURT I KNOW FOR ONE, AND CERTAINLY NOT THE FRANKLIN CIRCUIT COURT.

>> HOUSE BILL THREE PASSED THE SENATE ON A PARTY LINE VOTE, 28 TO SIX.

THE HOUSE LATER CONCURRED WITH THE SENATE'S CHANGES ON A VOTE OF 72 TO 23.

THOUSAND BILL 3 NOW HEADS DOWN TO THE FIRST FLOOR AND AWAITS THE GOVERNOR'S SIGNATURE OR VETO.

THE SENATE PASSED THEIR VERSIONS OF THE BUDGET BILLS THIS AFTERNOON.

SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS AND SENATE MINORITY LEADER MORGAN MCGARVEY AGREED THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO THE PROCESS TO VOTE IN FAVOR POSSESS THE MEASURES AND MOVE THEM ALONG.

BILLS PASSED BY TO THE HOUSE AND SENATE BOTH CLOSELY RESEMBLED THE ONE YEAR BUDGETS PASSED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC LAST YEAR, OFTEN BEING CALLED CONTINUATION BUDGETS.

MCGARVEY TOOK A MOMENT TO ADDRESS WHAT HE BELIEVES IS THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS YEAR'S BUDGET AND HOW IT CAN HEN THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY THE COVID PANDEMIC.

>> AND WE HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE HURTING.

WE HAVE A RECORD AMOUNT OF MONEY RIGHT NOW IN THE RAIN ANY DAY FUND WITH AN INCREASE IN FEDERAL STIMULUS MONEY AND I HOPE WE DISCUSS HOW TO HELP THE PEOPLE IN THE SMALL BUSINESSES WHO ARE HURTING.

I HOPE WE TALK ABOUT SOME OF THE AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE ISSUES WE SOMEWHERE SEEN, THE DISPARITIES IN HEALTH AND EDUCATION OUT COMES IN DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES, THE NEED FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM.

THIS BUDGET HAS SO MANY THINGS AND CAN SHOW US AGAIN WHAT I SAID ON THE FLOOR THE LAST WEEK, THAT THIS ISN'T PARTISAN AND THIS SHOULDN'T BE EITHER.

>> MINORITY CAUCUS CHAIR REGGIE 0 THOMAS VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE CONTINUATION BUDGET, ECHOING SENTIMENTS FROM PARTY LEADERS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF MOVING THE BILLS TOWARD CONFERENCE COMMITTEE.

HE DID STAND UP TO SPEAK IN FAVOR OF TO BUDGET PROPOSAL PUT FORWARD BY GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR.

>> IT PUTS AN EMPHASIS ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND AS MANY OF MY COLLEAGUES KNOW I HAVE BEEN AN OUTSPOKEN CRITIC SINCE I ARRIVED HERE THAT KENTUCKY IS THE ONLY STATE IN THIS COUNTRY THAT SAYS 2008 IS, HAS NOT INCREASED ITS FUNDING IN EDUCATION.

WE ARE DEAD LAST IN FUNDING FOR HIGHER EDUCATION AND THAT HAS TO BE CHANGED.

WE HAVE TO MAKE EDUCATION A PRIORITY FOR OUR STUDENTS AND IF WE WANT TO ACHIEVE THE HEIGHTS OF GETTING HIGH PAYING JOBS, HIGH TECHNOLOGY JOBS, WELL SKILLED JOBS, WE HAVE GOT TO INVEST IN HIGHER EDUCATION.

THIS BUDGET DOES THAT.

>> A FEW EASTERN KENTUCKY REPUBLICAN SENATORS SPOKE ABOUT ENSURING COAL SEVERANCE MONEY WAS RESTORED BEFORE TEND OF THE BUDGET PROCESS.

HAZARD SENATOR BRANDON SMITH WAS ONE OF THOSE SPEAKING OUT ON THE BORN OF COAL SEVERANCE MONEY TO THE COMMUNITIES THEY REPRESENT.

