GIVES APPROVAL TO THE OMNIBUS ABORTION MEASURE ALREADY APPROVED BY THE HOUSE, THE HOUS GIVES APPROVAL TO A MEASURE THA WILL TRY TO IMPROVE THE STATE'S NURSING SHORTAGE, AND A BILL DEEMED HOUSES OF WORSHIP ESSENTIAL SERVICES IS HEADING TO THE GOVERNOR, ALL ON DAY 54 of THE 2022 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SESSION.

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

THE OMNIBUS ABORTION BILL HAS TAKEN ANOTHER STEP CLOSER TO FINAL PA HOUSE BILL 3, SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE NANCY TATE OF BRANDENBURG, MAKES CHANGES TO THE PARENTAL CONSENT REQUIREMENTS FOR MINORS SEEKING AN ABORTION, BANS MAILED ABORTION MEDICATIONS, AND SETS REQUIREMENTS FOR HOW TO DISPOSE OF TERMINATED REMAINS.

TATE EXPLAINED PART OF HOUSE BILL 3 TO THE SENATE HEALTH AND WELFAR.

>> WITH THE REGULATIONS THAT WILL BE PUT IN PLACE TO RESPOND TO ODE EVER MODIFICATIONS THAT THE FDA MADE TO THEIR REALMS CONCERNING THE CHEMICAL ABORTION INDUCING DRUGS.

FOR FOR TEN YEARS THE FDA HAS PROHIBITED DRUGS, UNEVER ABORTION INDUCING DRUGS FROM BEING DISPENSED IN PHARMACIES, TO BRICK AND MORTARS AND ONLINE AND VIA TELEMEDICINE.

WHILE KENTUCKY PROHIBITS THE PRESCRIBING THE ABORTION-INDUCING DRUGS VIA TELEMEDICINE WE ARE NOW FORCED TO RESPOND TO THE CHANGES THAT THE FDA MADE ON DECEMBER 16th OF 2021.

THE THIRD TOPIC ADDRESSED IS A DIGNIFIED DISPOSAL OF OF FETAL RAPE IF U.S. SUPREME COURT UPHELD LANGUAGE IN 2016 IN THE CASE KNOWN AS CHRIS CHRISTINA BOX, COMMISSIONER, INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH VERSUS PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF INDIANA AND KENTUCKY.

ALSO, IN 2019 THE OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL MIKE DeWINE REPORTED FINDING THAT PLANNED PARENTHOOD WAS DISPOSING OF FETAL REMAINS IN LAN PHILS IN KENTUCKY.

THIS INFORMATION INFURIATED ME AND SPURRED ME TO INVESTIGATE AND ADOPT THE LANGUAGE UPHELD BY THE U.S. SUPREME COURT WHICH PREVENTS HUMAN REMAINS FROM WE GO TREATED LIKE MEDICAL WASTE.

ALSO, NEW REGULATIONS OUTLINE HOW A BAB'S BODY SHOULD BE HANDLED AFTER AN ABORTION AND ALLOWS PARENTS HOW TO BURY THEIR CHILDREN FOR SPAWNS abortions.

>> Casey: LOUISVILLE SENATOR KAREN BERG, A PHYSICIAN BY TRADE, TESTIFIED IN OPPOSITION TO THE BILL.

SHE CALLED THE BILL, QUOTE, POOR MEDICINE AND SAYS IT WILL IMPACT THE HEALTH CARE FOR WOMEN ACROSS THE COMMO.

>> SO THIS IS AN EXTREMELY SIMPLE, EXTREMELY SAFE PROCEDURE THAT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY AND THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE ARE BOTH SAYING LOUD AND CLEAR THIS IS SAFER, SAFER THAN SURGICAL ABORTION, IT IS MORE PRIVATE FOR WOMEN, IT GIVES THEM MORE EFFICACY OVER THEIR OWN BODY AND THEIR DECISIONS REGARDING THEIR OWN REPRODUCTION.

>> WE HAVE EXPANDED TELEHEALTH COVERAGE FOR VIRTUALLY EVERY OTHER BRANCH OF MEDICINE IN THIS STATE THAT WE COULD.

KENTUCKY'S ACTUALLY LEADING THE WAY IN THIS ENDEAVOR.

BECAUSE WE KNOW WE HAVE ACCESS PROPOSE.

WE KNOW WE HAVE PEOPLE IN COMMUNITIES THAT CANNOT REACH SAFE, EFFECTIVE HEALTH CARE.

AND OUR GOAL IS TO TRY TO FIX THAT.

NOT TO MAKE IT worse >> Casey: THE ACLU OF KENTUCKY OPPOSES HOUSE BILL 3, BUT THEIR ADVOCACY DIRECTOR SAYS THERE MAY BE SOME COMMON GROUND TO BE FOUND BETWEEN THE ACLU AND LEGISLATOR SHE LAID OUT THE REQUESTED CHANGES TO THE BILL IN THE SENATE HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE MEETING.

