DAYS LEFT IN THE REGULAR SESSION, LAWMAKERS ARE SENDING THE GOVERNOR MEASURES ON CAPITA PUNISHMENT, POWERS OF CONSTABLES, TEACHING AMERICAN HISTORY AND PRINCIPAL HIRING, WHILE OVERRIDING HIM ON ENDING THE COVID STATE OF EMERGENCY AN SHRINKING JOBLESS BENEFITS.

WE RECAP THE WEEK IN THE STATE CAPITOL ON DAY 56 OF THE 2022 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SESSION.

GOOD EVENING, WELCOME TO "LEGISLATIVE UPDATE.

I'M RENEE SHAW.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

WE BEGIN WITH ACTION TODAY IN THE SENATE.

DEFENDANTS CHARGED WITH A CAPITAL CRIME WHO HAVE A DOCUMENTED HISTORY AND D OF CERTAIN SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESSES LIKE SCHIZOPHRENIA AN BIPOLAR DISORDER, WOULD BE SPARED THE DEATH PENALTY.

THAT LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL MAKES UP HOUSE BILL 269 THAT SUPPORTERS INSIST DOESN'T ABSOLVE OFFENDS LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR CRIMES AND STILL BE TRIED, CONVICTED AND SENTENCED TO LENGTHY PRISON TERMS, INCLUDING LIFE WITHOUT P SENATE MAJOR CAUCUS CHAIR JULIE RAQUE ADAMS CARRIED THE BILL ON THE SENATE FLOOR TODAY THAT EAR BIPARTISAN SUPPORT.

>> THIS BILL HAS BEEN AROUND FOR MANY YEARS.

IT HAS PASSED OUT OF THE HOUSE OVERWHELMINGLY, AND IT IS MY HOPE THAT AS A PRO-LIFE CAUCUS, WE WILL SEE IT FIT TO NO LONGER SENTENCE PEOPLE TO DEATH WHO HAVE SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS.

>> MR. PRESIDENT, MY ISSUE WITH THIS BILL OVER THE YEARS HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE STATE OF MIND AT THE TIME THE CRIME OCCURS.

AND THERE HAS NOT BEEN A REMEDY TO THAT WITH PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF THIS BILL, HOWEVER, THIS BILL DOES ADDRESS THAT ISSUE AND THERE HAS TO BE A SYMPTOM OR SYMPTOMATIC OF THE MENTAL ILLNESS AT THE TIME THE CRIME OCCURS.

THEREFORE, I AM COMFORTABLE WITH THE BILL.

I AM ALSO VERY MUCH A PROPONENT OF THE DEATH PENALTY BUT I THINK UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES WITH MENTAL ILLNESS, THIS BILL IS APPROPRIATE AND THE PENALTY IS >> Renee: THE MEASURE IS NOT RETROACTIVE AND WOULDN'T APPLY TO SOMEONE CURRENTLY ON DEATH R DEMOCRAT DAVID YATES ONCE WORKE AS A PROSECUTOR IN THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE AND ARGUED AND WON A DEATH PENALTY HE BELIEVES PROSECUTORS WOULD FAVOR A BLAH LAW EX COMPOUNDING THOSE WITH SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS FROM execution FROM THE OTHER SIDE, SOME REPUBLICANS REJECTED THE NOTION OF LIKENING ABORTION TO CAPITAL PUNISHMENT.

THEY BELIEVE A DEATH SENTENCE IS AN APPROPRIATE PUNISHMENT FOR MURD.

>> BUT LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING ELSE THAT I LEARNED BECAUSE AS A PERSON WHO IS STANDING THERE, ALTHOUGH DID I MY JOB AT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, I'M NOT IN FAVOR OF THE DEATH PENALTY.

BECAUSE I THINK IT REVICTIMMIZES THE VICTIMS OVER AND OVER AGAIN.

EVERY SINGLE TIME THEY COME UP AGAIN, THE VICTIMS ARE BROUGHT TO IT.

THE JOURNEY THAT THEY HAVE TO GO THROUGH, WANTING SOME TYPE OF CLOSURE ISN'T WHAT WE THINK IT.

SOUNDS POLITICAL WHEN WE STANT HERE BUT WHEN YOU'RE ACTUALLY IN THE WEEDS OF IT, THE INDIVIDUAL GETS MORE CHANCES, MORE INSIGHT BROUGHT BACK INTO COURT AND ARE THE VICTIMS ARE BROUGHT THROUGH MORE AND MORE AND ULTIMATELY THE DEATH PENALTY DOESN'T USUALLY HAPPEN.