>> LIKE SO MANY OF US FROM THE COALFIELDS WE HAVE WATCHED OUR STANDARD OF LIVING AND THE JOBS THAT WE ARE GOOD AT LEAVE THE STATE, PLACES THAT ARE CLOSED DOWN AND GOTTEN VERY, VERY TIGHT AND DIFFICULT THERE, SO THERE ARE CERTAIN ASPECTS OF THIS BUDGET I FEEL LIKE WE WATCHED A LOT CLOSER THAN OTHERS, AND COAL SEVERANCE IS ONE OF THEM.

IT MEANS A LOT TO THE PEOPLE BACK HOME, THE COUNTY JUDGES AND OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS THAT WERE ABLE TO USE THIS AS OUR BARGAINING CHIP TO BE ABLE TO LEVERAGE WATER DOLLARS FOR WATER PROJECTS AND SEWER PROJECTS THAT ARE CERTAINLY OUT OF THE SCOPE OF OUR PAY SCALE.

SO WHEN THAT GETS TINKERED WITH OR MOVED THAT OBVIOUSLY TRIGGERS A RESPONSE FROM MANY OF US, FROM THE COALFIELDS AND FOR A PARTICULAR REASON THAT TO MOVE THIS BILL FORWARD THE COAL SEVERANCE MONEY WAS SWEPT OVER TO BE PUT INTO THE GENERAL FUND AND AFTER DOING SOME INVESTIGATION I AM TOLD THAT THIS WAS JUST A MEASURE THAT WAS DONE BECAUSE IT IS GOING TO HELP US SEND IT ON TO FREE CONFERENCE WHERE IT WILL GET SENT OUT SO HAVING THAT -- I SPOKE THE SENATE PRESIDENT, HE IS ALSO ANOTHER ONE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COALFIELDS, I FELT A LOT BETTER ABOUT IT BUT THERE ARE A LOT OF CHANGES THAT WE BET INTO THAT, BUT I THINK THAT WE NEED TO CONTINUE WITH AND SOME OF THAT IS A PROMISE WE MADE TO THE PEOPLE A LONG TIME AGO.

>> THE SENATE SENT THEIR VERSION OF THE EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE, JUDICIAL AND TRANSPORTATION BUDGETS TO THE HOUSE FOR CONCURRENCE.

THE HOUSE REJECTED THE SENATE VERSIONS OF THOSE BILLS, SETTING UP THE FORMATION OF CONFERENCE COMMITTEES TO IRON OUT THE FINAL BUDGETS.

HOUSE BILL 191 WAS NOT TAKEN UP BY THE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS AND REVENUE COMMITTEE EARLIER THIS WEEK BECAUSE OF WHAT COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN JASON PETRIE CALLED A TECHNICAL ISSUE.

HOUSE SPEAKER DAVID OSBORNE EXPLAINED AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY WHY THE MEASURE WASN'T HEARD IN THE FIRST DAYS OF THIS LEGISLATIVE LEGS.

>> I THINK THAT IS TOO BIG OF A BILL TO WITH $240 MILLION TO RUSH THROUGH IT.

I THINK THAT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE DEAL WITH THAT ISSUE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY BUSINESSES ARE STRUGGLING, BUT THE BILL HAS SOME, I THINK SOME AMBIGUITY IN THE LANGUAGE THAT MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE REALLY TO IMPLEMENT AS IT WAS, BUT IT WILL ABSOLUTELY -- WITH MEMBERS OF THE CALLS WITH MEMBERS OF THE ADMINISTRATION YESTERDAY ABOUT THE BILL TO TALK ABOUT SOME OF THE DETAILS AND IT WILL ABSOLUTELY BE GIVEN EVERY CONSIDERATION AND I THINK YOU WILL SEE SOME FORM OF SMALL BUSINESS RESTORATION ASSISTANCE.

>> GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR SAYS THAT HOUSE BILL 191 WOULD OFFER $220 MILLION OF AID TO SMALL BUSINESSES.

THE NEWLY FORMED IMPEACHMENT COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE PETITIONS FILED BY KENTUCKY CITIZENS SEEKING THE REMOVAL OF GOVERNOR BESHEAR FROM OFFICE MET FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS AFTERNOON.

AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY, THE HIGHEST RANKING MEMBER OF THE KENTUCKY HOUSE EXPLAINED WHY A NEW COMMITTEE WAS FORMED RATHER THAN THE PETITIONS BE HEARD IN THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.

REPUBLICAN SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE DAVID OSBORNE EXPLAINS HIS REASONING.

>> THAT WAS PART OF THE CONSIDERATION OF ACTUALLY HAVING THIS IMPEACHMENT COMMITTEE WAS TO -- THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE TO MEET AND TAKE UP LEGISLATION THROUGHOUT THIS SESSION, VERY IMPORTANT LEGISLATION, AND WE COULDN'T HAVE THAT COMMITTEE SIGNED UP WITHOUT IMPEDING THE PROGRESS OF LEGISLATION WE ARE MOVING.

AND ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE PARTISAN MAKE-UP OF THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE WAS 14 REPUBLICANS AND FOUR DEMOCRATS, WHICH REFLECTS THE MAKE-UP OF THE BODY, WHICH IS REQUIRED.

THE PARTISAN MAKE-UP OF THE IMPEACHMENT COMMITTEE IS FOUR REPUBLICANS AND THREE DEMOCRATS.

>> DURING THEIR MEETING TODAY THE IMPEACHMENT COMMITTEE SET THE RULES OF PROCEDURE AND DID NOT DISCUSS THE MERITS OF THE PETITION.

THEY ASKED FOR THE GOVERNOR TO SUBMIT A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THOSE PIGS BY JANUARY 22ND.

THE PETITIONERS WILL THEN HAVE FOUR DAYS TO REPLY TO THE GOVERNOR'S SUBMISSION.

THE NEXT PUBLIC MEETING IS JANUARY 27TH.

TODAY, EIGHT IMPEACHMENT PETITIONS WERE FILED AGAINST EAST BERNSTADT REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT GOFORTH.

GO FORTH WAS INDICTED LAST YEAR AFTER HE ALLEGEDLY ATTEMPTED TO STRANGLE HIS WIFE WITH AN ETHERNET CORD.

SPEAKER OSBORNE SAID THOSE PETITIONS WOULD BE SENT TO THE IMPEACHMENT COMMITTEE LIKE ANY OTHERS.

STAFF WHO PROVIDED IN HOME CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER'S OR DEMENTIA COULD BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO TRAINING IN A BILL HEADING TO THE SENATE FLOOR.

SENATE BILL 61 WOULD REQUIRE THE CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES TO SET STANDARDS FOR TRAINING STAFF THAT WORKS WITH THOSE PATIENTS.

LEITCHFIELD SENATOR STEPHEN MEREDITH IS THE SPONSOR OF SENATE BILL SICK ONE AND HE SAYS THE MEASURE IS TO SET STANDARDS FOR THE LEVEL OF CARE, NOT TO TAKE AWAY FROM HEALTHCARE WORKERS.

SO WE THINK BY GIVING THESE PEOPLE ADDITIONAL SKILLS, SETTING THESE REQUIREMENTS FOR THEM HOPEFULLY WILL KEEP THEM IN THE PROFESSION AND MAYBE ENCOURAGE THEM TO BROADEN THEIR EDUCATIONAL SKILLS TO FILL IN OBVIOUSLY DEFICIENCY WE WILL HAVE IN WORKFORCE IN THE FUTURE.

>> SPEAKING FROM A STRICTLY BUSINESS MODEL PERSPECTIVE, THIS BILL HAS THE PO BORNE TO INCREASE JOB SATISFACTION AND TURNOVER AND DESIRE FURTHER EDUCATION IN THE FIELD WHICH AGAIN WILL HELP WITH THE PIPELINE.

ANOTHER IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF THIS BILL IS TO CONSUMER PROTECTION AND INCREASES CONSUMER CONFIDENCE AND IN WHAT THEY ARE BUYING FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR LOVED ONES A LOT OF PEOPLE WILL HOLD THEMSELVES OUT AS BEING AS BEING ALZHEIMER'S DEMENTIA CARE ATTENDANCE WHEN THEY NEVER HAD THE TRAINING FOR THAT.