>> SO THE BILL ALREADY ADDRESSES PRIVACY THROUGHOUT ITS 63 PAGES, BUT I THINK THERE ARE STILL SOME REMAINING OMISSIONS.

ONE SIGNIFICANT OMISSION WAS ESTRADE BY MAKING THE BIRTH DEATH CERTIFICATE OPTIONAL.

UNFORTUNATELY, WHAT WE DID NOT KNOW IS THAT WHEN -- AND I CAN SHOW THIS TO YOU ON PAGE 46 OF THE COMMITTEE SUB, IT'S LINE 26 -- THAT THERE IS EXISTING KRS THAT REQUIRES A DEATH CERTIFICATE IN ORDER FOR REMAINS TO BE CREMATED, WHICH, OF COURSE, MAKES A LOT OF SENSE.

KRS PREVIOUSLY HAD AN EXEMPTION FOR FETAL REMAINS.

THAT WAS STRUCK IN THE BILL.

I DON'T THINK THE INTENTION THERE WAS TO COMPEL INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE HAD ABORTIONS OR COMPEL INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE HAD MISCARRIAGES TO FILE A DEATH CERTIFICATE.

I THINK THAT WAS AN UNINTENTIONAL ERROR AND THAT'S SOMETHING WE MISS WHEN WE WERE HAVING THESE CONVERSATIONS WITH REPRESENTATIVE TATE.

NEXT I WANT TO TOUCH ON MINORS.

THE BILL ALSO REQUIRES I BELIEVE IN SECTION 21 THAT ALL PARENTS OF MINORS, ALL PARENTS OF MINORS BE NOTIFIED OF THE DISPOSITION OF REMAINS.

I THINK UNINTENTIONALLY THAT NOTIFICATION IS ALSO REQUIRED FOR MINORS WHO HAVE RECEIVED A JUDICIAL BYPASS.

AND SO, OF COURSE, IF SOMEONE'S GONE THROUGH THE PROCESS OF RECEIVING A JUDICIAL BYPASS, WE THINK IT'S PRETTY CLEAR THAT THE JUDGE HAS DEEMED IT'S IN THEIR BEST INTERESTS TO KEEP THIS PRIVATE FROM THEIR PARENTS.

>> Casey: COMMITTEE CHAIR RALPH ALVARADO SAYS AN amounted HOUSE BILL 3 COULD BE HEARD ON THE SENATE FLOOR.

THE MEASURE PASSED THE SENATE HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE 8 TO 2 AND IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE SENATE.

KENTUCKY FACES A. SENATE BILL 10 WOULD ELIMINATE SOME RED TAPE MAKING IT EASIER FOR FOREIGN AND OUT OF STATE NURSES TO WORK IN Kentucky.

IT REMOVES ENROLLMENT LIMITATIONS TO NURSING PROGRAMS AND MAKES CHANGES TO KENTUCKY'S BOARD OF TODAY ON THE HOUSE FLOOR REPRESENTATIVE KIM MOSER SAID THESE CHANGES ARE NEEDED, NOW.

>> THE NURSING SHORTAGE HAS EXISTED IN KENTUCKY FOR MANY YEARS.

KENTUCKY NURSES LEAVE FOR HIGHER PAY ELSEWHERE, FATIGUE AND BURN-OUT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THESE NUMBERS.

LARGE NUMBERS OF NURSES ARE RETIRING.

THIS WAS ESPECIALLY HIGHLIGHTED DURING COVID.

AND ACCORDING TO THE KENTUCKY NURSES ASSOCIATION, KENTUCKY WILL NEED AS MANY AS 16 THOUSAND NURSES BY 2024.

THE HEALTH CARE WORKER SHORTAGE IN GENERAL HAS BEEN A FOCUS OF THE MAJORITY CAULKED THIS YEAR.

THIS IS ANOTHER PIECE OF THE LEGISLATIVE UPDATES TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEM IN KENTUCKY.

>> Casey: REPRESENTATIVE LISA WILLNER SAID SHE AGREES WITH TH BILL OVERALL BUT HAD CONCERNS ABOUT ONE PART OF IT.

>> THERE IS ONE ODD PROVISION IN THIS BILL THAT WAS PUT IN BY OUR FRIENDS DOWN THE HALL, AND THIS WOULD REQUIRE SENATE CONFIRMATION OF ANY NEW MEMBERS OF THE KENTUCKY BOARD OF NURSING.

THIS WOULD MAKE THE KENTUCKY BOARD OF NURSING ABSOLUTELY THE ONLY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER BOARD IN THE ENTIRE STATE OF KENTUCKY THAT REQUIRES SENATE CONFIRMING FOR THEIR MEMBERSHIP -- COVERAGES FOR THEIR MEMBERSHIP.

