>> Renee: A WAIVER FOR OVERPAI UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE BILLS ON RENTAL PROPERTY DAMAGE, FELON RE-ENTRY AND FEMALE INCARCERATION ARE INCHING CLOSER TO THE FINISH LINE.

AND A SCHOOL YEAR RE-DO EFFORT IS GAINING GROUND TOO ON THIS 24TH DAY OF THE 2021 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SESSION.

GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE.

WELCOME TO "LEGISLATIVE UPDATE" TONIGHT I'M RENEE SHAW.

WE BEGIN WITH A RECAP OF HOUSE FLOOR ACTION TODAY FOR DISPLACED KENTUCKY WORKERS WHO GOT UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE AND WERE ASKED LATER TO PAY IT BACK.

THIS BILL HITS CLOSE TO HOME AND IS HEADED TO THE GOVERNOR'S desk IT'S LEGISLATION PREVENTING THE CLAWBACK OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS CHECKS MAILED TO SOME KENTUCKIANS DUE TO PANDEMIC-RELATED ACTIONS BY FAULT OF THE STATE.

SENATE BILL 7 APPLIES TO WORKERS, WHO FOR MOST OF LAST YEAR CONCERNED ABOUT EXPOSURE TO .

THE VIRUS, LEFT THEIR JOBS, CLAIMED UNEMPLOYMENT AND WERE LATER ASKED TO REPAY AS THE STATE REVERSED COURSE ON A PROVING THEIR ELIGIBILITY SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM DAVID GIVENS' MEASURE ALLOWS CLAIMANTS WHO RECEIVED UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE THAT THEY SHOULDN'T HAVE, AT NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN, TO REQUEST A WAIVER FROM PAYING WALK THOSE BENEFIT CHECKS.

THE LABOR CABINET CAN FORGIVE THAT OVERPAYMENT UPON FINDING I WASN'T A RESULT OF FRAUD.

REPRESENTATIVE RUSSELL WEBBER EXPLAINED FURTHER BEFORE THE HOUSE FLOOR VOTE THIS MORNING.

>> IT ALLOWS THE SECRETARY FOR THE CABINET, LABOR CABINET TO WAIVE OVERPAYMENTS.

INDIVIDUALS HAD RESPONDED TO THE 6 6 GOVERNOR'S SUGGESTION THAT THEY APPLY FOR INSURANCE, AND MANY UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WEEKS, AND MANY HAVE THEM DID AND THEY WERE APPROVED FOR IT, LATER TO FIND OUT THAT THERE HAD BEEN AN OVERPAYMENT AND THEY WERE ASKED TO REPAY THAT.

BECAUSE OF THE FACT THAT THOSE FOLKS WERE USING THAT MONEY TO BUY GROCERIES AND PAY UTILITIES AND PAY OTHER BILLS, MANY OF THEM DID NOT HAVE IT.

THIS BILL DOES GIVE THE SECRETARY THE AUTHORITY TO WAIVE THEM.

THERE ARE SEVERAL CRITERIA THAT MUST BE MET, THAT MUST BE MADE WITH NO FAULT ON THE PART OF THE RECIPIENT IF THE RECOVERY COULD BE CONTRARY TO EQUITY AND GOOD CONSCIOUS.

THE CABINET WILL SEND OUT NOTICES, AND THE INDIVIDUAL HAS 30 DAYS TO RESPOND TO THAT AND TO REQUEST THAT THE SECRETARY WAIVE THAT OVERPAYMENT.

>> Renee: THE BILL ALSO ADDRESSES BURGEONING FRAUD IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE SYSTEM, FALSE CLAIMS BEING FILE USING SOMEBODY ELSE'S IDENTITY.

THE UNEMPLOYMENT OFFICE WOULD B ABLE TO CHECK VARIOUS RECORDS T TRACK DOWN THE IMPOSTERS FILING FRAUDULENT CLAIMS AND GIVE THAT INFORMATION TO THE STATE'S ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE TO INVESTIGATE AND PROSECUTE.