>> PEOPLE ASK ME, HOW CAN YOU SAY YOUR PRO-LIFE AND BE FOR THE DEATH PENALTY?

IT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GUILT AND INNOCENCE, MR. PRESIDENT.

THAT UNBORN BABY IS COMPLETELY INNOCENT, HAS DONE NOTHING TO DESERVE ITS FATE, BUT AGAIN, THE GUILTY PARTY IN A DEATH PENALTY CASE HAS TAKEN THE LIFE OF ANOTHER HUMAN BEING.

I THINK THIS BILL IS A SLIPPERY SLOPE TOWARDS GETTING RID OF THE DEATH PENALTY, AND MAYBE THAT'S THE WAY PUBLIC OPINION IS GOING, AND THAT'S TOO BAD.

WE SHOULD BE ASKING QUESTIONS LIKE WHY ARE THERE 26 PEOPLE ON DEATH ROW IN KENTUCKY WHO ARE NOWHERE NEAR THE SENTENCE THAT WAS HANDED DOWN TO HEM BY A JURY OF THEIR PEERS.

>> AND I BELIEVE IN HUMANITY BUT I ALSO BELIEVE IN JUSTICE.

AND I'M SADDENED THAT SOME IN THE PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT, BECAUSE I THINK WE'RE GOING TO LOSE CREDIBILITY IN THE PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT IF WE START COMPARING A CONVICTED CRIMINAL WHO IS CONVICTED OF THE MOST HEINOUS CRIMES AND IS SENTENCED TO DEATH BY A JURY OF HIS PEERS WITH AN INNOCENT, HOLY BABY THAT HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING.

FOR ME THAT IS AN ABSURD analog >> Renee: ON A 25 TO 9 VOTE, THE SENATE AWARDED FINAL PASSAG TO THE MEASURE BANNING THE DEATH .

PENT FOR OFFENDERS WITH CERTAIN SEVERE MENTAL illness.

HOUSE BILL 269 NOW HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

A BILL THAT WOULD REQUIRE TRAINING AND LIMIT THE POWERS OF KENTUCKY'S CONSTABLES HAS RECEIVED FINAL P CURRENTLY, KENTUCKY'S CONSTABLE HAVE SIMILAR POWERS TO POLICE OFFICERS, BUT THEY'RE NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE THE SAME TRAIN HOUSE BILL 239 WOULD REQUIRE CONSTABLES TO FLY WITH PEACE OFFICER PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS, OR POPS, FOR SHORT, CERTIFICATIONS.

CURRENTLY ONLY TWO OF THE MORE THAN 240 KENTUCKY CONSTABLES HAVE THE CERTIFICATION.

>> I THINK OVERALL, THOUGH, WE'RE VOTING TODAY ON THE FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION SHOULD SOMEONE WHO IS GOING TO ARREST AN INDIVIDUAL IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, SHOULD THEY HAVE TRAINING.

TO ME THAT'S NOT A HARD QUESTIO >> Renee: CURRENT KENTUCKY CONSTABLES ARE GRANDFATHERED IN UNDER THE MEASURE.

THEY WILL NOT HAVE TO RECEIVE POPS CERTIFICAT FORMER POLICE OFFICER DANNY CARROLL SPOKE IN FAVOR OF THE MEASURE ON THE SENATE FLOOR, BU HE SAYS PASSING HOUSE BILL 239 WILL CREATE NEW PROBLEMS, LIKE FULLY TRAINED CONSTABLES LEAVIN FOR OTHER JOBS.

>> THERE'S NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT WE WILL BE ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE AGAIN IN THE YEARS TO COME BECAUSE THE REALITY OF WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN THESE CONSTABLES ARE ELECTED AND THEY GET AN ACADEMY SLOT, WHEN THEY GRADUATE FROM THE ACADEMY, THERE WILL BE POLICE DEPARTMENTS, SHERIFFS DEPARTMENTS THAT WILL OFFER THEM JOBS THAT ACTUALLY PAY AND THEY WILL LEAVE THEIR CONSTABLE posi >> Renee: HOUSE BILL 239 RECEIVED FINAL PASSAGE AFTER BEING APPROVED BY THE SENATE 23 TO 11.

IT NOW HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR FOR HIS REVIEW.