THE CONFIRMS PROCESS IS WORKING VERY WELL AS IS.

I DON'T THINK WE NEED THE SENATE TO INSERT THEMSELVES INTO THAT DECISION.

>> Casey: REPRESENTATIVE WILLNER OFFERED AN AMENDMENT TO REMOVE THE SENATE'S INVOLVEMENT THE HOUSE REJECTED IT.

REPRESENTATIVE JOSIE RAYMOND WANTED TO KNOW HOW MUCH THIS BILL WOULD HELP WITH A POTENTIA NURSING SHORTAGE.

>> I'VE HEARD THAT WE NEED 16,000 NURSES OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL YEARS.

WHAT'S THE ESTIMATE OF WHAT THESE MEASURES WOULD PRODUCE IN TERMS OF NEW NURSES IN KENTUCKY?

>> LADY FROM KENTON.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION.

, LADY FROM JEFFERSON.

I DON'T HAVE A HARD NUMBER ON WHAT THIS PROVISION WILL ACTUALLY PRODUCE IN TERMS OF NURSING.

I THINK THAT THIS IS A PIECE OF THE PUZZLE, AND WE HAVE MANY, MANY PROVISIONS, MANY PROJECTS ONGOING TO ADDRESS THE NURSING SHORTAGE AND HEALTH CARE WORKER SHORTAGE.

>> Casey: THE HOUSE VOTED IN FAVOR OF THE BILL 93 TO 1.

LOUISVILLE REPRESENTATIVE JEFFREY DONAHUE WAS THE LONE NO A HOUSE COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE TO SENATE BILL 10 WILL SEND THE MEASURE BACK TO THE SENATE FOR CONCURRENCE VOTE.

THE HOUSE ALSO TOOK UP A BILL DESIGNED TO HELP KENTUCKY FIGHT HIGH RATES OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT.

SENATE BILL 8 WOULD EXPAND PREVENTION SERVICES, ADD MORE RESOURCES FOR CHILD ADVOCACY CENTERS, AND CLOSE LOOPHOLES IN EXISTING ABUSE AND NEGLECT LAWS.

IT WOULD ALSO ALLOW MORE FLEXIBILITY FOR WHEN CHILDREN AT MODERATE RISK ARE REMOVED FROM A HOME.

>>NESS A HUGE SHIFT IN POLICY AND PRACTICES.

WE HAVE, OF COURSE, KENTUCKY BEING NUMBER ONE IN ABUSE AND NEGLECT STATISTICS, THIS IS DEFINITELY GOING TO HELP IN THAT SITUATION.

AND DID THE REASON FOR THAT IS ABOUT 76% OF THE CASES ACROSS THIS STATE ARE BASED ON NEGLECT, AND WHEN YOU HEAR NEGLECT, SOMETIMES YOU THINK THESE YOU FOLKS DON'T WANT TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR KIDS, THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT THEIR CHILDREN BUT MANY TIMES THAT'S NOT THE CASE.

MOST OF THE TIME THESE PEOPLE LOVE THEIR CHILDREN, WANT TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR CHILDREN THE BEST THEY CAN BUT THINK LACK RESOURCES OF PREVENT SERVICES TO BE ABLE TO KEEP THEM AT HOME.

SO WHAT WE CAN'T WANT TO DO WE ARE CLARIFYING THIS WILL KEEP CHILDREN IN THEIR HOME AND FAMILIES MORE often.

>> Casey: THE HOUSE PASSED SENATE BILL 8, 94 TO 0.

IT NO HEADS TO THE CAPITOL'S FIRST FLOOR FOR THE GOVERNOR'S KENTUCKY STUDENTS WOULD HAVE A MOMENT OF SILENCE OR REFLECTION AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL DAY IF HOUSE BILL 101 BECOMES L DURING THAT TIME, STUDENTS COUL MEDITATE, PRAY OR ENGAGE IN ANY OTHER SILENT ACTIVITY.

DURING TODAY'S HOUSE DEBATE OVER THE BILL, REPRESENTATIVE JOSIE RAYMOND ASKED THE BILL'S SPONSOR, REPRESENTATIVE DANIEL FISTER, IF THIS IDEA IS REALISTIC FOR YOUNG STUDENTS.

>> WOULD THIS APPLY TO ALL GRADES K THROUGH 12?

>> YES, MA'AM.

>> EP GILLETT FROM WOODFORD.

>> YES, MA'AM.

>> LADY FROM JEFFERSON.

>> MAY I ASK A FOLLOW-UP?

>> WILL YOU YIELD TO ANOTHER QUESTION?

>> HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A KINDERGARTNER SIT STILL FOR TWO MINUTES?