FINAL PASSAGE OF SENATE BILL 7 WAS AWARDED BY THE HOUSE ON A UNANIMOUS VOTE OF 94 TO ZERO.

IT NOW HEADS TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT IS A KEY MEASURE IN WHETHER THOSE WHO WERE ONCE INCARCERATED CAN AND WILL STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LAW.

IT'S THE TARGET GOAL O BILL 497 BY HOUSE HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES CHAIR KIM MOSER SHE HOPES THE MEASURE WILL HELP FORMER INMATES GAIN SKILLS AND EDUCATION NECESSARY TO ENTER TH LABOR FORCE AND REINTEGRATE INT.

>> IT WILL HELP INDIVIDUALS GET DOCUMENTS WHICH ARE NECESSARY TO GAIN EMPLOYMENT AND TO OBTAIN AN I.D.

IT WILL INCREASE INDIVIDUALS' CONFIDENCE THROUGH JOB TRAINING AND RESUME BUILDING.

IT INCENTIVIZES EMPLOYERS TO GIVE INDIVIDUALS OPPORTUNITIES AND BE THAT SECOND CHANCE EMPLOYER BY PROVIDING LIMITED LIE BITTEL BUILT PROTECTIONS FOR THE EMPLOYER WHILE ENSURING THAT INDIVIDUALS CAN PROVIDE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES, OFTEN BECOMING HIGHLY VALUED AND LOYAL EMPLOYEES.

THIS BILL PRIORITIZES MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR INDIVIDUALS IN THE LAST 30 DAYS OF INCARCERATION FOR THINGS LIKE DRUG TREATMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH CARE TO ALLOW FOR UNINTERRUPTED CARE UPON RELEASE.

THIS IS ESPECIALLY HELPFUL FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE RECEIVED MEB MEDICATION FOR ADDICTION TREATMENT DURING INCARCERATION OR REFERRAL FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPY UPON RELEASE.

AND THIS ONLY BECOMES PART OF THIS BILL IF THE CABINET WERE TO A APPLY FOR AN 1115 WAIVER ALLOWING SUCH CARE TO BE ALLOWED DURING I. INCARCERATION.

>> Renee: FRESHMAN REPRESENTATIVE JOSH CALLOWAY, A MINISTER AND DIRECTOR OF THE HOPE ACADEMY, SAYS HE OFTEN HELPS THE FORMERLY INCARCERATED LAND BACK ON THEIR FEET AFTER SERVING TIME.

HE SEES FIRSTHAND THE BREAKDOWNS IN RE-ENTRY THAT PERPETUATE A CYCLE OF RECIDIVIS.

>> MOST OF THE TIME WE SPEND TWO TO THREE WEEKS, SOMETIMES TRYING TO FIND SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS, A DRIVER'S LICENSE, BIRTH CERTIFICATES, AND IT IS UNBELIEVABLE SOMETIMES THE WAY THAT THE PROCESS HAS BEEN SET UP THAT IT DRIVES RECIDIVISM AND IT DRIVES PEOPLE GOING BACK INTO THE SYSTEM OVER AND OVER AGAIN, AND SO ANYTHING THAT WE CAN DO, THERE'S NOBODY THAT FEELS MORE ABOUT PUNISHMENT WHEN IT COMES TO CRIME THAN I DO STRONGLY, BUT AT THE SAME TIME WHEN THEY HAVE FULFILLED THEIR DEBT, ANYTHING THAT WE CAN DO TO GET THEM BACK INTO WORK AND INTO THE JOB FORCE AND HELP THEM IS A GREAT THING, AND I APPRECIATE BRINGING THIS TO THE FLOOR.

THANK YOU.

>> Renee: THE BILL ADVANCED FR THE HOUSE 95 TO ZERO AND NOW HEADS TO THE SENATE FOR CONSIDERATION THERE.