NOW A LOOK BACK AT THIS WEEK T SOME BIG BILLS THAT ARE ALSO READY TO FOR REVIEW BY THE GOVERNOR TO review THURSDAY BILLS AIMED AT CRITICAL RACE THEORY AND TRANSGENDER GIRLS' SCHOOL SPORTS WERE AWARDED FINA SENATE BILL 83 BANS TRANSGENDER GIRLS FROM PLAYING ON ALL-GIRL SPORTS TEAMS FROM THE SIXTH GRADE THROUGH COLLEGE.

THE FAMILY FOUNDATION OF KENTUCKY BACKS THE MEASURE, CLAIMING IT PROVIDES, QUOTE, COMMON SENSE PROTECTIONS FOR GIRLS IN athletics HENDERSON REPUBLICAN ROBBY MILLS IS THE SPONSOR AND WAS GLAD THE HOUSE BROADENED HIS ORIGINAL PLAN FROM MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS TO INCLUDE COLLEGIATE SPORTS.

>> THE ADDITION OF THE COLLEGE ATHLETICS TO THIS BILL IN MY OPINION IS STRONGER BECAUSE IT PROTECTS ALL WOMEN AND GIRLS.

AN 18-YEAR-OLD COLLEGE FRESHMAN HAS THE SAME RIGHT TO A FAIR AND LEVEL PLAYING FIELD AS AN 18-YEAR-OLD HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR.

MR. PRESIDENT, CURRENTLY THE NCAA NO LONGER HAS ETOILES POLICY ON TRANSGENDERS.

THEY BASICALLY ABANDONED THEIR POLICY AND HAVE SOMEWHAT PUNTED TO EACH SPORT TO DETERMINE THAT POLICY.

>> RENEE: LGBTQ ADVOCATES AND THE ACLU CONDEMN WHAT'S CALLED THE SAVE WOMEN'S SPORTS ACT, ASSERTING STATE LAWMAKERS ARE, QUOTE, PRIORITIZING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE STATE'S MOST VULNERABLE GROUPS.

THEY WANT GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR TO VETO SENATE BILL 83, BUT THE SUPERMAJORITY HAS THE NUCLEAR NUMERICAL POWER TO OVERRIDE THA OPPONENTS MAINTAIN IT VIOLATES STUDENTS' CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS TO EQUAL PROTECTION AND PRIVACY AND TITLE IX OF THE CIVIL RIGHT SIMILAR BANS HAVE BEEN BLOCKED IN FEDERAL COURTS IN IDAHO AND WEST VIRGINIA.

A CHALLENGE TO INCLUDING TRANS GIRLS WAS DISMISSED IN CONNECTICUT.

SENATOR KAREN BERG OF LOUISVILL IS THE PARENT OF A TRANSGENDER CHILD AND EXPRESSED HER OUTRAGE OVER THE MEASURE AND WHO SHE SAYS IS TO BLAME FOR IT.

>> MY QUESTION IS WHY IS THIS HAPPENING.

AND I CAN TELL YOU, SIR, CLEARLY THE REASON THIS IS HAPPENING IS BECAUSE WE HAVE PAID AND FUNDED ORGANIZATIONS COMING IN TO STATE LEGISLATORS, SIR, ON PURPOSE.

ON PURPOSE.

TRYING TO PASS ANTI-TRANS LEGISLATION IN EVERY STATE HOUSE IN THIS COUNTRY.

WITH VARYING DEGREES OF success >> Renee: FINAL LEGISLATIVE VICTORY FOR THE TRANSGENDER GIRLS' SPORTS BAN WAS SECURED YESTERDAY WITH A SENATE VOTE OF 26 TO 9.

IT'S NOW IN THE POSSESSION OF THE Governor.

THE ULTIMATE POWER OF DECIDING SCHOOL CURRICULUM AND HIRING PRINCIPALS WOULD BE SHIFTED FROM SCHOOL-BASED DECIS COUNCILS TO SUPERINTENDENTS UNDER A SENATE MEASURE UNDER TH GOVERNOR'S REVIEW.

SENATE BILL 1, THE UPPER CHAMBER'S TOP PRIORITY, CALLS FOR THE SUPERINTENDENT TO CONSULT WITH DECISION-MAKING COUNCILS IN SELECTING A PRINCIPAL, BUT THE FINAL DECISION RESTS WITH THE S SPONSOR JOHN SCHICKEL'S SENATE BILL 1 IS SEVEN YEARS IN MAKING BUT A NEW REMEDY OVER TEACHING HISTORY IN KENTUCKY SCHOOLS BECAME A SURPRISING ATTACHMENT TO THE BILL.