>> GENTLEMAN FROM WOODFORD.

>> ACTUALLY I HAVE, YES, MA'AM.

>> Casey: THE MOMENT OF SILENC WOULD BE BETWEEN ONE AND TWO MINUTES IN LENGTH.

THE HOUSE OKAYED THE BILL 81 TO 12, BUT IT STILL NEEDS SENATE APPROVAL.

ON THE OTHER END OF THE CAPITOL, THE SENATE TOOK UP HOUSE BILL 4 WHICH WOULD KEEP HOUSES OF WORSHIP OPEN DURING STATES OF EMERGENCY ENACTED BY THE GOVERN.

HUES BILL 43 WOULD DEEM CHURCHES ESSENTIAL SERVICES, A TERM THAT BECAME COMMONPLACE DURING THE EARLY DAYS OF THE COVID-19 PAND THE MEASURE IS IN RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNOR'S DECISION TO CLOS HOUSES OF WORSHIP DURING THE PANDEMIC SHUTDOWN IN 2020.

HARDEN SENATOR ROBBY MILLS EXPLAINED WHY HE SUPPORTS THE BILL DURING CHAMBERS TODAY.

>> SO WHY SHOULD CHURCH BE CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL?

NUMBER ONE, IT'S A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO FREELY EXERCISE OUR FAITH.

THE SECOND REASON, THE TEACHING AND SOCIALIZATION AT CHURCH FEEDS OUR SOUL.

AND THIRDLY, ACCORDING TO A RECENT GALLOP POLL, THOSE WHO ATTEND CHURCH ON A WEEKLY BASIS REPORT IMPROVED MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES OVER THOSE THAT SELDOM ATTEND CHURCH.

MR. PRESIDENT, WE KNOW HOW FRAGILE AND HOW MUCH WE'VE TALKED ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH RECENTLY THROUGH THE PANDEMIC.

>> Casey: HOUSE BILL 43 WOULD ALSO ALLOW HOUSES OF WORSHIP TO SUE THE GOVERNMENT FOR ATTEMPTE LOUISVILLE SENATOR KAREN BERG VOTED AGAINST THE MEASURE BECAUSE OF THAT LANGUAGE.

>> BUT THIS OPENING UP TO WHERE WE CAN SUE OUR STATE OVER THIS JUST DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE TO ME WHATSOEVER, AND I MIGHT ADD THAT I, TOO, AM EXTREMELY RELIGIOUS, AND SOMEHOW MY CONGREGATION WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN SERVICES ONLINE WITH IN-PERSON COMMUNICATION TO THOSE CONGREGANTS THAT NEEDED IT THROUGHOUT THIS ENTIRE PANDEMIC REALLY WITH VERY LITTLE INTERRUPTION TO OUR congregatio >> Casey: HOUSE BILL 43 RECEIVED FINAL PASSAGE BY THE SENATE 30 TO 7.

IT NOW HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR'S ANOTHER BILL GIVEN FINAL PASSAG BY THE LEGISLATURE SEEKS TO HEL INCREASE BOURBON TOURISM ACROSS THE STATE.

HOUSE BILL 500 WOULD DISTILLERS TO CONTINUE PRIVATE BARREL SELECTIONS, SELL GIFT SHOP EXCLUSIVE BOTTLES, AND WOULD ENABLE DISTILLERIES TO OPEN A REMOTE TASTING SHOP, AN HB 500'S SPONSOR CHAD MCCOY SAID CAME FROM A TRIP TO CALIFORNIA'S WINE COUNTRY.

SENATE LICENSING AND OCCUPATION CHAIR JOHN SCHICKEL CARRIED THE MEASURE ON THE SENATE FLOOR.

>> I COME BEFORE YOU TODAY WITH SOMETHING AS RARE AS A BOTTLE OF PAPPY VANN WINKEL.

A PROMISE ON AN ALCOHOL BILL BETWEEN THE RETAILERS, WHOLESALERS AND DISTRIBUTORS.

HOUSE BILL 500 IS THE NEXT STEP IN ELEVATING OUR BOURBON TOURISM TOURISM, BUILDING ON WHAT MY SENATE BILL, WHAT OUR SENATE BILL 11 DID FOR THE KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL BACK IN 2016.

THAT HISTORIC MEASURE CONTRIBUTED DO GROWING THE PIE FOR EVERYONE, NOT ONLY HAVE THE DISTILLERS SPENT HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS INVESTING IN VISITOR CENTERS AND PRODUCTION CENTERS, IT HAS ALSO SPURRED GROWTH IN UPSCALE RESTAURANTS, LIQUOR SPOORS STORES, MUSIC VINES, BOUTIQUE HOLDS HOTELS AND MUCH more >> Casey: HOUSE BILL RECEIVED FINAL PASSAGE BY THE SENATE 26 TO 10.