KENTUCKY HAS BEEN A NATIONAL MODEL FOR ADDRESSING FEMALE INCARCERATION, AS WHAT'S CALLED THE "DIGNITY BILL" IN 2018 WAS TAILORED TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS OF WOMEN BEHIND BARS.

THAT LAW BANS SHACKLING PREGNANT WOMEN, EXPANDED ADDICTION TREATMENT AND IMPROVED HEALTH AND HYGIENE SERVICES FOR ALL INCARCERATED W THE SEQUEL IS SENATE MAJORITY CAUCUS CHAIR JULIE RAQUE ADAMS' SENATE BILL 84 TO ENSURE THAT PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM WOMEN GET THE CARE THEY NEED.

THE HOUSE MADE SOME MINOR TWEAKS TO THE MEASURE IN COMMITTEE EARLIER THIS WEEK.

HARDIN COUNTY REPERE SAMARA HEAVRIN CARRIED IT ON TH HOUSE FLOOR TODAY.

>> IT CURRENTLY OFFERS SIX WEEKS OF POSTPARTUM CARE, WHICH CURRENTLY THERE IS NONE.

IT END SOLITARY INEVER CONFINEMENT FOR INS CARS RATE WOMEN IT.

REQUIRES THE KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS TO MAINTAIN AND PUBLICALLY RELEASE DATA ON SOLITARY CONFINEMENT.

INCLUDING AGE, GENDER, ETHNICITY, REASON, DAY IN AND OUT AND PUBLISHED ON THE LRC WEBSITE.

IT COULD GIVE INCARCERATED PREGNANT WOMEN ACCESS TO COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS AND ACCESS TO SOCIAL WORKERS TO FACILITATE MCCONNELL REUNIFICATION AND EMERGENCY PLACEMENT OF THEIR CHILD.

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST ALL MOTHERS WILL BE GRANTED TO 72 HOURS WITH THEIR CHILD BEFORE RETURNING TO THE CORRECTIONS FACILITY.

RAMA KENTUCKY'S FASTEST GROWING PRISON POPULATION, AND KENTUCKY RANKS THIRD IN THE NATION IN INCARCERATED WOMEN PER CAPA.

KENTUCKY ALSO HAS THE SECOND HIGHEST RATE OF CHILDREN WITH AN INCARCERATED PARENT IN THE NATION.

>> Renee: THE HOUSE-AMENDED SENATE BILL 84 CLEARED THE LOWE CHAMBER 94 TO ZERO AND NOW NEED SENATE APPROVAL BEFORE HEADING TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK.

A SENATE BILL TO CRIMINALIZE WANTON, INTENTIONAL AND MALICIOUS DAMAGE TO RENTAL PROPERTY WAS ENDORSED BY THE HOUSE WITH SOME MINOR CH HOUSE JUDICIARY CHAIR ED MASSEY SAYS THE GOAL OF SENATE BILL 11 TO HELP LANDLORDS FINANCIALLY RECOVER FROM DAMAGE DONE TO THEIR PROPERTY, BEYOND THE TYPICAL WEAR AND TEAR.

6.

>> THIS IS CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE PREMISES HAVE BEEN LEFT WITH FOOD IN REFRIGERATORS THAT WERE UNPLUGGED, HOLES PUNCHED INTO WALLS, PCs LEFT ON THE FLOOR, ALL KIND OF BIRDS SCENARIOS THAT COST THESE RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO REPAIR.

SO THE BILL THAT'S BEEN PRESENTED WOULD MAKE A SITUATION WHERE IT'S MORE THAN $1,000 A CLASS D FELONY.

THERE ARE OBVIOUSLY OTHER PROVISIONS THAT ARE AVAILABLE FOR MISDEMEANOR AND CRIMINAL MISCHIEF, BUT THIS IS TO HELP THESE PROPERTY OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD TO NOT ONLY LOSE OUT FROM RENTAL INCOME BECAUSE OF THE TIME IT TAKES TO REPAIR THE PROPERTY THAT'S BEEN LEFT IN A DESTROYED CONDITION, BUT IT ALLOWS THEM TO, THROUGH THE CRIMINAL PROCESS, SEEK RESTITUTION FOR THE DAMAGE THAT OCCURRED TO THE PROPERTY.

