OVERRIDE.

LEGISLATORS GIVE MORE MONEY TO BROADBAND AND DRINKING WATER, FUNDING FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN, TAX CREDITS FOR REMOTE WORKERS AND MORE ON THIS, THE LAST DAY.

2021 GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SESSION.

GOOD EVENING EVERYONE.

WELCOME TO LEGISLATIVE UPDATE TONIGHT.

I'M RENEE SHAW.

WE BEGIN WITH THE REVIEW OF KEY LEGISLATION ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE MATTERS, PARTICULARLY POLICING.

THE EYES OF THE NATION HAVE BEEN ON KENTUCKY SINCE THE POLICE KILLING OF 26-YEAR-OLD AFRICAN-AMERICAN E.M.T.

BREONNA TAYLOR IN HER LOUISVILLE APARTMENT LAST YEAR.

THE CENTRAL ISSUE THAT EMERGED FROM HER DEATH.

THE USE OF NO KNOCK WARRANTS USED TO GAIN ENTRY INTO HER HOME TO PERFORM A BOTCHED DRUG RAID.

NO KNOCK OR NO NOTICE WARRANTS ALLOW POLICE TO ENTER A PROPERTY WITHOUT NOTICE.

TODAY, KENTUCKY LAWMAKERS AGREED TO SEND TO THE GOVERNOR A MEASURE THAT PUTS RESTRICTIONS AND RULES ON THE CRIMES THOSE WARRANTS CAN BE EXECUTED.

DRUG CRIMES ARE EXCLUDED FROM NO KNOCK WARRANTS UNDER SENATE BILL 4.

IT DOESN'T ELIMINATE OR BAN THEM ALL TOGETHER AS SOME WANTED.

JOHN BLATTEN EXPLAINED A COMPROMISE ON THE BILL ON THE HOUSE FLOOR THIS AFTERNOON THAT HE SAYS WOULDN'T TIE THE HANDS OF RURAL POLICE WHO DON'T HAVE A SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM TO EXECUTE NO KNOCK WARRANTS AS THE ORIGINAL BILL HAD CALLED FOR.

>> IN COUNTIES WITH POPULATION OF LESS THAN 90,000, IT'S GOING TO GIVE AN EXCEPTION FOR THE JUDGE CAN ISSUE A NO NOTICE WARRANT WITHOUT THE USE OF A SPECIAL RESPONSE TEAM IF THERE IS NOT ONE AVAILABLE, IF THERE IS NOT ONE AVAILABLE AND THE JUDGE DEEMS THE NEED TO GO AHEAD AND EXECUTE.

THAT IS ONLY IN COUNTIES OF 90,000 OR LESS.

REGULAR OFFICERS WOULD BE ABLE TO GO FORTH WITH THE NO NOTICE SEARCH.

THE SECOND THING IS OR DEALING WITH BODY CAMERAS THAT STIPULATE BODY CAMERAS ARE USED TO BE USED IN THE EXECUTION OF THESE THINGS OR COUNTIES HAVING A POPULATION LESS THAN 90,000 EQUIPPED WITH OTHER AUDIO VISUAL OR AUDIO RECORDING DEVICE ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

AND THE POINT IN THAT IS NOT EVERYBODY, NOT EVERY DEPARTMENT, BECAUSE MY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IS STLEE STRONG.

SO NOT EVERY AGENCY HAS FUNDINGING AND AVAILABILITY FOR BODY CAMS.

>> Renee: A FLOOR AMENDMENT ALSO REQUIRES A CERTIFIED E.M.T.

OR PARAMEDIC TO BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE WARRANTS ARE ISSUED AND BE NEARBY SO THEY CAN RESPOND IF NECESSARY.

POLICE WOULD HAVE TO BE OUTFITTED WITH CLEAR INSIGNIA, IDENTIFYING THEM AS LAW ENFORCEMENT.

BOWLING GREEN DEMOCRAT PATTY MENTOR WORKED ON THE COMPROMISE AS WELL AND A COUPLE OF HER AMENDMENTS FILED TO THE ORIGINAL BILL WERE INCORPORATED IN THE FINAL VERSION.

>> BREONNA STAY LORE MIGHT STILL BE ALIVE TODAY HAD E.M.T.s BEEN ON PREMISES.