THE PROVISIONS OF BILL 138, THE TEACHING AMERICAN PRINCIPLES ACT, WERE ATTACHED T SENATE BILL 1 THAT MANDATES CLASS LESSONS ON TWO DOZEN HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS, SPEECHES AND U.S. SUPREME COURT CASES IN MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL.

THOSE HISTORY LESSONS ARE REQUIRED BY THE BILL TO BE AGE-APPROPRIATE, OBJECTIVE AND NON-DISCRIMINATOR THE PRESIDENT OF THE KENTUCKY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, THE LARGEST TEACHERS' UNION IN THE STATE, TESTIFIED THAT SBDMS ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF THE HALLMARK 1990 EDUCATION REFORM AC, KERA AND BE EDDIE CAMPBELL BELIEVES THOSE LOCAL VOICES OF PARENTS AND EDUCATORS SHOULD MAINTAIN THEIR POWER.

>> FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS OUR SBDM COUNCILS HAVE BEEN AN ESSENTIAL DRIVER IN KENTUCKY AND GROWTH.

COORDINATED TO KDE THERE ARE TENNESSEE 7,625 KENTUCKY CITIZENS THAT ARE SERVING ON THOSE COUNCILS.

THAT GROUP IS MADE UP OF PARENTS WHO ARE ELECTED BY THEIR PEERS, TEACHERS WHO ARE ELECTED BY THEIR COLLEAGUES, AND A PRINCIPAL WHO IS SELECTED ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COUNCIL AND IN COLLABORATION, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO HAS A VOTE ON THOSE COUNCILS.

SBDM MEMBERS KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THE UNIQUE STUDENT POPULATIONNESS THEIR SCHOOLS THAT THEY REPRESENT.

THEY UNDERSTAND THE ISSUES AND CHALLENGES THAT THE STUDENTS FACE AS A GROUP AND ARE BEST QUALIFIED TO ADOPT POLICIES TO FACILITATE ACADEMIC success >> Renee: ON THE HOUSE FLOOR THIS WEEK, HOUSE DEMOCRATS LAMBASTED THE PROVISIONS AIMED AT CRITICAL RACE THEORY AS QUOTE CLASSROOM SENSE SORRYSHIP AND MISREPRESENTATION OF THE NATION'S COMPLETE HISTORY.

>> I, TOO, AM GOING SPEAK ON SECTIONS 4 THROUGH 5 OF SENATE BILL 1 WHICH INCORPORATES PARTS OF SENATE BILL 138, WHICH IS THE CLASSROOM SENSE ZEROORSHIP BIP THAT DANCES OR AN AROUND THE EDGES OF BEING ANTI-CRITICAL RACE THEORY BUT WITHOUT EVER MENTIONING CRITICAL RACE THEORY.

IT CLAIMS ALL INDIVIDUALS ARE CREATE EQUAL YET TRANS KIDS CAN'T PLAY SPORTS.

I CONTAINS THE ERASURE OF BLACK WOMEN IN THE LIST OF COURT DOCUMENTS.

ZERO COURT DOCUMENTS ARE WRITTEN BY BLACK WOMEN OR WOMEN OF COLOR.

IT AMPLIFIES TWO SUPREME COURT STITIONS DECISIONS IN THE LIST OF PRIMARY DOCUMENTS -- DECISIONS THAT FOCUS ON DID I FINING SLAVES AS PERSONAL PROPERTY, DREAD SCOTT V. SAN FORWARD AND GIVES A THUMB UP TO PLESSY V. FERGUSON.

I CANNOT PLANNING THIS ALIGNS WITH THE COMMISSION ON RACE IS AN ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY.

>> Renee: SENATE BILL 1, ADVANCED FROM THE HOUSE 67 TO 2 EARLIER THIS WEEK.

WHEN THE SENATE CALLED IT UP ON THE FLOOR TO CONSIDER THE HOUSE ADDITIONS, TWO SENATE SPONSORS OF THE MEASURES ROLLED INTO SB1, PLAQUES WISE AND JOHN SCHICKEL, PRAISED THE NEW EXPANDED VERSION.

>> IT GIVES OUR SCHOOLS BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.

THE PEOPLE WHO PAY THE BILLS, THE TAXPAYERS AND PARENTS, THAT'S WHO THIS BILL GIVES CONTROL TO.

THE ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD.

IT ALSO GIVES CONTROL TO THE COMMUNITY WITH REGARDS TO CURRICULUM.

HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS, THINGS LIKE THE CONSTITUTION AND OTHER HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS, TO NOT USE THOSE AS A FOUNDATION FOR OUR EDUCATION I THINK IS A BIG MISTAKE, AND THIS BILL DOES NOT LIMIT THE TEACHING TO JUST THOSE DOCUMENTS BUT IT PROVIDES THOSE DOCUMENTS.

>> IT HAS THE INPUT FROM PARENTS AND EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS TO BE ABLE TO GET BACK TO THE AMERICAN PRINCIPLES OF WHAT WE NEED TO BE LEARNING, LEARN FROM OUR MISTAKES, LEARN FROM ATROCITIES, TO LEARN ABOUT THE GOOD, LEARN ABOUT THE BAD, BUT THERE IS NOTHING, NOTHING IN THIS THAT WILL TELL A TEACHER YOU CANNOT TEACH ON A CERTAIN SUBJECT MATTER.

>> Renee: 15 SENATORS VOTED AGAINST THE AMENDED SENATE BILL 1 FOR REASONS RANGING FROM NEW SUPERINTENDENT RESPONSIBILITIES TO OBJECTIONS OVER CODIFYING HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS AS REQUIRED READING AND TARGETING THE JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD.

>> BUT I CONTINUE TO OBJECT TO THE LANGUAGE OF SENATE BILL 138.

IT SETS A BAD PRECEDENT TO ESTABLISH A LIST OF THESE DOCUMENTS IN STATUTE, DOCUMENTS THAT SOME OF US AGREE WITH AND SOME OF US DON'T.

BUT SETTING THOSE DOCUMENTS IN STATUTE INVITES FUTURE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ADD TO THAT LIST, TO TAKE AWAY FROM THAT LIST, AND THAT PRESS DIDN'T IS SOMETHING I'M AFRAID WE'RE GOING TO REGRET.

SECONDLY, AND PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANTLY, THIS BILL AND OTHERS LIKE IT FILED IN THE HOUSE ARE IN RESPONSE TO SITUATIONS WE'VE SEEN IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS AROUND THE COUNTRY AND EXISTING CIVIL RIGHTS LAW CAN BE USED AND IS BEING USED TO CHALLENGE THOSE INCIDENTS AND ACTS IN OTHER STATES.

>> WHAT WE HAVE NOT DISCUSSED IS WHAT WAS PUT ON THE HOUSE IN THIS BILL, AND WHAT WAS PUT ON THE HOUSE IN THIS BILL IS ANOTHER PIECE OF LEGISLATION SPECIFICALLY TARGETING JEFFERSON COUNTY.

BECAUSE THIS COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE IN THE HOUSE STATES HOW OFTEN THE JEFFERSON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD CAN MEET.

THIS IS AN ELECTED BODY.

THESE ARE ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO REPRESENT JUST AS MANY PEOPLE AS THE MEMBERS OF THIS BODY.

AND HERE WE ARE FROM FRANKFORT SAYING WHEN THEY CAN AND CAN'T MEET.

ARBITRARILY SETTING LIMITS.

WHAT IF SOMETHING COMES UP AND THEY NEED TO CALL A BOARD MEETING?

HOW WOULD WE FEEL IF WASHINGTON SET LIMITS ON HOW OFTEN THIS BODY COULD MEET?

>> Renee: THE SENATE SIGNED OF ON THE HOUSE-REVISED SENATE BILL 1, 21 TO 15 WITH ONE PASS VOTE.

IT NOW HEADS TO GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR'S DESK FOR HIM TO SIGN, VETO OR LET BECOME LAW WITHOUT HIS SIGNATURE.

FOR STUDENTS FAILED BY TRADITIONAL PUBLIC SC SETTINGS, PROPONENTS OF THE CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE PUSHING FOR THEM TO BE FUNDED SO PARENTS CA HAVE MORE OPTIONS FOR THEIR CHILD'S EDUCATION.

CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE TUITION-FREE SCHOOLS THAT ARE CREATED BY CONTRACT WITH LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS.

IT'S A MIXED BAG ON THEIR ACADEMIC TRACK RECORD, BUT A HIGH-RANKING HOUSE LEADER SAYS THE PUBLIC OUTCRY FROM PARENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC FOR AN ALTERNATIVE ELEVATES THE NEED FOR THEIR FUN IN 2017, THE KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY LEGALIZED CHARTER SCHOOLS IN THE STATE, BUT A PERMANENT FUNDING MECHANISM WASN'T ESTABLISHED.