>> Renee: A SIMILAR BILL WAS VETOED LAST YEAR BY THE GOVERNO AND LAWMAKERS WERE WITHOUT TIME TO OVERRIDE IT.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ADVOCATES AR CONCERNED ABOUT THE MEASURE'S UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES WHEN IT COMES TO SURVIVORS BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR DAMAGE CAUSED B THEIR ABUSIVE PARTNER.

>> INDIVIDUALS WHO CAUSED DAMAGE TO PROPERTY CAN ALREADY BE CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL MISCHIEF.

AND THROUGH A CRIMINAL OR CIVIL PROCEEDING, RESTITUTION CAN BE ORDERED OR A AWARD OF DAMAGES CAN BE AWARDED, AND I JUST WANT TO STRESS THAT THIS IS MOST WILL A CIVIL YEAR.

LANDLORDS, THEY DON'T WANT -- I DON'T NECESSARILY THINK THAT MOST LANDLORDS WANT SOMEONE TO BE INCARCERATED FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF BEHAVIOR BUT THEY DOUGH WANT THEIR MONEY BACK.

THEY DO WANT THEIR PROPERTY RESTORE IN THE CONDITION THAT IT WAS WHEN THEY ORIGINALLY LEASED IT, AND SO BECAUSE IT'S MOSTLY A CIVIL MATTER, I'M NOT SURE THAT THIS IS REALLY GOING TO EFFECTUATE THE GOAL OF LANDLORDS.

ONE THING THAT HASN'T BEEN MENTIONED IS THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF CONCERNS ABOUT SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE.

THE GENTLEMAN USED EXAMPLES OF HOLES PUNCHED IN THE WALLS AND REFRIGERATORS LEFT WITH FOOD IN THEM.

THAT COULD EASILY BE THE SITUATION OF SOMEONE WHO IS FLEEING THEIR ABUSERS, HAS TO FLEE VERY QUICKLY, AND THEN AN ABUSE SURVIVOR WHO IS ON LEASE WITH AN ABUSIVE PARTNER CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR THE DAMAGES THAT THE ABUSIVE PARTNER CAUSED OR DAMAGE THAT LEFT TOTE PROPERTY LIKE THE REFRIGERATOR FOOD BEING LEFT WHEN HE OR SHE HAD TO FLEE THE PROPERTY.

>> Renee: THE CRIMINALIZATION RENTAL PROPERTY CLEARED THE HOUSE 75 TO 17 AND IS BEING RETURNED TO THE SENATE FOR APPROVAL OF SOME HOUSE CHANGES.

RAPE CRISIS CENTERS, UNIVERSITIES AND LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS HAVE BEEN CONTRIBUTING TO THE STATE'S PENSION SYSTEM BASED ON A BLANKET PERCENTAGE OF PAYROLL, NOT JUST ON WHAT THEY ACTUALLY OWE IN PENSION LIABILITIES.

SOME OF THESE ENTITIES, CALLED QUASI-GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES, AR CRUMBLING UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THEIR PENSION PAYMENTS, AND SEE HOUSE BILL 8 AS KEY TO THEIR FINANCIAL SURVIVAL.

SPONSORED B REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE JIM DUPLESSIS, THE BILL CHANGES HOW PAYMENTS ARE CALCULATED.

WITH THE BILL IN SENATE POSSESSION TODAY, THE CHAMBER'S BUDGET CHAIRMAN CHRISTIAN MCDANIEL, RAN THE DETAILS.

>> THIS BILL SIMPLY ASSIGNS THE LIABILITIES BY AN EMPLOYER RATHER THAN LUMPING THEM INTO THE SYSTEM AS A WHOLE, AND WHAT THIS MEANS IS THAT ENTITIES WILL ACTUALLY PAY WHAT THEY OWE FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES AND THEIR RETIREES RATHER THAN SPREADING IT ACROSS THE ENTIRE SYSTEM.