SO SENATE BILL 61 WILL PROHIBIT ADVERTISING MARKETING OR VERBALLY OFFERING TO PROVIDE CARE FOR RECIPIENTS WHO HAVE SYMPTOMS OF ALZHEIMER'S OR OTHER TYPES OF DEMENTIA THAT ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE.

MEREDITH SAYS HE HOPES SETTING STANDARDS FOR THE PRACTICE WILL HELP REDUCE THE TURNOVER IN THE PROFESSION.

MACKENZIE LONGORIA, THE PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR FOR THE KENTUCKY AND SOUTHERN INDIANA ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION SPOKE IN FAVOR OF THE MEASURE.

SHE SAYS THE NUMBER OF PATIENTS THAT WILL NEED CARE AND PREFER TO HAVE IT IN THEIR OHM OWNS IS ROWING.

>> THIS IS IN THE SERVICE CATEGORY.

DAS WHOLLY UNREGULATED FOR ALL INTENDS INTENTS AND PURPOSES A WHOLLY UNREGULATED PART OF THE WORKFORCE.

THERE ARE NO FEDERAL TRAINING STANDARDS BECAUSE THESE SERVICES ARE NOT REIMBURSED BY TRADITIONAL MEDICAID SO THERE IS NOTHING FROM THE FEDERAL SIDE AND ACROSS THE STATES IT IS ESSENTIALLY PATCHWORK, IT IS UP TO THE CONSUMER, IT IS UP TO TO THE EMPLOYER.

THEY MAY RECEIVE LITTLE TO NO TRAINING OR AN ORIENTATION, AS MUCH AS FOUR HOURS ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS, NONE OF WHICH INCLUDE BEING SPECIFIC TO THE CON PLEX CARE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEMENTIA.

I WOULD BE REMISS IF I DIDN'T SAY THAT THERE ARE PROFESSIONS WITHIN THIS STATE THAT ARE REGULATED MORE THAN A PERSONAL SERVICE AIDE, FOR EXAMPLE, A COSMETOLOGIST OF WHICH I HAVE GREAT RESPECT, THIS HAIR DOESN'T DO IT ON ITS OWN BUT THEY ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE 1,500 HOURS OF TRAINING VERSUS IF I HIRED A PERSONAL SERVICE AIDE FROM A PERSONAL SERVICE AGENCY TO ACHE TAKE CARE OF MY MOTHER WHO MAY HAVE DEMENTIA THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE ANY TYPE OF STATE MANDATED TRAINING AND THEY ARE HELPING WITH ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BATHING, TOILETING, ET CETERA WHICH CAN BE VERY CHALLENGING AND DIFFICULT FOR AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS SUFFERING FROM ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA.

PADUCAH SENATOR DANNY CARROLL ASKED LONGORIA HOW THIS TRAINING WOULD WORK IN PRACTICE.

>> I AM ASSUMING IN RUNNING ONE OF THESE TYPE OF SERVICES IT WOULD JUST BECOME A NORMAL PART OF OUR TRAINING AND NOT SPECIFIC TO ONE INDIVIDUAL THAT WE MIGHT BE SERVING AND THAT IS PROBABLY WITH THAT TYPE OF PROVIDER THROUGH THE HOME WAIVERS THAT IT WOULD BRING ON NEW STAFF AND PROVIDE THEM WITH THAT TRAINING, RATHER THAN WAITING FOR ONE INDIVIDUAL TO COME IN WHO MAY HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS.

IS THAT AN ACCURATE ASSESSMENT?

>> I MEAN, THAT WOULD BE THE ULTIMATE HOPE.

THE WAY WE DID NARROW THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION SLIGHTLY IS BY, YOU KNOW, SAYING THAT IF YOU ARE A PROVIDER OUT THERE AND YOU HAVE ANY SORT OF MENTION OF PROVIDING DEMENTIA SPECIFIC OR MEMORY CARE, WHATEVER KIND OF CREATIVE, YOU KNOW, COLLOQUIALISM PEOPLE LIKE TO USE, THAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE ABSOLUTELY FOLLOW THIS BILL.