HOUSE MAJORITY WHIP CHAD MCCOY'S HOUSE BILL 9 MANDATES CHARTER SCHOOL PILOT PROJECTS IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY AND LOUISVILL AND CODIFIES A FUNDING MECHANIS FOR THEM.

AS ESTABLISHED IN THE 2017 LAW, LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS W CONTINUE TO AUTHORIZE CHARTER SCHOOLS AND APPEALS WOULD GO TO THE KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF EDUC.

THE KDE IS ALSO CHARGED WITH GIVING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO CHARTERERS IF THEY NEED it UNDER HOUSE BILL 9, LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS IN DISTRICTS WITH STUDEN ENROLLMENT OF LESS THAN 7500 WOULD BE ABLE TO VETO OR REJECT CHARTER SCHOOLS APPLICATIONS.

>> SECOND THING THIS BILL DOES IS IT PUTS IN PLACE STATUTORILY THE FUNDING MODEL.

THE SAME ONE WE ALREADY PASSED IN A BUDGET YEARS AGO, THE SAME ONE THAT'S IN HOUSE BILL 563 FROM LAST YEAR.

IT JUST CLARE GUYS THAT THE SEEK MONEY FOLLOWS THE KID.

THAT'S ALL IT DOES.

SO REALLY NO REAL CHANGES TO THE EXISTING LAW.

UNTIL YOU GET TO PART 3 OF THE BILL.

AND PART 3 IS AS I LISTENED TO EVERYBODY WHO CAME AND TALKED TO ME, AND REPRESENTATIVE BOJANOWSKY CAME AND TALKED TO ME A COUPLE OF TIMES.

I HAD THE SUPERINTENDENTS COME TALK NEE MORE THAN A COUPLE TIMES.

EVERYBODY KEPT SAYING, WELL, WHY CAN'T WE JUST DO A PILOT PROJECT?

WHY CAN'T WE JUST DO THIS?

FINE, LET'S DO IT.

SO WE'RE GOING TO DO A PILOT PROJECT, AND THE WAY WE DRAFTED THIS IS TWO DIFFERENT PILOT PROJECTS, ONE IN NORTHERN KENTUCKY, AND ONE THAT'LL BE ULTIMATELY IN LOUISVILLE IS WHERE IT WOULD END UP, AND ON THE NORTHERN KENTUCKY ONE, JUST SO EVERYBODY UNDERSTANDS, WE SAID THAT THE AUTHORIZER ONLY FOR THE PILOT PROJECT, NOT ON AN ONGOING BASIS, COULD BE NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY.

AND ACTUALLY IN ONE DRAFT I HAD IT THAT IT WOULD BE NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY, BUT WE WORKED WITH CARMEN, THEIR GOVERNMENT RELATIONS LADY AND SHE ASKED THAT WE MAKE IT PERMISSIVE AND THAT'S WHAT WE DID.

THAT'S THE CHANGE IN THE COMMITTEE SUB YOU SEE HER.

SO THIS IS THE SAME BILL THAT'S BEEN OUT IN THE PUBLIC FOR MORE THAN A WEEK NOW.

THE ONLY CHANGE IN THE COMMITTEE SUB TODAY HAS TO DO WITH THAT NORTHERN KENTUCKY part >> Renee: LEXINGTON REPUBLICAN KILLIAN TIMONEY BELIEVES PROPONENTS ARE OVERSELLING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CHARTER SCHOOL TIMONEY CITED A NEW ZEALAND EDUCATION SCHOLAR WHO'S RESEARCHED THEIR IMPACT AND FIND .

CHARTERED SCHOOLS DON'T OFTEN MAKE THE GRADE.

>> HE'S GOT THINGS IN THERE, RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION WESTERN INTERVENTION FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING NEEDS AND HE'S GOT THEM ON A RANK ORDER, AND IF YOU GO ALL THE WITH A TO THE BOTTOMS SHE SAYS THAT STANDARD DEVIATION .12 WOULD BE A STUDENT SITTING THERE EXISTING IN NATURE, AND HE'S GOT CHARTER AT .09 AS FAR AS EFFECTIVENESS.

AND CHOICE IS SLIGHTLY MOVED AHEADCH THAT AT .11.

MY CONCERN IS THAT WE ARE GOING TO AGAIN TOM TO THE EDUCATION TABLE AND UPSET THE APPLE CART, GOT A LOT OF TEACHERS UPSET ABOUT A LOT OF THINGS FOR SOMETHING THAT STICKSLY THERE'S NOT REALLY A HUGE upside.