IT DOES SET UP AN APPEALS PROCESS FOR THOSE EMPLOYERS WHO BELIEVE THAT EMPLOYEES HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY ASSIGNED OR WERE OTHERWISE COVERED UNDER CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE COMMONWEALTH AS OPPOSED TO BEING EMPLOYEES OF THAT ORGANIZATION.

>> Renee: SOME QUASI-GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES HAV BEEN SUBSIDIZED BY GENERAL FUND DOLLARS TO HELP MAKE PAYMENTS O THEIR PENSION LIABILITY.

AN AMENDMENT TO HOUSE BILL 8 BY CROFTON SENATOR WHITNEY WESTERFIELD WOULD REDUCE THE LIABILITY FOR A QUASI THAT HAS LOST ONE OF THESE SUBSIDIES ON DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR BASIS.

HE EXPLAINS WHY HE BROUGHT THE AMENDMENT FORWARD.

>> RIGHT NOW SOME OF THESE CAUSEWAY IS, NOT AS ALL OF THEM BUT SOME OF THEM ARE GETTING A SUBSIDY.

THEY'RE GETTING SOME COVERAGE ON WHAT, THOUGH, FOR THESE PENSION ONLY PATIONS AND NIECE QUASIES A EVERYBODY IN THE ROOM KNOWS PROVIDES SERVICES THERE IS NO ONE ELSE IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY TO PROVIDE.

THERE IS NO FUNCTION OF STATE GOVERNMENT THAT SET UP TO DO WHAT THAT'S QUASIS DO EVERY DAY.

THAT'S WHY THESE QUASIS DO IT AND THE STATE CONTRACTS WITH THEM TO DO IT, AND WE CAN'T, TO GUARANTEE AS THIS BILL GUARANTEES, THIS BILL GUARANTEES THAT WE'RE GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT SUBSIDY STAYS THERE FOR ANOTHER YEAR RIGHT NOW, AND THEN MOST OF IT STAYS THERE AFTER THAT.

BUT WHAT THIS BILL ALSO REQUIRES, AND EVERYONE WHO HAS WORKED ON IT TO THEIR YESTERDAY THAT GOES FREELY AGREED AND ACKNOWLEDGED THIS IS GOING TO REQUIRE TOWS QUASI-GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES TO COME AND ASK US FOR THE NEXT 15 BUDGET CYCLES, 15 BUDGET CYCLES, SUCCESSFULLY DISCUSS FOR THAT MONEY TO STAY THERE.

I DON'T KNOW OF ANYTHING ELSE IN STATE GOVERNMENT THAT'S BEEN ABLE TO PULL THAT SORT OF THING OFF, THAT'S BEEN ABLE TO THREAD THAT SORT OF NEEDLE FOR 30 STRAIGHT YEARS.

>> Renee: WESTERFIELD WITHDREW THE AMENDMENT BECAUSE HE SAID THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH SUPPORT FO IT TO PASS.

HOUSE BILL 8 WITH SOME SENATE CHANGE PASSED THE UPPER CHAMBER 34 TO 0.

IT'S BEING RETURNED TO THE HOUSE FOR APPROVAL OF THOSE SENATE AMENDM FOR THOSE WITH DIABETES, INSULI IS A LIFE-SAVING MEDICATION.

BUT COMPLAINTS THAT THE COST IS FORCING MANY KENTUCKIANS TO CHOOSE BETWEEN INSULIN AND OTHE LIFE NECESSITIES IS DRIVING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO CAP ITS CO- HOUSE BILL 95 CAPS INSULIN COPAYS ON STATE-REGULATED INSURANCE PLANS TO $35 PER 30-DAY WHEN THE BILL HIT THE SE FLOOR TODAY, NICHOLASVILLE REPUBLICAN TOM BUFORD SAID DIABETICS ARE BEING PRICE GOUGE.