IT'S NOW AVAILABLE FOR ACTION BY THE GOV A MEASURE MAKING ITS WAY TO THE HOUSE AIMS TO PROTECT PARENTS' SENATE BILL 40, KNOWN AS THE PARENTS' RIGHTS PROTECTION ACT, SETS THE JUDICIAL STANDARD OF STRICT SCRUTINY FOR PARENTS' RIGHTS AND SETS THE RIGHTS PARENTS HAVE REGARDING THEIR CH SENATOR STEPHEN WEST EXPLAINS THE MEASURE HE SPONSORS.

>> FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS PARENTAL RIGHTS WERE HELD FUNDAMENTAL AND FOR MANY YEARS THE SUPREME COURT STANDARD WAS STRICT SCRUTINY.

HOWEVER, IN THE LAST 20 YEARS, THERE'S BEEN A BIT OF A GRAY CREEPING INTO THIS ONCE BLACK-AND-WHITE SPACE.

THEREFORE, IN ORDER TO BRECHT THESE FUND AMORITES, THIS BILL ASSEMBLY IS THAT IT IS THAT OUR COURTS WHEN CONSIDERING THESE IMPORTANT ISSUES MUST APPLY THE STRICT SCRUTINY STANDARD.

THIS BILL SIMPLY PROTECTS AN IDEA AND A STANDARD THAT HAS BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE THE FOUNDING OF THIS STATE AND EVEN BEFORE THAT IN ORDER FOR THE STATE TO ENACT LAWS AFFECTING OUR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO PARENT OUR children >> Casey: SENATE M LEADER MORGAN MCGARVEY CALLS SENATE BILL 40 A SOLUTION IN SEARCH OF A PROBLEM.

HE SAYS IT COULD CAUSE ISSUES FOR CAREGIVERS WHO DON'T FIT THE BILL'S DEFINITION OF A PARENT WHILE WEST SAYS THE BILL WON'T CAUSE THOSE ISSUES.

>> THERE ARE 67,000 CHILDREN IN KENTUCKY WHO RESIDE IN HOUSEHOLDS WHERE THE PRIMARY CAREGIVER IS NOT THAT DEFINITION OF PARENT.

THERE ARE 9,000 ADDITIONAL CHILDREN IN KENTUCKY WHO ARE IN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM.

THIS IS ALREADY A MURKY SORT OF AREA FOR PARENTS TO TREAD, BUT WHEN YOU LOOK AT THOSE 67,000 CHILDREN WHO RESIDE IN A HOME WHERE THE PARENT IS NOT THEIR BIOLOGICAL PARENT, IT CAN BE A GRANDPARENT, AN AUNT, AN UNCLE, A CLOSE FAMILY FRIEND.

THIS BILL IS TAKING ABILITY FROM THOSE CAREGIVERS AWAY TO MAKE THE BEST DECISIONS POSSIBLE FOR THOSE CHILDREN.

WHY ARE WE DOING THAT?

WHY ARE WE SITTING HERE PASSING A THAT COULD PUT CHILDREN A RISK A BILL THAT COULD PUT CHILDREN AT RISK WHO ARE ALREADY IN A SITUATION WHERE THEY'RE NOT WITH THEIR BIOLOGICAL PARENT?

>> THIS IN NO WAY NEGATIVELY AFFECTS THE RIGHTS OF GRANDPARENTS TO STEP INTO THE SHOES OF PARENTS WHO HAVE HAD ISSUES, WHETHER THAT'S FOSTER CARE OR WHAT HAVE YOU.

IF A PARENT -- THERE ARE EXISTING STATUTES THAT ALLOW FOR CHILDREN TO BE TAKEN FROM THEIR PARENTS.

THE INITIAL HEARING IN AN EMERGENCY CASE IS PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE.

THIS BILL IN NO WAY CHANGES THAT STANDARD.

THE PREPONDERANCE OF THE EVIDENCE STANDARD STAYS IN PLACE.

AS A CASE WOULD MOVE ALONG IN THE PROCESS, THE STATE IS HELD TO A HIGHER STANDARD.

IF A CHILD IS TAKEN AWAY FROM A PARENT.

>> Casey: BENTON SENATOR DANNY CARROLL SAYS HIS EXPERIENCES AS A POLICE OFFICER IS WHAT GUIDED HIM TO HIS NO VOTE.

CARROLL SAYS THE MEASURE COULD PREVENT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, LIKE POLICE OFFICERS, FROM TRYING TO IMPACT A CHILD'S LIFE POSITIVEL.