>> Renee: HOUSE BILL 9 WAS HEARD IN COMMITTEE AND FORWARD TO THE FLOOR IN ONE DAY WHERE IT WAS A RINSE AND REPEAT OF ARGUMENTS FOR OR AGAINST IT DURING A MORE THAN TWO-HOUR FLOOR DEBATE.

EDUCATORS IN THE HOUSE FROM BOT SIDES OF THE POLITICAL AISLE FEAR THE CHARTER SCHOOL MEASURE IS AN ATTEMPT TO PRIVATIZE PUBLIC EDUCATION.

>> THERE IS NOTHING I WANT MORE THAN TO HAVE THE BEST PUBLIC EDUCATION THAT YOU CAN IMAGINE FOR EVERY SINGLE ONE OF OUR CHILDREN.

HOWEVER, THE ABILITY FOR FOR-PROFIT MANAGEMENT COMPANIES TO MANAGE 100% OF THE FUNDS THAT GO INTO A CHARTER SCHOOL, COMBINED WITH THE LACK OF LOCAL CONTROL, EXCLUSIONARY DISCIPLINARY PROCESSES THAT ASSISTIVE OUT A CERTAIN GROUP OF CHILDREN INTO THE -- ASSIST OUT A CERTAIN GROUP OF CHILDREN INTO THE CHARTER SCHOOL IS NOT THE ANSWER WE NEED TO FULFILL OUR DUTY TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERY CHILD TO LEARN IN KENTUCKY IN OUR COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM.

>> PUBLIC EDUCATION NEEDS EXTRA FUNDING, GUYS.

I KNOW WE'VE HEARD IT FROM DIFFERENT PEOPLE HERE.

WE'VE GOT TO FUND KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION FULL DAY.

WE'VE GOT TO DO THAT.

I THINK CHARTER SCHOOLS OFFERS UNFAIR ADVANTAGES TO CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS.

I THINK CHARTER SCHOOLS WILL TAKE FUNDING FROM OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS >> Renee: NORTHERN KENT DEMOCRAT BUDDY WHEATLEY MADE A FISCAL ARGUMENT ABOUT THE IMPACT .

THE LEGISLATION WOULD HAVE THE PUBLIC PENSION SYSTEM FUNDING THAT'S RELIANT ON PAYROLL GROWTH.

HE BELIEVES IT WOULD BE JEOPARDIZED BY COMPETING EDUCATION TRACK.

>> WE MAY NOT HAVE, IF WE AUTHORIZE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS, WE MAY NOT HAVE AS MANY EMPLOYEES ENTERING INTO CERS AND TRS.

PLEASE UNDERSTAND THIS.

TRS COUNTS ON ALL THE ACTUARIAL STUDIES, ALL THE CONTRIBUTIONS THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY DOING IS BASED ON 2.75% PAYROLL GROWTH A YEAR FOR THE NEXT 27 YEARS.

AND THE GROWTH FOR CERS EMPLOYEES IS 1%.

IF WE AUTHORIZE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS, AND THEY'RE NOT MANDATORY TO GO INTO OUR PENSION SYSTEMS, I DON'T LIKE TO USE THIS PHRASE, BUT THAT IS A DEATH SPIRAL.

>> Renee: THE CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING BILL, HOUSE BILL 9, NARROWLY ADVANCED FROM THE HOUS 51 TO 46.

IT'S BEEN ASSIGNED TO THE SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE WHERE IT'S AWAITING ACTION.

A BILL TO KEEP HOUSES OF WORSHIP OPEN DURING EXECUTIVE EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS HAS ALSO BEEN DELIVERED TO THE GOVERNOR.

HOUSE BILL 42 DEEMS CHURCHES AS , QUOTE, ESSENTIAL SERVICES.

AT THE ONSET OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC WITH MASS GATHERING, INCLUDING CHURCH SERVICES, WERE PROHIBITED BY THE GOVERNOR.

ON WEDNESDAY, LAWMAKERS SENT HIM A MEASURE THAT WOULD KEEP HIM AND HIS SUCCESSORS FROM SHUTTING DOWN CHURCHES IN FUTURE EMERGEN.

>> SO WHY SHOULD CHURCH BE CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL?

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

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

AND THIRDLY, ACCORDING TO A RECENT GALLUP 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.

>> Renee: THE BILL WOULD KEEP RELIGIOUS SERVICES FROM BEING TREATED DIFFERENTLY THAN OTHER ESSENTIAL SECULAR SERVICES IN TIMESCH EMERGENCY.