AFTER SHE WAS SHOT.

THIS REQUIREMENT TO HAVE E.M.T.S IS A VERY BIG STEP FORWARD, AS IS THE INSIGNIA FOR SWAT AND SPECIAL TEAMS.

THESE ARE BEST PRACTICES AND IT'S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT WILL BECOME PART OF THE BILL AND THAT IT MOVE FORWARD TODAY.

>> Renee: SENATE BILL 4 DOESN'T PROHIBIT CIVIL ACTION OR DEPARTMENT'S ABILITY TO FIRE AN OFFICER FOR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT.

ANY EVIDENCE OBTAINED THAT VIOLATES THE NEW LAW WOULD NOT BE ADD MISSABLE IN COURT.

LAW ENFORCEMENT WOULD HAVE TO GET APPROVAL FROM THEIR SUPERVISOR, A PROSECUTOR AND A JUDGE TO EXECUTE A NO KNOCK WARRANT.

THE HOUSE FLOOR DEBATE WAS PUNCTUATED WITH EMPASSIONED FLOOR COMMENTARY ABOUT POLICING AND JUSTICE FOR BREONNA TAYLOR.

>> I AM STRUGGLING WITH US AND I WANT MORE.

I WANT MORE JUSTICE FOR BREONNA TAYLOR'S MOM AND SENATE BILL 4 TODAY, GOOD COLLEAGUES, THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK, BUT JUSTICE IS NOT YET SERVED.

JUSTICE IS STILL KNOCKING, JUSTICE MEANS STILL KNOCKING ON THE DOOR.

>> I HAVE A HARD TIME LISTENING ON THIS HOUSE FLOOR, PEOPLE DEMEANING OR DOWNGRADING THE POLICE WHETHER DEPUTIES, CITY POLICE OFFICERS, OR THE ONES I LOVE THE MOST, I'M PARTIAL TO, THE STATE POLICE.

BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A POLICE OFFICER.

I KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE THE FIRST PERSON THROUGH THE DOOR OWE A SEARCH WARRANT AND NOT KNOW WHAT IS ON THE OTHER SIDE.

I KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO LEAD A GROUP OF OTHER TROOPERS AND POLICE OFFICERS THROUGH THE DOOR OF A DRUG HOUSE THAT'S RESPONSIBLE FOR KILLING MORE PEOPLE THAN THE CORONAVIRUS HAS.

>> I HAVE TO TEACH MY SON HOW TO DRIVE WHILE BLACK.

AND YOU WANT TO TELL ME ABOUT PUTTING GOD BACK IN SCHOOL.

WELL PUSS CHRIST BACK IN CHRISTIANS.

DON'T YOU DARE EVER PROPOSE TO KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE LESS THAN, WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE IN A COUNTRY THAT DISOWNS YOU.

WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE LYNCHED.

WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE RAPED!

WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE A NOTHING!

THERE ARE GOOD POLICE OFFICERS.

AND WHEN I CALL 911, I WANT ONE TO COME WITH A GUN.

>> THE HOUSE SPENT SENT THE COMPROMISE PLAN BACK TO THE SENATE 92-5.

LATER IN THE AFTERNOON, THE SENATE AWARDED IT UNANIMOUS AND FINAL PASSAGE.

34-0.

SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS, THE BILL'S SPONSOR, APPLAUDED THE CHANGES IN THE COMPROMISE BILL.

LOUISVILLE SENATORS PRAISED THE MEASURE BUT CAUTIONED AGAINST COMPLACENCIES IN ADDRESSING RACIAL INEQUITIES IN THE STATE.

>> WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT JUSTICE IS ALSO DONE HERE IN KENTUCKY.

THAT WE WILL MAKE SURE THAT NEXT TIME THERE WON'T BE A NEXT TIME.

THAT BREONNA TAYLORS WILL HAPPEN NO MORE.

>> SENATE BILL 4, ALTHOUGH I THINK IT IS A SIGNIFICANT PIECE OF LEGISLATION, IS NOT GOING TO END THE PROBLEM.

I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO INDICATE THAT THERE IS A LOT MORE TO DO.

THIS IS A GOOD STEP FORWARD.