>> IT IS VERY IMPORTANT WHEN THESE FEES HAVE GOTTEN UP, THESE COPAYS HAVE GOTTEN UP TO $100 AND $200 IT'S RIDICULOUS THAT YOU WOULD HAVE INDIVIDUALS THAT WOULD BE COULD EVERYBODY CURED BY A VERY EXPENSIVE PRODUCT TO PRODUCE AND YET THEY WERE BEING STIFFED THROUGH I HATE TO SAY THE DRUG COMPANIES OR WHOEVER WAS COMING UP WITH THE PRICING, SO UNNECESSARY THAT INDIVIDUALS WOULD BE IN PAIN OR GO INTO SHOCK BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT HAVE THIS PRODUCT, AND GIVEN THE TIME OF THE VIRUS AND THE ECONOMY AND THE LOSS OF WORK, THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WE CAN REALLY TAKE PRIDE IN.

>> Renee: THE SENATE ADDED AN EMERGENCY CLAUSE THAT WOULD MEA THE BILL WOULD TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY UPON PASSAGE RATHER THAN THE 90 DAYS APPLIED TO OTHER BILLS.

IT WON UNANIMOUS SENATE SUPPORT AND GOES BACK TO THE HOUSE FOR IT TO SIGN OFF ON THE UPPER CHAMBER'S CHANGES.

FOR A YEAR OF EDUCATION LOST TO THE PANDEMIC, THE SENATE EDUCATION CHAIRMAN MAX WISE WANTS TO GIVE K THROUGH 12 STUDENTS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS THE CHANCE AT DO-OVER.

WISE SAYS HE'S SEEN WHAT THE LOST SCHOOL YEAR HAS DONE TO HIS .

FOUR CHILDREN AND OTHERS, AND THAT PROMPT HIS THAT THE ILL SENATE BILL 128.

>> INFORMATION THAT THIS BILL IS FOR SENIORS ONLY.

THIS IS NOT.

THIS IS FOR K THROUGH 12 STUDENTS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS THAT IF THEY WISH TO DO SO, BASED OFF EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES LOST OVER THIS LAST YEAR, THAT THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPLEMENT THAT YEAR BY BEING ABLE TO HOLD BACK IF THEY WISH TO DO SO FOR THE 2021 SCHOOL YEAR AND REPEAT THAT COURSE, REPEAT THAT GRADE, EXCUSE ME FOR 2122.

THE BILL WOULD ALLOW FORE THOSE WISHES TO USE NEXT YEARS SUPPLEMENTAL SCHOOL YEAR THAT STUDENTS COULD RETAKE ANY COURSEWORK ALREADY COMPLETED OR COULD BE SUPPLEMENTED WITH NEW COURSES.

THE BILL ALSO ALLOWS A RETAKE A HIGH SCHOOL COURSE.

THOSE SHALL NOT COUNT AS AN ADDITIONAL CREDIT TOWARDS GRADUATION UNLESS THE STUDENT FAILED THE ORIGINAL COURSE.

IT PROVIDES FLEXIBILITY.

IT PROVIDES INNOVATION FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS WISHING TO DO THIS.

FOR SENIORS, FOR THOSE SENIORS WHO HAVE COMPLETED REQUIRED COURSEWORK TO GRADUATE, THEY MAY BE ALLOWED TO RETURN IN A TEMPORARY PROGRAM THAT IS INCLUDED FOR SEEK ELIGIBILITY IF COURSEWORK IS COMPLETED.

>> Renee: THE MEASURE ALSO ADDRESSES ATHLETICS AND DOESN'T CHANGE CURRENT LAW ON AGE PROVI.

>> IF A STUDENT WERE TO SEEK A FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR ELIGIBILITY AT THE SAME SCHOOL THAT THE PARTICIPATION AGE LIMIT WOULD STILL STAY WITH THAT 19-YEAR-OLD PROVISION THAT A STUDENT COULD NOT TURN 19 BY THE START OF AUGUST GOING INTO THEIR SENIOR YEAR.