NOW, IF YOUR AVERAGE HCVS PROVIDER OR, SAY YOUR -- YOU KNOW, USING THE PDS PARTICIPANT DIRECTORRED SERVICES OPTION AS A WAIVER PARTICIPANT, INDIVIDUALS ARE WARY TO TRY TO TELL SOMEONE WHO IS HIRING, PERHAPS A FAMILY OR FRIEND, YOU KNOW, HOW THEY SHOULD BE CARING FOR THEM, BUT IF THEY ARE PROVIDING DEMENTIA SERVICES WE WOULD WANT THEM TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THIS LEGISLATION.

>> WINCHESTER PHYSICIAN RALPH ALVARADO SAID THAT KENTUCKY'S RANKING IT IS FOR HEALTHCARE OUT COMES IS STILL LOW.

HE SPOKE FROM EXPERIENCE ABOUT WORKING WITH ALZHEIMER'S AND DEMENTIA PATIENTS.

>> I CAN TELL YOU I WORKED IN LONG-TERM CARE.

YOU KNOW THAT, AND EVEN DURING THIS WHOLE COVID SITUATION THE NUMBER ONE CAUSE OF DEATH I CONTINUE TO WRITE DOWN IS END STAGE DEMENTIA FOR CAUSE OF DEATH FOR PEOPLE I HAVE TAKEN CARE OF.

COVID WILL SOMETIMES BE A RELATED FACTOR BUT IT IS STILL THE CAUSE OF THE MAIN CAUSE OF DEATH.

I THINK IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT FOR THIS COMMITTEE TO KNOW, AGAIN OUR RANKING HAS BEEN VERY POOR, IT STILL IS POOR, WE HAVE HAD A FEW DISCUSSIONS WITH LONGORIA ABOUT OTHER STATES HAVE DONE, WISCONSIN HAS A VERY HIGH RANKING AND TOOK IT UPON THEMSELVES ONE YEAR TO JUST GO OUT AND GET A LOT OF BILLS DONE AND PUT MORE FUNDING INTO TREATMENT FOR THIS AND A REALLY HAVE IMPROVED CARE FOR ELDERLY, PEOPLE GOING THROUGH DEMENTIA AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT WE THINK THIS IS SOMETHING THAT AFFECTS PEOPLE IN THEIR SEVENTIES, EIGHTIES, NINETIES THERE ARE A LOT OF 50-YEAR-OLDS WHO HAVE GENETIC DEMENTIA THAT CAN BE AFFECTED BY THIS AS WELL SO I APPRECIATE THAT AND I WOULD EXPECT MORE BILLS COMING HOPEFULLY THIS SESSION THAT WILL ADDRESS SOME OF THESE ISSUES.

>> SENATE BILL 61 PASSED THE SENATE HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE AND WILL HEAD TO THE SENATE FLOOR FOR CONSIDERATION THERE.

A BILL DESIGNED TO ALLOW FOR TRANSPORT OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES HAS MADE ITS WAY TO THE SENATE.

WIN ACADEMIES SEARCH SENATOR RALPH ALVARADO'S SENATE BILL 21 IS A COMBINATION OF TWO BILLS THAT WERE PASSED BEFORE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HALTED THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY LAST YEAR.

ALVARADO EXPLAINS HIS BILL TO THE SENATE HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE.

>> THE FIRST PART OF SENATE BILL 21 IS COMING OUT TO CONCERNS OF DUE TO TRANSPORTATION OF PRIMARILY MINORS BUT ALSO ADULTS WITH PSYCHIATRIC CONDITIONS AND SUICIDAL IDEATIONS, HOSPITALS ARE HESITANT TO TRANSPORT THOSE IF THEY CHANGE IN MIND EN ROUTE.