THIS IS A COMPLEX SITUATION THAT ENDS UP IN THE UNJUSTIFIED KILLINGS OF INDIVIDUALS BEYOND NO FAULT WARRANTS.

THIS IS PART OF THE PROBLEM.

AND THIS IS A GOOD STEP IN DEALING WITH IT.

BUT THIS PROBLEM IS BIGGER THAN THIS.

AND WE SHOULD ACCOUNT TAKE OUR EYES OFF OF THE FACT THAT THERE IS MUCH MORE THAT WE NEED TO DO.

>> Renee: WITH THE SENATE'S UNANIMOUS ENDORSEMENT OF THE NO KNOCK WARRANT LEGISLATION, IT NOW HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK FOR HIS REVIEW.

LAWMAKERS ENDORSED THE BROADENING OF A BILL ORIGINALLY INTENDED TO SHIELD FROM PUBLIC VIEW PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS OR OFFICERS TO NOW INCLUDE JUDGES, LAW ENFORCEMENT CIRCUIT COURT CLERKS AND PROSECUTORS AND PUBLIC DEFENDERS AND THEIR RELATIVES IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP THEM FROM BEING HARASSED OR EVEN HARMED.

FORMER LAW ENFORCER SENT SENATE BILL 48 AS REVISED WOULD REDACT INFORMATION LIKE PHONE NUMBERS, RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES AND MORE FROM PUBLIC AGENCY RECORDS.

AN AMENDMENT APPROVED LATE LAST NIGHT IN THE BILL ADOPTED A SPIRIT OF THE BILL FILED BY ANOTHER FORMER COP IN THE STATEHOUSE.

REPRESENTATIVE JOHN BLATTEN ON THE HOUSE FLOOR LAST NIGHT, INSTANCES OF POTENTIAL HARM BECAUSE OF INFORMATION PUBLICLY RELEASED PROMPTED THE MEASURE.

IT'S RECOMMENDNESS REMINISCE REMINISCENT OF A NEW JERSEY LAW.

>> THIS REMOVES ANY CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LIABILITY FROM THE ORIGINAL BILL THAT WE TALKED ABOUT.

IT REMOVES THE CIVIL AND CRIMINAL LIABILITIES.

IT ESTABLISHES A VERY SPECIFIC LIST OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO DISCLOSURE BY PUBLIC AGENCY.

WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IS HOME ADDRESSES, LICENSE PLATE TAGS OF THESE PUBLIC INDIVIDUALS.

IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THE MEDIA CAN'T REPORT ON SOMETHING THEY DID, DOESN'T MEAN THEY CAN'T USE THEIR NAME.

IT DOESN'T MEAN THEY CAN'T USE THEIR HOMETOWN.

IT JUST MEANS THAT THEY CAN'T USE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INFORMATION FOR THESE INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS.

>> Renee: THE MEASURE WOULD NOT APPLY TO WORK RECORDS.

THE BURDEN IS ON THE AT RISK OFFICIAL TO SUBMIT A WRITTEN REQUEST FOR THE INFORMATION TO BE REMOVED AND REDACTED IF PRACTICAL BY A PUBLIC AGENCY.

QUESTIONS SWIRLED ABOUT WHETHER MEDIA GROUPS SUPPORTED THE BILL AND HOW IT IMPACTS OPEN RECORDS.

LOUISVILLE DEMOCRAT SOUNDED OFF OBJECTIONS AS SHE CAST HER NO VOTE AROUND 11:15 LAST NIGHT.

>> THIS BILL IS ABOUT PROTECTION OF BAD ACTORS, BAD ELECTED OFFICIALS, BAD POLICE OFFICERS WHO MISBEHAVE.

OR WHO KILL PEOPLE, OR WHO BRIBE PEOPLE OR WHO RAPE PEOPLE.

>> RELEVANCE.

>> USING THEIR OFFICE.

AND THAT'S WHY I VOTED NO ON THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION.

>> Renee: SENATE BILL 48 WITH HOUSE CHANGES WAS APPROVED BY THE LOWER CHAMBER 67-24 LAST NIGHT.

TODAY THE SENATE APPROVED THE HOUSE REVISED BILL AND SENT IT TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK ON A VOTE OF 32-6.

THE GOVERNOR CAN VETO IT, SIGN IT OR ALLOW IT TO BECOME LAW WITHOUT HIS 60.