>> MANY TIMES THROUGHOUT MY CAREER IN LA ENFORCEMENT, AND I KNOW NUMEROUS OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, THEY WENT OUT OF THEIR WAY TO TAKE A CHILD UNDER THEIR WING TO MENTOR THAT CHILD, TO TRY TO POINT THEM TOWARDS A BETTER LIFE, TO GIVE THEM LOVE, DIRECTION, CARE, A LEVEL OF CUSTODY TO TRY TO KEEP THEM OUT OF TROUBLE AND CONTROL, TO TRY TO HELP THE CHILD.

VALID EFFORTS THAT IS COMMON FOR ANYONE WHO CARES ABOUT OUR CHILDREN.

MY CONCERN WITH THIS BILL HAS BEEN FROM THE VERY BEGINNING THE COOLING EFFECT THAT THIS COULD POSSIBLY HAVE ON THOSE EFFORTS.

PEOPLE WHO MIGHT WANT TO STEP IN AND WHO ARE COVERED UNDER THIS AS A GOVERNMENT ENTITY OR A SUBDIVISION OF A GOVERNMENT WHICH WOULD INCLUDE LAW ENFORCEMENT.

IT MIGHT MAKE THEM HESITANT TO GET INVOLVED IN A CHILD'S LIFE OUT OF CONCERN OF THE FAMILY'S REACTION TO THAT.

>> Casey: SENATE BILL 40 WILL NOW HEAD TO THE HOUSE AFTER PASSING THE SENATE 23 TO 14.

RURAL HOSPITALS COULD BE GETTIN A BOOST WITH A BILL MAKING ITS WAY TO THE SENATE FLOOR.

HOUSE BILL 365 EXPANDS HOW THE RURAL HOSPITAL LOAN FUND CAN BE USED BY MAKING HOSPITALS THAT HAVE CLOSED ELIGIBLE FOR A LOAN.

THOSE HOSPITALS MUST HAVE BEEN CLOSED WITHIN 36 MONTHS OF THEI LOAN APPLICATION AND BE LOCATED IN COUNTIES OF LESS THAN 50,000 THE BILL'S SPONSOR, REPRESENTATIVE DANNY BENTLEY, SAYS NOT INCLUDING CLOSED HOSPITALS WAS AN OVERSIGHT WHEN THE BILL CREATING THE FUND WAS AND THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR THE KENTUCKY HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION SAYS IT WILL IMPROVE HEALTH CAR IN THE COMMUNITIES THAT NEED IT.

>> BOTH A BILL THAT WILL IMPROVE ACCESS FOR THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING FROM OPIOID ADDICTION, BUT IT'S ALSO A GREAT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PIECE BECAUSE IT ALLOWS HOSPITALS THAT HAVE BEEN CLOSED TO BE REOPENED, AND WE ALL KNOW THAT NO COMMUNITY THRIVES ECONOMICALLY UNLESS IT HAS A HOSPITAL IN IT.

THEY ARE ECONOMIC ENGINES AND THIS BILL WILL BE A GREAT BENEFIT TO ALL OF OUR PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY FOR RURAL HEALTH c >> Casey: PARTS OF THE LOAN CAN BE FORGIVABLE IF THE HOSPITALS RECEIVING THEM HIT CERTAIN CRIT SENATOR STEPHEN MEREDITH AND SENATE PRESIDENT PRO-TEM DAVID GIVENS SUPPORT HOUSE BILL 364, AND THEY SAY MORE HELP IS NEEDE FOR RURAL HOSPITALS AND THEIR C. >> HOW MANY RURAL HOSPITALS DID WE HAVE THAT WERE VIEWED AS FINANCIALLY FRAGILE BEFORE THE PANDEMIC?

AND WHERE ARE WE TODAY?

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT QUESTION, SENATOR MEREDITH.

KENTUCKY CONTINUES TO STRUGGLE ON THE, AND THE PANDEMIC WAS NO FRIEND TO OURS HOSPITALS, EITHER RURAL OR URBAN.

WE RECEIVED A NEW REPORT OUT OF WASHINGTON, DC, JUST LAST WEEK INDICATING THAT 12 OUR HOSPITALS IN RURAL AREAS ARE IN DISTRESS AND FOUR OF THOSE AT SEVERE RISK OF CLOSURE.

SO ANYTHING THAT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MIGHT BE ABLE TO DO, IF THERE ARE FUNDS AVAILABLE THAT COULD GO INTO THE LOAN FUND, THAT WOULD CERTAINLY BE A GREAT BENEFIT TO THIS EFFORT TO STAVE OUR RURAL HOSPITALS.

>> POLITICO HAD AN ARTICLE ABOUT FOUR DAYS AGO HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPACT AS IT RELATES TO RURAL DEATHS WITHIN THE PROXIMITY OF CLOSED HOSPITALS.