THE AMBULANCE SEVERANCE OBLIGATED TO RELEASE THAT INDIVIDUAL INSTEAD OF RESTRAINING THEM AND THAT PERSON CAN GO THEM THEN HURT THEMSELVES AFTER CHANGING THEIR MIND.

THAT IS BILL 21 PERMITS VOLUNTARY SUPPORT TO A SIGH PSYCHIATRIC AUTHORITY WITH ORIGINATING AND RECEIVING HOSPITAL OR FACILITY AND CONSIGNED WRITTEN AGREEMENT TO BE VOLUNTARILY TRANSPORTED AND NOT BE PHYSICALLY REMOVED DURING TRANSPORT.

THERE ARE SUBPOENAS THAT APPLY TO BOTH ADULTS AND CHILDREN IN THAT PART OF THE BILL, AND UNDER A VOLUNTEER TRANSPORT PATIENTS CAN BE TRANSPORTED IN NONEMS VEHICLES BUT AGREED NOT TO BE RELEASED UNTIL ARRIVING ELSEWHERE FOR ANOTHER ASSESSMENT.

>> THE MEASURE WOULD ALSO HELP PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN IN THE STATE.

SENATE BILL 21 PASSED THE SENATE HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE AND NOW HEADS TO THE SENATE FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE FULL BODY.

AS WE LEAVE YOU TONIGHT, WE HOPE TO BRING YOU SHORT BIOGRAPHIES OF THE NEW FACES IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE THROUGHOUT THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

AS PART OF OUR FRESHMAN PROFILES SERIES WE WILL GET TO KNOW THE BACKGROUNDS OF THE NEW LEGISLATORS, WHAT PROMPTED THEM TO SEEK ELECTED OFFICE AND WHAT THEY HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH WHILE THEY ARE HERE IN SESSION.

TONIGHT MEET REPUBLICAN STATE REPRESENTATIVE JENNIFER HENSON DECKER.

>> JENNIFER HENSON DECKER, I AM FROM DISTRICT 58 WHICH AT THIS POINT IS SHELBY COUNTY.

ACTUALLY I HAVE HAD KIND OF A VARIED CAREER:I AM AN ATTORNEY AND I PRACTICED LAW FOR ABOUT 20 YEARS, I HAVE BEEN IN FEDERAL TAX COURTS SO I STUDIED TAX LAW AND JUST LOVED THAT, BUT I HAD TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND WHEN THEY -- I TAUGHT WHEN THEY WERE FIRST-BORN I THOUGHT AS THEY GOT OLDER I WOULD WORK MORE, BUT AS IT HAPPENED, AS THEY GOT OLDER I TENDED TO THINK I NEEDED TO WORK LESS, SO I QUIT AT ONE AFTER ABOUT 20 YEARS AND I STILL PRACTICE LAW, I DID A LOT OF PRO BONO WORK AND REPRESENTED FRIENDS AND ACTUALLY PEOPLE WHO COULDN'T AFFORD A LAWYER, THAT IS PRETTY MUCH WHO I RENTED FOR A LONG TIME, AND NONPROFITS AND THEN WHEN MY CHILDREN GRADUATED AND WENT AWAY THE FIRST -- THE NEXT JOB I TOOK IS I WORKED FOR SENATOR RAND PAUL FOR FIVE YEARS AND THEN A NONPROFIT THAT I WAS ON THE BOARD -- HAD AN OPENING FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHRISTIAN NONPROFIT AND I TWHREPT AND HAVE BEEN THERE FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS AND STILL PRACTICING LAW AND DOING A LOT OF WORK THAT I FEEL IS IMPORTANT.

>> I HAVE ALWAYS HAD A GREAT INTEREST IN THE LEGISLATIVE MATTERS.

ACTUALLY, WHEN I WAS IN LAW SCHOOL AND I STARTED READING CASES ON THE CONSTITUTION.