SIGNATURE.

THERE WERE 25 DRAFTS OF A BILL ON PANDEMIC RELATED LIABILITY PROTECTIONS FOR CERTAIN BUSINESSES AND LAWMAKERS ENDORSED A FINAL VERSION TODAY.

A REVISED SENATE BILL 5 IS HEADED TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

THE BILL OFFERS LEGAL PROTECTIONS CONNECTED TO THE CONTRACTION OR TRANSMISSION OF THE CORONAVIRUS.

THE MEASURE WOULD SUNSET WHEN THE EMERGENCY DECLARATION HAS ENDED.

HOUSE JUDICIARY CHAIRMAN ED MASSACHUSETTS MASSEY SAID THE GOAL OF THE LEGISLATION IS NOT TO PROVIDE BLANKET IMMUNITY BUT RELIEF TO HOSPITALS AND FUNERAL HOMES AND BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY THE PANDEMIC WITH STAFFING CHALLENGES AND VIRUS TRANSMISSION CONCERNS.

A FLOOR AMENDMENT ADDS FUNERAL DIRECTORS, MORTICIAN, UNDERTAKERS AND EMBALMERS TO THE LIST OFY SECIAL WORKERS.

>> THE PURPOSE OF THIS BILL AS I'VE INDICATED IS TO GIVE SOME PROTECTION AND SOME IMMUNITY TO BUSINESSES INCLUDING HOSPITALS.

BUT AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WERE SOME VERY LARGE CONCERNS IN THE LEGAL COMMUNITY THAT THIS WOULD CREATE AN IMMUNITY TO PREVENT CLAIMS THAT ARE LEGITIMATELY VALID THAT WERE ONLY SECONDARILY RELATED TO COVID-19.

SO I WANT TO SAY VERY CLEARLY THAT THROUGH ALL OF THE SECTIONS OF THIS BILL, ANY GROSS NEGLIGENCE, ANY WILLFUL OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT, IS NOT PROTECTED.

SO ANY OF THOSE CLAIMS WILL STILL BE PROTECTED.

UNDER THE MOTOR VEHICLE REPARATIONS ACT, WHICH IS VEHICLE ACCIDENTS KNOWN TO LAWYERS, THAT IS NOT PROTECTED FROM IMMUNITY.

WHAT IS PROTECTED IS THINGS, AS WE'VE ALREADY INDICATED, LIKE UNDERSTAFFING OR BECAUSE OF A MISUNDERSTANDING OF PERHAPS THE ETERNALLY MOVING AND CHANGING RESTRICTIONS REGARDING MASK MANDATES ET CETERA, THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE CDC AND THE STATE EXECUTIVE ORDERS THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN A TIME SOMEBODY MADE A MISTAKE FOLLOWING THOSE AND SOMEBODY COULD ALLEGE THEY CONTRACTED COVID-19 AS A RESULT THEREOF OR THAT COVID-19 WAS TRANSMITTED AS A RESULT THEREOF.

AND IF THAT WERE THE CASE, THEN THAT WOULD GIVE THOSE BUSINESSES, HCHES, NURSING HOMES, ET CETERA, PROTECTION FROM LIABILITY RELATED TO THOSE PARTICULAR ITEMS.

>> Renee: HOUSE MINORITY WHIP ARGUED AGAINST THE BILLS AND BELIEVES IT WILL CAUSE MORE HARM THAN GOOD.

>> THE 7th AMENDMENT TO THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION SAYS THAT SUITS THAT COME IN LAW WHERE THE VALUE EXCEEDS $20, THE RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL SHALL BE PRESERVED.

SECTION 54 OF THE KENTUCKY CONSTITUTION SAYS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHALL HAVE NO POWER TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT TO BE RECOVERED FOR INJURIES RESULTING IN DEATH OR RESULTING IN INJURY PERSONS OR PROPERTY AND WHENEVER THE DEATH OF A PERSON SHALL RESULT FROM AN INJURY INFLICTED BY NEGLIGENCE OR WRONGFUL ACT, THEN IN EVERY SUCH CASE, DAMAGES MAY BE RECOVERED FOR SUCH DEATH FROM THE CORPORATIONS AND PERSONS SO CAUSING THE SAME STD WHEN WE LIMIT LIABILITY FROM TORT CLAIMS, WE VIOLATE BOTH THE U.S. AND THE KENTUCKY CONSTITUTIONS.