AND IF YOU WANT TO LOOK AT A VERY, VERY TELLING ARTICLE ABOUT THE IMPACT OF THE 50 COUNTIES WITH THE HIGHEST COVID DEATHS PER CAP COB 24 ARE WITHIN 40 MILES OF A HOSPITAL THAT IS RECENTLY CLOSED.

IT'S IMPACTING OUR STATE.

IT'S IMPACTING OUR NATION.

THE STUDIES INDICATE OVER 450 RURAL HOSPITALS ACROSS THE NATION ARE AT RISK OF CLOSURE.

>> Casey: HOUSE BILL 364 PASSED THE SENATE HEALTH AND WELFARE COMMITTEE AND WILL NOW BE UP FOR CONSIDERATION IN THE .

A BILL THAT WOULD MAKE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES TO KENTUCKY'S OPEN RECORDS ACT HAS CLEARED ANOTHER HURDLE IN FRANK THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE APPROVED SENATE BILL 63.

IT ALLOWS PUBLIC OFFICERS AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS TO REQUEST THEY ARE PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION BE WITHHELD FROM PUBLIC AGENCIES.

ANYONE WHO DOES DISTRIBUTE SUCH INFORMATION COULD BE SUED UNDER THE BILL.

OPEN GOVERNMENT AND F AMENDMENT ADVOCATES ARE VOICING CONCERNS ABOUT THIS bill ATTORNEY MICHAEL ABBATE, REPRESENTING THE KENTUCKY PRESS ASSOCIATION, SAYS SENATE BILL 6 IS AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL CENSORSHIP OF PRESS AND FREE SPEECH AND SAYS HE'S CONCERNED THE BILL COULD HAVE UNINTENDED .

>> AND IT WAS SO BROAD FOR NEW JERSEY, THEY HAD TO SERIOUSLY AMEND IT.

THEY HAD TO CREATE A NEW STATE AGENCY WITH A $3 MILLION APPROPRIATION IN ORDER TO ADMINISTRATOR IT, AND THEY HAD TO ADD NEW STATUTORY EXCEPTIONS FOR THINGS LIKE VOTER REGISTRATION, REAL PROPERTY DOCUMENTS, CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE FILINGS, LIEN RECORDINGS, ENCUMBRANCES, PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENTS.

OUR LAW HAS NONE OF THOSE EXCEPTIONS, AND SO IT'S NOT CLEAR TO US HOW COUNTY CLERK, HOW PROPERTY VALUE ADMINISTERS CAN ADMINISTER THIS IF THERE AS A REQUEST FOR CONFIDENTLY.

WYE THINK IT COULD IMPEDE BASIC FUNCTIONING OF THINGS LIKE TITLE SEARCHES, LIENS, LITIGATION GOING ON IN COURTS.

IT IS SO BROAD AND THERE'S GOING TO BE SO MANY UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES THAT WE THINK THAT THE BILL IS GOING TO LEAD TO TERRIBLE CONSEQUENCES, EVEN APART FROM BEING AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL RESTRICTION ON SPEECH AND AN ANTI-TRANSPARENCY >> Casey: BENTON SENATOR DANNY CARROLL IS THE BILL'S SPONSOR.

HE SAYS PUBLIC OFFICERS NEED SUCH PROTECTION BECAUSE OF AN INCREASE IN THREATS TO FEDERAL JUDGES AND LINE-OF-DUTY DEATHS FOR POLICE OFFICERS.

>>NESS NOT INFORMATION THAT THEYED IN TO DO THEIR STORY, AND IF THEY NEED THE INFORMATION THAT BAD, THERE IS AN AVENUE TO GET IT THAT CURRENTLY EXISTS IN THE LAW.

IN THE CIVIL LIKE LIABILITY, THERE HAS TO BE SOME MAL-INTENT FOR THAT TO STAND TRUE WITHIN THE CIVIL JUSTICE SYSTEM, AND JUST PUBLISHING A STORY WITH LEGALLY OBTAINED INFORMATION THAT DOES NOT MEET ANY OF THOSE COMPONENTS, WITNESS THERE'S NO JUDGE THAT'S GOING TO RULE IN FAVOR OF SOMETHING IRRELEVANT SOMEONE FILING SUIT FOR THAT.

SO THE REALITY IS THAT THE MEDIA IS NEVER GOING TO SUPPORT THIS BILL AT ALL.

IT'S A BEAM.

AND I THINK WE HAVE REACHED THAT BALANCE THAT -- IT'S A BALANCE.

AND I THINK WE HAVE REACHED THAT BALANCE THAT WE MUST PROVIDE THESE PROTECTIONS TO FOLKS LISTED HERE.

THAT'S JUST WHERE WE ARE IN THE WORLD TODAY.

>> Casey: SENATE BILL 63 CLEARED THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE THIS AFTERNOON.

IT NOW HEADS TO THE FULL HOUSE.