SO THIS BILL DOES NOT ALLOW 19 AND 20-YEAR-OLD STUDENTS TO BE IN THE HALLWAYS OF HIGH SCHOOLS ON A FOOTBALL FIELD, A BASKETBALL COURT FOR ANY TYPE OF ADVANTAGE AS THE AGE WOULD BE.

>> Renee: LOUISVILLE DEMOCRAT TINA BOJANOWSKI PRAISED THE BILL, ESPECIALLY BECAUSE IT APPLIES FROM ELEMENTARY ALL THE WAY TO HIGH SCHOOL.

UNDER THE BILL, LOCAL SCHOOL BOARDS WOULD DECIDE BY JUNE 1 WHETHER OR NOT TO APPROVE ALL PETITIONS COLLECTIVELY ON ALLOWING STUDENTS TO REPEAT A YEAR, AND NOT CONSIDER REQUESTS ON A INDIVIDUAL OR CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.

>> I KNOW OF KIDNEY STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN DOING VIRTUAL ALL YEAR WHO DON'T KNOW THE LETTERS YET.

THEY CAN'T IDENTIFY THE LETTERS.

TO SEND THOSE KIDS ON TO FIRST GRADE AND SUS SETTING THEM UP TO INCREASE THOSE GAPS THAT WE KNOW ALREADY EXIST, SO I'M VERY GRATEFUL THAT THIS BILL EXTENDS THROUGH ALL THE GRADE LEVELS.

I'M SINCERELY HOPING THAT JCPS CHOOSES TO ADOPT IT.

>> Renee: IT'S NOT KNOWN HOW MUCH THE MEASURE WILL COST THE STATE IN PER-PUPIL FUNDING TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

SPECTACULAR WISE SAYS BASED ON FEEDBACK HE'S RECEIVED, HE BELIEVES 3 TO 5 PERCENT OF KENTUCKY SCHOOLKIDS MAY TAKE ADVANTAGE OF REPEAT OPPORTUNITY THE MEASURE CLEARED THE HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE TODAY AND NOW WAITS FOR ACTION BY THE FULL HOUSE MEMBERSHIP.

FINALLY, AS WE LEAVE YOU TONIGHT, WE'VE BEEN INTRODUCING YOU FROM TIME TO TIME TO SOME O THE NEW FACES IN THE KENTUCKY HOUSE AND SENATE.

AS PART OF OUR FRESHMAN PROFILES SERIES, YOU GET TO KNOW THE BACKGROUNDS OF THE LEGISLATORS, WHAT PROMPTED THEM TO SEEK ELECTED OFFICE AND WHAT THEY HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH WHILE THEY'RE HERE THIS SESSION TONIGHT'S FEATURED LAWMAKERS: REPRESENTATIVE MATT LOCKET OF NICHOLASVILLE AND SENATOR BRANDON STORM OF LONDON.

>> MY NAME IS MATT LOCKETT AND I'M FROM THE 39th DISTRICT WHICH IS ABOUT 3/4 OF JESSAMINE AND FIVE PRECINCTS IN FAYETTE COUNTY.

CURRENTLY MY SECOND JOB AS I LIKE TO PUT IT, I'M A FINANCIAL ADVISER, AND SO I GET TO MEET DAILY WITH FAMILIES AND REALLY LOOK INTO AND TAKE A DEEP DIVE INTO NOT JUST THEIR FINANCES BUT REALLY LOOK IN TERMS OF THE FUTURE, LOOK AT THEIR RETIREMENT, LOCK AT INSURANCE NEEDS AND SO FORTH, HOW ARE THEY PREPARED TO LIVE THE REST OF THEIR LIFE.