>> Renee: SIDING WITH THE DEMOCRAT ON THAT ARGUMENT, HER COUNTERPART CHAD McCOY SAID PART OF THE BILL WAS AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL OVER REACH BY A BUNCH OF SPECIAL INTERESTS.

HE VOTED FOR IT ANYWAY SAYING HE WANTED TO HELP BUSINESSES BUT VOICED HIS OBJECTIONS NONETHELESS.

DEMOCRATS IN OPPOSITION FOLLOWED.

>> WE ARE GIVING THEM GOVERNMENTAL IMMUNITY GOVERNMENTAL IMMUNITY.

WE CAN'T DO THAT.

IT'S NOT ONLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL, IT'S NOT ONLY BAD POLICY, BUT IT RAISES SO MANY QUESTIONS.

SO WE JUST TOOK NEGLIGENCE OFF THE TABLE.

INSURANCE CONTRACTS ONLY APPLY TO NEGLIGENCE.

WHO IS DEFENDING THESE PEOPLE NOW?

IF THEY'RE AGENTS OF THE STATE, IS THE GOVERNMENT DEFENDING THEM NOW?

I DON'T KNOW.

AND NOBODY ELSE DOES EITHER.

IT'S A REALLY BAD BILL.

IT DOESN'T SOLVE THE PROBLEMS THEY WERE TRYING TO SOLVE.

THE SECOND PART.

I LOVE THE FIRST PART.

>> THE GENTLEMAN SAID HE HEARD A CRY FOR PROTECTIONS FROM LIABILITY, WHAT ABOUT THE CRIES WE ARE HEARING FROM WORKERS?

WE HAVE, IN THIS BODY THIS SESSION, LESSENED THE STATE'S ABILITY TO REGULATION REFERRING TO THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL.

WE HAVE CUT UI TAXES FOR.

WE HAVE CUT KENTUCKY OVERSIGHT OF WORKER SAFETY AND NOW WE ARE TAKING AWAY OR AT LEAST ATTEMPTING TO TAKE AWAY RECOURSE FROM WORKERS WHOSE EMPLOYERS MAY HAVE BEEN BAD ACTORS DURING THIS PANDEMIC.

WE CONTINUALLY SAY AS A BODY THAT WE VALUE AND PROTECT CORPORATIONS.

WE CONDEMN WORKERS AND WE PENALIZE THE WORK ARE POOR ABOVE ALL.

>> I'VE SERD FROM SO MANY PEOPLE IN MY DISTRICT WHO ARE AFRAID TO GO TO WORK BECAUSE THEY DO WORK IN PLACES WHERE COVID PROTECTIONS HAVE NOT BEEN FOLLOWED.

THEY DO NOT FEEL SAFE.

THEY DO NOT NEED US TO TAKE AWAY THEIR REMEDIES.

>> Renee: THE HOUSE PASSED THE REVISED LIABILITY PROTECTION MEASURE 70-27.

THE SENATE APPROVED THE HOUSE CHANGES 24-14 AND IT NOW HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK THE ROUTE TO FIND FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN KENTUCKY HAS TAKEN A CIRCUITOUS ROUTE BUT IT FOUND A HOME.

A SENATE COMMITTEE REVISED THE BILL THIS MORNING ORIGINALLY DESIGNED TO LAY OUT THE DISTRIBUTION FORMULA FOR THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND.

AS IS ROUTINE AT SESSION END TO GET BILLS ACROSS THE FINISH LINE, IT PROVIDES 140 MILLION FOR FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN, ALLOTS $575 MILLION FOR THE UNINSURANCE TRUST FUND DEBT AND DESIGNATED 50 MORE MILLION DOLLARS FOR BROADBAND PROJECTS RELATED TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

A QUARTER OF A BILLION DOLLARS IS ALREADY ALLOTTED FOR RESIDENTIAL BROADBAND SERVICE IMPROVEMENT.

CHRIS McDANIEL EXPLAINS SOME OF THE OTHER PARTS OF HOUSE BILL 382'S COMMITTEE SMUT.