IT ALSO LOUSE ALLOWS THEM TO SUE IF THEY'VE BEEN HARMED BY DISCRIMINATORY ACCOUNT SAVINGS ACCOUNT OFF AS CLOSURE BY THE g THAT PART DREW THE IRE OF DEMOCRATIC SENATOR KAREN BERG.

>> 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 >> Renee: ON HIS BILL 43 WAS FINALIZED MID-WEEK BY THE SENAT 30 TO 7.

IT'S NOW IN THE POSSESSION OF THE GOVERNOR.

FOR HIM TO review STATE LAWMAKERS ISSUED VETO OVERRIDES OF THE GOVERNOR'S REJECTION OF ENDING THE COVID EMERGENCY AND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.

THE HOUSE AND SENATE OVERRODE SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 150 THAT ENDS THE COVID-19 STATE OF EMERGENCY, AND HOUSE BILL 4 THAT TIES THE LENGTH OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS TO THE STATE'S JOBLESS RATE AND ADDS MORE WORK SEARCH requirements.

OUT-OF-WOR CURRENTLY GET UNEMPLOYMENT CHECKS FOR UP TO 26 WEEKS, BUT UNDER HOUSE BILL 4 BENEFITS WOULD BE CUT TO 12 TO 24 WEEKS, DEPENDING ON THE STATE'S JOBLES THEY COULD BE CUT EVEN FURTHER DEPENDING ON HOW ACTIVE THE CLAIMANT IS LOOKING FOR WORK.

SUPPORTERS ARE CONVINCED IT WIL INCENTIVIZE MORE WORKFORCE PART.

>> THERE ARE 100,000 VACANT JOBS IN KENTUCKY RIGHT NOW.

ACROSS ALL SECTORS, EVERY INDUSTRY, HELP WANTED SIGNS ARE UP EVERYWHERE.

IF YOU ARE AN ABLE-BODIED HEALTHY KENTUCKIAN, THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR YOU TO NOT HAVE A JOB.

>> Renee: IN HIS VETO, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE BILL ISN'T FAIR TO OUT-OF-WORK KENTUCKIANS IN RURAL AREAS WHERE JOBS ARE HARDER TO FIND.

DEMOCRATS ECHOED THAT CONCERN.

>> THE MISCONCEPTION IS THAT PEOPLE JUST DON'T WANT TO WORK ANYMORE, THAT PEOPLE ARE SITTING HOME AND DRAWING BENEFITS.

I DON'T KNOW.

THAT MAY BE TRUE IN YOUR COUNTIES.

I DON'T THINK SO.

I'LL TELL YOU THAT IN LETCHER COUNTY WE JUST HAVE LESS PEOPLE AVAILABLE TO WORK.

OUR WORKING AGE POPULATION DECLINED BY 19%.

AND OUR LABOR FORCE HAS DECLINED BY 33%.

OUR UNEMPLOYMENT RATES ARE MUCH HIGHER THAN IN SOME OF THE OTHER COUNTIES IN KENTUCKY.

ALL THIS IS GOING TO DO IS CAUSE MORE PEOPLE TO HAVE TO MOVE AWAY FROM MY COUNTY AND THESE NUMBERS ARE GOING TO GET WORSE.

THIS IS NOT WHAT WE need.

>> Renee: THE HOUSE VOTED TO OVERSIDE GOVERNOR ANDY BESHEAR' VETO OF HOUSE BILL 4, 57 TO 38, THE SENATE 21 TO 12.

A PROGRAMMING NOTE, MONDAY NIGHT AT 8:00 EASTERN ON "KENTUCKY TONIGHT" WE'RE DISCUSSING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND PUBLIC CINCHES BENEFITS.

WE HOPE YOU WILL TUNE IN FOR THAT VIGOROUS discussion.

THAT'S ALL FOR DAY 56 OF THE 2022 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SESSION.

FOR INFORMATIO 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.

AND YOU CAN FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER TO GET UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY.

THERE ARE COMMITTEE MEETINGS ON MONDAY, BUT NO CHAMBER SESSIONS, SO WE'LL BE BACK WITH "LEGISLATIVE UPDATE" TUESDAY NIGHT AT 11:00 P.M. EASTERN, 10:00 CENTRAL.

THANKS SO VERY MUCH FOR WATCHING.

I'M RENEE SHAW.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

AND I'LL SEE YOU SOON.