SOME INMATES WITH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONDITIONS COULD SEE THEIR CRIMINAL CHARGES DISMISSED.

SENATE BILL 90 CALLS FOR CREATING A PILOT PROGRAM IN TEN COUNTIES TO PROVIDE ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS WITH TREATMENT OPTIONS INSTEAD OF INCARCERATIO THE BILL'S SPONSOR, SENATOR WHITNEY WESTERFIELD, SAID THE PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE ACCESS TO EDUCATION AND VOCATION A TRAINING.

>> SO WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A PARTICIPANT BEING ENTERED INTO THIS DIVERSION PROGRAM OR THIS DEFERRED PROSECUTION, CONDITIONAL DISMISSAL PROGRAM, THE WORK FORCE CABINET NEEDS TO PERFORM AN ASSESSMENT TO THOSE PARTICIPANTS TO SEE WHETHER OR NOT THEY CAN BENEFIT FROM FURTHER EDUCATION, JOB TRAINING OR EVEN JOB PLACEMENT.

IT EVEN GIVES PERMISSIVE LANGUAGE TO ALLOW THEM TO HAVE A REG INDUSTRY TO MATCH POTENTIAL SECOND CHANCE EMPLOYEES WITH POTENTIAL SECOND CHANCE HIRING OF INDIVIDUALS, IF THEY SO CHOOSE.

ALL OF THIS -- I DON'T KNOW IF I'VE SAID IN IT FRONT OF THIS COMMITTEE, I KNOW I'VE SAID IN IT MINE AND ON THE FLOOR OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE A TIMES -- THE SINGLE BIGGEST THING WE CAN DO TO MAKE SURE A PERSON DOESN'T COMMIT A CRIME AGAIN IS MAKE SURE THEY HAVE A JOB WHEN THEY GET OUT OF CUSTODY.

IF THEY ARE WORKING THEY'RE SUBSTANTIALLY LESS LIKELY TO BREAK THE LAW AND CREATE A NEW CRIME VICTIM AND TYPE YOU THE DOCKET AND FILL ANOTHER SLOT IN THE JAIL CELL THAT WE DON'T HAVE AN AT AT EXPENSE WE DON'T have.

>> Casey: SENATE BILL 90 UNANIMOUSLY PASSED THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE THIS AFTERN IT'S NOW AVAILABLE FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE HOUSE.

A BILL TARGETING SO-CALLED PORCH PIRATES IS A STEP CLOSER TO HITTING THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

SENATOR DAVID YATES IS SPONSOR OF SENATE BILL 23.

HE SAYS IT WOULD CLOSE A LOOPHOLE BY BROADENING THE DEFINITION OF MAIL TO INCLUDE PACKAGES DROPPED OFF BY CARRIERS OTHER THAN THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE, LIKE FEDEX OR UPS.

>> WHAT WE KNOW IS THAT WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL RINGS, SOME OF THEM WILL HAVE THE PACKAGE, THE VAN DELIVERIES THAY THAT WILL PING THE INDIVIDUAL SERVICES, WHERE THEY'RE GOING TO PUT IT, WHAT HOUSEHOLD.

THEY GET THE GOOD STUFF.

THEY PUT IT INTO WHETHER IT'S A U-HAUL TO YOU, AN APARTMENT THAT THEY RENT.

THEY OPEN UP THE PACKAGES.

THEY FIND WHAT THEY CAN KEEP.

THEY SELL THE STUFF AND GO ON TO THE NEXT COMMUNITY TOO RAID.

BECAUSE OF THE WAY IT'S LISTED AND BECAUSE OF THIS LOOPHOLE THEY GO UNCHECKED AND IT'S CONTINUING TO GET WORSE AND WORSE.

>> Casey: MAIL THEFT IS A CLAS D FELONY IN KENTUCKY, PUNISHABL BY UP TO FIVE YEARS IN PRISON.

THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE PASSED THE BILL THIS AFTERNOON, AND THE COMMITTEE'S CHAIR, ED MASSEY, SAID IT WOULD LIKE TO SEE LANGUAGE ADDED TO INCLUDE FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES, SUCH AS DOORDASH AND UBER EATS.

THE BILL HAS CLEARED THE SENATE AND NOW HEADS TO THE HOUSE.

THAT CONCLUDES OUR COVERAGE OF DAY 54 OF THE 2022 KENTUCKY GENERAL AS WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN TOMORROW NIGHT AT 11:00 P.M. EASTERN TIME FOR "LEGISLATIVE U FOR INFORMATION ABOUT LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS, CALL 1-80 YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW OUR GAVEL-TO-GAVEL COVERAGE THROUGHOUT THE DAY BY DOWNLOADING KET'S LEGISLATIVE COVERAGE APP TO YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET.

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

THANKS FOR WATCHING AND HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.