>> AND ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE'VE HEARD MOST STRONGLY FROM OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND FRANKLY WITH THE GOVERNOR IS THE NEED TO REPAY THE FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE LOAN.

AND I WILL SAY AT WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT, WE PROBABLY OVER LAP ON 70 OR 80% OF THE THINGS WE WANT TO DO WITH THE GOVERNOR.

THIS WAS ONE OF HIS TOP ITEMS AND WE AGREE.

WE REPAY $575 MILLION TO THE U.I.

TRUST FUND.

WE ALSO EXTEND THE EMERGENCY ORDERS THE GOVERNOR HAS ISSUED REGARDING THE ICE AND FLOODING FROM LAST YEAR, THE PROVISION AND FINANCING FOR FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN IN HERE.

>> ORIGINALLY FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN FUNDING WAS INCLUDED IN THE SCHOOL CHOICE MEASURE, HOUSE BILL 563 BEFORE THE SENATE STRUCK THAT PROVISION FROM THE BILL.

TODAY THEY USED HOUSE BILL 382 TO GET FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN ACROSS THE FINISH LINE.

REGGIE THOMAS SAID THE MEASURE HELPS PUT KENTUCKY ON A PATH FORWARD AND THAT PROJECTS LIKE EXPANDING BROADBAND ACCESS ARE URGE SENTLY NEEDED.

>> I HAVE NOT BEEN SHY ABOUT TALKING ABOUT HOW MUCH I'M AN ADVOCATE FOR EDUCATION.

FINALLY WE FUND FULL DAY KINDERGARTEN.

WE'VE GOT TO DO THAT.

OBVIOUSLY THE NEXT STEP WHICH I HOPE IS NEXT YEAR, IS WE BEGIN TO FUND AT LEAST IN SOME FORM, LUBL.

>> HOW MANY 382 PASSED THE UPPER CHAMBER WITH THE SUBSTITUTE THAT MADE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES 36-1 LAWRENCEBURG SENATOR WAS THE LONE VOTE AGAINST THE MEASURE.

THE HOUSE PASSED THE MEASURE 90-3 AND NOW HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

BROADBAND IS GETTING A BOOST WITH TAXPAYER DOLLARS AND SO WILL WATER AND SEWER DISTRICTS UNDER A GUTTED SENATE BILL 36 WHICH ORIGINALLY ADDRESSED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSFER OF KIDS TO ADULT COURT.

IT NOW APPROPRIATES $250 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT THAT WILL BE UTILIZED THROUGH THE KENTUCKY INFRASTRUCTURE AUTHORITY TO ADMINISTER DRINKING WATER AND WASTE WATER GRANTS.

THAT AMOUNT, $150 MILLION WILL BE ALLOCATED TO EACH COUNTY BASED ON ITS POPULATION, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF JEFFERSON COUNTY THAT WILL GET A REDUCED ALLOTMENT.

50 MILLION IS SET ASIDE FOR GRANTS TO COUNTIES TO PROVIDE DRINKING WATER SERVICES TO UNSERVED RURAL CUSTOMERS.

FLOYD COUNTY DEMOCRAT ASHLEY TACK IT PRAISED THE BILL.

>> I JUST WANT TO SAY HOW EXCITED I AM TO SEE ALL THIS MONEY INVESTED IN INFRASTRUCTURE SUCH AS WATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS AND BROADBAND.

NOT ONLY WILL THIS HELP OUR FAMILIES RECEIVE HIGH QUALITY INTERNET SERVICE TO THE LAST HOUSE IN THE LAST MILE.

IT WILL HELP WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND, IN ADDITION TO THAT, I THINK IT IS AN AVERAGE OF 15.5 JOBS FOR EVERY MILLION DOLLARS INVESTED IN THIS TYPE OF INVESTMENT SO I JUST WANT TO SAY HOW MUCH WE GREATLY APPRECIATE THIS.

THANK YOU.

>> Renee: IT PASSES THE HOUSE 95-0.

WHEN IT WAS RETURNED TO THE SENATE, WHITNEY WESTERFIELD'S BILL WAS HIJACKED FOR THE NEW PLAN WITHOUT HIS NOTICE, VOTED FOR IT BUT NOT WITHOUT CHASTISING THE HOUSE FOR ITS ACTIONS.

