This year's lawmaking session is nearing its end.

But next week, legislators will get a chance to pass bills that didn't get approval before the veto recess.

Lawmakers will consider some familiar topics before they call an end to this year's frantic session.

And tonight's legislative update, our case.

We talk about reports on some of the bills with a chance to still head to the governor's desk next week.

Next Wednesday and Thursday, members of the General Assembly will get a last chance to give final approval to the legislation.

One of the two most substantial bills left would legalize sports gambling.

I'm here to tell you about taking a industry that exists in darkness and in the shadows and legitimizing it, legalizing it and regulating it to protect the consumers of Kentucky.

House Bill 551 was approved by the House early last week and now waits for action by the Senate.

The bill would appoint the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to oversee the sports gaming industry, an industry that is already legal in six of Kentucky's border states.

Governor Andy Beshear has already signaled his approval to the legislation.

So I will certainly sign sports betting if it gets to me.

I want to be very clear about that.

It's something that I have pushed for for years, and I believe it is very close to having the votes that it needs.

And I believe that this is something that Kentuckians overwhelmingly want.

Medical marijuana has been debated in previous sessions of the General Assembly.

A measure to approve the drug has passed the House.

Two out of the last three years.

Now the Senate has passed a bill legalizing medical cannabis for the first time.

And by passing this, we will say give our citizens the opportunity to use medical cannabis.

Senate Bill 47 passed the upper chamber because some senators changed their mind on the legislation, like Senate Majority Leader Damien Thayer.

But on behalf of those who suffer and can find some relief, I've come to this decision and people have asked me why because they know I'm a stubborn guy.

Why did you change your mind?

One word compassion.

Governor Beshear has said he's in favor of Senate Bill 47, too, giving some hope to those who have tried to pass medical marijuana legislation in previous sessions.

Another bill would change how Kentucky taxes the bourbon industry.

House Bill five would repeal property taxes on locations where bourbon is aged.

And Rick House's it's often referred to as the bourbon barrel tax.

It is not our right to to be the home of the bourbon industry.

We're seeing this more and more all the time of the.

Over the past several years, Kentucky has continued to lose market share.

Kentucky now has less than 3% of the distilling distilled spirits licenses in the country.

The tax would sunset over 15 years beginning in 2026.

Proponents of House Bill five say lower taxes will lead to more investment, but local communities say losing the tax could impact their ability to provide services to citizens.

Also creating controversy this session was Senate Bill 115.

The bill would limit where drag shows can perform in Kentucky.

This bill is not anti LGBT Q.

This bill is pro children.

For some reason, people want this type of content in front of children, and I would dare ask why.

Why do we need to sexualize our children?

This bill not only compromises or asks me to explain my humanity, but it also brings into question my livelihood as a drag performer who depends on drag shows and drag performances for income.

This bill not only tells me that I am not really a human worthy of rights, but I'm also not worthy to work and I'm not deserving of an ability to make money.

We'll see what happens with these bills left in limbo when the General Assembly returns next week.

For Kentucky Edition.

I'm Kacey Parker.

Bill.

Thank you, kacey.

The Kentucky General Assembly reconvenes for the last two days of the legislative session next Wednesday and Thursday, March 29th and 30th.

Any bills passed during those two days will not be eligible for veto overrides by state lawmakers.