IT JUST INTRIGUED ME AND I HAVE SUCH A RESPECT FOR THE CONSTITUTION, BOTH OF CONDITIONS AND THE UNITED STATES THE WAY THEY SEPARATE POWERS THAT THE PURPOSE IS TO MAKE PEOPLE MORE FREE, GOVERNMENT SMALLER, LESS INTRUSIVE AND I JUST HAVE BEEN INTERESTED IN GOVERNMENT EVER SINCE I STUDIED THAT AND I WANT TO PROTECT OUR CONSTITUTIONS AND I AM INTERESTED IN GOOD GOVERNMENT.

OF COURSE I THINK LIFE IS SACRED AND I HOPE TO PROTECT LIFE.

I BELIEVE IN RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND I THINK IT IS ALWAYS IN PERIL AND INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM IS ALWAYS IN PERIL.

SO I HOPE TO SUPPORT BILLS THAT BOTH FOSTER THOSE PRINCIPLES AND TO TRY TO STOP BILLS THAT DON'T.

>> WELL, I THINK WE HAVE TO KEEP PEOPLE SAFE AND I THINK THE RULES THAT HAVE BEEN PUT IN PLACE, I THINK WERE WITH GOOD MOTIVES BUT I THINK GOVERNMENT HAS OVERREACHED AND I FEEL AS THOUGH THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IS TO GET THE INFORMATION PEOPLE NEED TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS AND THEN TO SET RULES THAT PEOPLE CAN ABIDE BY AND NOT LOSE THEIR PROPERTY, NOT LOSE THEIR WAY TO MAINTAIN THEIR FAMILIES.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE US SAFELY REOPEN OUR ECONOMY, ALLOW OUR CHILDREN TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL AND TO ENJOY FREEDOM WITH THE CONSCIENCE WE ALL HAVE.

I REMEMBER ONE DAY SOMEONE WROTE TO ME, I DID NOT KNOW THE PERSON AND AT THE WROTE AND SAID WE THE PEOPLE ARE DEPENDING ON YOU.

THAT A IS A REAL RESPONSIBILITY AND A GREAT HONOR THAT I TAKE SERIOUSLY.

I THINK IT IS JUST AN EXCITING ADVENTURE.

I LIKE CHALLENGES.

I LIKE TO LEARN.

AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING A VOICE IN MATTERS THAT ARE IMPORTANT AND BEING ABLE TO WORK FOR PEOPLE.

AS AN -- AS A LAWYER I HAVE ALWAYS ADVOCATED FOR PEOPLE SO IT IS NOT AN UNUSUAL ROLE AND IT IS ONE I ENJOY.

I HAVE SEEN WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE IN PUBLIC OFFICE BUT NOT IN PUBLIC OFFICE.

I HAVE SEEN THE COMMITMENT IT TAKES.

I THINK SENATOR PAUL WAS A GREAT ROLE MODEL IN I THINK SHE A STATESMAN AND HE TAUGHT ME A VERY IMPORTANT LESSON WHICH IS TO WORK WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE COMMON GOALS, SO I DO THINK WE HAVE A VERY TOXIC ENVIRONMENT IN POLITICS, BUT I HAVE ADMIRED SENATOR PAUL IN HOW HE WILL REACH ACROSS THE AISLE TO WORK WITH PEOPLE.

MAYBE HE DOESN'T AGREE WITH 99 OUT OF 100 THINGS BUT HE WILL WORK ON THAT ONE THING SO I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIFFERENT IDEAS, I LIKE TO HEAR THEM AND COME TO SOME SOLUTIONS THAT MAYBE ARE THINKING ALL THE WAY OUT OF THE BOX.

>> THAT CONCLUDES OUR COVERAGE FOR DAY 8 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 D DOWNLOADING KET'S LEGISLATIVE COVERAGE APP TO YOUR SMART PHONE OR TABLET.

YOU CAN WATCH ON OUR KENTUCKY CHANNEL OR FOLLOWING ALONG ONLINE AT KET.ORG.

WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL TUNE IN FOR COMMENT ON KENTUCKY THIS FRIDAY AT 8:00 EASTERN, SEVEN CENTRAL, BILL BRYANT AND A ROUND TABLE OF JOURNALISTS WILL DISCUSS THE WEEK'S NEWS FROM FRANKFORT.