IT PASSED 36-0 AND HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PROCESSING UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS WILL BE REQUIRED TO HAVE BACKGROUND CHECKS.

AND THE REOPENING OF SHUTTERED UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE STATE WILL BE REOPENED BY LAW UNDER SENATE BILL 146 AWARDED FINAL PASSAGE TODAY.

BOYD COUNTY REPUBLICAN SCOTT SHARP EXPLAINED THE LATTER PROVISION THAT WAS A NEGOTIATION WITH THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.

>> IT OPENS 12 WORKFORCE OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE STATE TO HAM UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THERE ARE GOING TO BE SATELLITE OFFICES OPENED UP ON AN AS NEEDED FULL TIME OR PART TIME BASIS TO HANDLE AREAS WITH MORE OF A DENSE POPULATION IT ALSO ESTABLISHES THE 5% TRIGGER ON A BY ANNUAL BASIS IF THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPS BELOW 5%, IT TRIGGERS THE UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICES AND IF IT GOES BELOW 5% ON THE EVALUATION, IT ALLOWS THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH THE OPTION OF SHUTTING THOSE OFFICES DOWN.

>> THE HOUSE APPROVED A MEASURE 91-1 WHEN IT WAS ACTED ON IN THE SENATE THIS EVENING, SENT TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK ON A VOTE OF 35-2.

SENATE BUDGET CHAIRMAN HAD THIS ADVICE FOR THE FIRST FLOOR'S GOVERNOR'S OFFICE TO GET PEOPLE WHO CAN WORK BACK TO WORK.

>> SO RIGHT NOW TODAY, PEOPLE WHO ARE DRAWING UNEMPLOYMENT ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LOOK FOR WORK, WE HAVE CREATED NOT US, THE GOVERNOR HAS CREATED A DISINCENTIVE TO RETURN TO WORK.

AND I DON'T THINK THAT THIS WAS HIS INTENT AT ALL BUT I WANT TO TAKE THIS TIME TODAY TO CALL UPON THE GOVERNOR AND THE REQUIRE FOLKS TO GET GET FOLKS TO CERTIFY THEY'RE LOOKING FOR A JOB.

>> Renee: THE BILL IS BEING DELIVERED TO THE GOVERNOR FOR HIS REVIEW.

JUST A COUPLE HOURS AGO, A BILL TO ATTRACT NEW WORKERS TO KENTUCKY BY ENTICING THEM WITH A REMOTE WORK TAX CREDIT ONE WON FINAL PASSAGE TONIGHT.

LAWMAKERS APPROVED HOUSE BILL 372 THAT GIVES A TAX BREAK FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN KENTUCKY AND WORK FROM HOME FOR AN OUT OF STATE EMPLOYER.

A COMPROMISE PLAN PROVIDES AN INCOME TAX CREDIT UP TO $5,000 PLUS THE FULL AMOUNT OF THEIR PROPERTY TAX FOR OWNING A HOME IN THE STATE.

REMOTE WORKERS STAND TO GAIN UP TO $15,000 IN TAX CREDITS OVER A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD.

12 OTHER STATES HAVE SIMILAR TAX CREDIT PROGRAMS FOR REMOTE WORKERS.

THERE IS NO ESTIMATED COST OR FISCAL NOTE ON HOW MUCH THE TAX CREDIT WOULD END UP COSTING THE COMMONWEALTH WHICH WOULD SUNSET IN FIVE YEARS.

>> WE ARE SPENDING THIS MONEY ON CONSTITUENTS WE DON'T EVEN HAVE YET.

AND WE ARE NOT INVESTING IN THE PEOPLE WHO ARE INVESTING IN US, OUR CONSTITUENTS RIGHT NOW, OUR KENTUCKY FAMILIES WHO HAVE LIVED HERE FOR GENERATIONS AND INVESTED IN THIS STATE AND CHOOSE TO LIVE IN THIS STATE.

WE ARE FAVORING OUT OF STATE COMPANIES AND WE ARE FAVORING PROPERTY OWNERSHIP OVER RENTING AND I DON'T THINK THOSE ARE DEALS THAT I'M WILLING TO MAKE TONIGHT FOR PEOPLE I DON'T EVEN KNOW.

I NEED TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE I KNOW AND LOVE AND REPRESENT TONIGHT.

>> REPRESENTING FORT CAMPBELL, ONE OF THE THINGS IN CHRISTIAN COUNTY THAT HAS BEEN EMPHASIZED OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS ARE THINGS TO ENCOURAGE THOSE MILITARY PERSONNEL AS THEY LEAVE SERVICE TO WANT TO CHOOSE KENTUCKY AS A PLACE TO RESIDE.

IF THIS LEGISLATION WILL GIVE THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE SERVED AND SACRIFICED FOR OUR NATION, THAT ENCOURAGEMENT TO WANT TO LOCATE HERE, THAT MAY HAVE THE NECESSARY EXPERIENCE, WHETHER IT BE IN TECHNICAL FIELDS THAT THIS WOULDIBLE ENCOURAGE THEM TO STAY AND CALL KENTUCKY HOME, I'M HAPPY TO SHOW MY SUPPORT FOR THIS LEGISLATION.

GLR THE NEGOTIATED HOUSE BILL 372 WAS AWARDED FINAL PASSAGE IN THE HOUSE 60-31.

IT NOW HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

AN ANTIABORTION MEASURE STATE LAWMAKERS GAVE THE FINAL STAMP OF APPROVAL TO DOESN'T NEED THE GOVERNOR'S INPUT.

IT'S A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT EMBODIED IN HOUSE BILL 91 THAT DECLARES THERE IS NO RIGHT FOR AN ABORTION AND NO FUNDING CAN GO TOWARDS IT.

REPUBLICAN.

HE SAID IT NEEDS TO BE THERE TO PROTECT LIVE AND THE DEMOCRAT SAID IT DOESN'T OFFER ANY PROTECTIONS OR GUARD RAILS.

>> HOUSE BILL 91 IS NECESSARY TO ENFORCE KENTUCKY'S PRO-LIFE LAWS THAT THE FEDERAL COURTS HAVE UPHELD INCLUDING THE ULTRASOUND BILL AND THE PAIN CAPABLE BILL.

FINALLY WE MUST NOT ALLOW ABORTIONIST TO FORM A SHOP IN STATE COURTS ONCE THEY HAVE LOST IN FEDERAL COURTS.

Mr. PRESIDENT, I THINK THIS IS PRETTY DIRECT BILL HERE THIS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT WE ARE A PROLIFE STATE.

>> YOU HEARD THE RATIONALE FROM THE SENATOR FROM HENDERSON WHY WE ARE DOING THIS.

BECAUSE WE ARE A PROLIFE STATE.

BUT I WOULD NOTE THAT NOTHING IN THIS AMENDMENT PROVIDES FOR ANY EXCEPTIONS FOR RAPE OR HEALTH OF THE MOTHER THAT TAKES A PRETTY EXTREME STANCE ON WHAT OFTEN TIMES WE USE AS A POLITICAL ISSUE.

>> THE SENATE AOF PROKED THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 32-6.

DEMOCRATS TWO DEMOCRATS JOINED THE REPUBLICANS IN THE HOUSE VOTE.

THE HOUSE PASSED THE MEASURE BACK IN LATE FEBRUARY.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT WILL APPEAR ON THE KENTUCKY BALLOT IN THE 2022 JENNY ELECTION.

LAWMAKERS HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT TO RESOLVE THEIR DIFFERENCES ON A FEW BILLS AND THEY'RE STILL WORKING.

TUNE IN FRIDAY NIGHT AT COMMENT ON KENTUCKY TO GET A RECAP OF KEY MEASURES THAT DID AND DID NOT MAKE IT ACROSS THE FINISH LINE.

THAT WILL DO IT FOR KET'S COVERAGE OF THE 2021 KENTUCKY GLRM IN REGULAR SESSION AND OUR LEGISLATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE THIS SEASON.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COUNTING ON KET TO BRING YOU COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE WHAT IS HAPPENING IN YOUR STATE CAPITOL THE LAST FEW MONTHS AND TRUST US TO KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP AND IN THE KNOW ON OUR FLEET OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMS.

FROM ALL OF US HERE AT KENTUCKY AND MY COLLEAGUE CASEY PARKER-BELL AND DIRECTOR CARL BABCOCK, I'M RENEE SHAW.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.