AND I THINK A LOT OF THAT PREPARES ME FOR THIS JOB BECAUSE AS A COMMONWEALTH, WE HAVE TO BE LOOKING FORWARD, YOU KNOW, NOT JUST FINANCIALLY BUT A LOT OF DIFFERENT AREAS AS WELL, AND SO TO HAVE THAT SKILL SET, TO SIT DOWN AND MEET WITH PEOPLE, TO REALLY LOOK AT BOTH SIDES OF AN ISSUE AND REALLY DETERMINE WHAT'S THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION, I THINK THAT HAS REALLY PREPARED ME TO REALLY BE WHERE I AM NOW IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

YOU KNOW, TO BE HONEST, THIS IS SOMETHING I'VE BEEN IN POLITICS FOR A LONG TIME.

I'M ALSO THE COUNTY PARTY CHAIRMAN IN JESSAMINE COUNTY, AND SO I'VE BEEN ON BOTH SIDES.

I WORKED FOR GOVERNOR BEVIN AS WELL AS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, SO I'VE BEEN ON THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH SIDE.

I'VE BEEN ON THE LOCAL SIDE.

ACTUALLY MAJORED IN POLITICAL SCIENCE IN COLLEGE AT MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY.

AND SO I GUESS THE POLITICS SIDE HAS ALWAYS KIND OF BEEN IN MY BLOOD.

AND SO AS I CONTINUED AND GOT OLDER AND VOLUNTEERED A LOT, I REALLY BECAME REALLY INTERESTED TO SAY I WANT TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE IN MY DISTRICT.

I WANT TO WORK FOR THEM.

I WANT TO BE THEIR VOICE IN FRANKFORT, TO REALLY BRING THOSE VALUES TO THIS SEAT.

EDUCATION SWAYING CUN ONE FOR ME AS WELL.

BOTH OF MY CHILDREN HAVE BEEN IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, WHICH IN JESSAMINE COUNTY THEY'RE GREAT, AND, YOU KNOW, I SEE A LOT OF ISSUES STATEWIDE THAT WE HAVE TO TACKLE.

AND SO THAT'S ONE OF MINE AS WELL.

YOU KNOW, BEING A CONSERVATIVE, A LOT OF THE THINGS THAT CONSERVATIVE IN TERMS OF FISCAL RESPONDENT, PERSONAL FREEDOMS AND LIBERTY -- RESPONSIBILITY AND PERSONAL FREEDOMS AND LIQUOR, PRO-LIFE ISSUES ALL THOSE ARE THINGS A THAT AS I VOTE THAT'S KIND OF THE BACKDROP OF ISSUES THAT I WILL USE AS I CAST A VOTE.

IT'S BEEN VERY SURREAL.

I'VE BEEN TO THE CAPITOL A LOT IN MY LIFETIME.

AS A KID MY PARENTS BROUGHT ME UP, AND IT'S -- YOU KNOW, I BROUGHT MY KIDS AND SHOWED THEM BOTH CHAMBERS AND, YOU KNOW, TRIED TO TEACH THEM HOW IT WORKS, AND THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND SO FORTH.

I'VE NEVER BEEN HERE AS A LEGISLATOR.

AND TO REALLY WALK THE HALLS OF THE CAPITOL AND TO BE ON THE HOUSE FLOOR, IT'S JUST -- IT'S ALMOST OVERWHELMING, BUT IT'S ALSO VERY SURREAL TO THINK THAT, YOU KNOW, I WAS VOTED HERE.

I WAS PLACED HERE WITH THE TRUST OF THE PEOPLE IN MY DISTRICT, AND THAT MEANS A TON.

YOU KNOW, MY BIGGEST -- AS A KIND OF TALKED ABOUT BACKDROP BEFORE, KIND OF WHAT DO I USE AS A TOOL OR AS I GAUGE, WHEN THERE ARE ISSUES THAT COME BEFORE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT I WILL VOTE ON, YOU KNOW, MY MORALS, MY BACKDROP, HOW I WAS RAISED, I'M A BELIEVER IN CHRIST.

I'M A CHRISTIAN.

AND SO I DON'T BACK AWAY FROM THAT.

I DON'T SHY AWAY FROM THOSE MORALS.

I DON'T SHY AWAY FROM BELIEFS OF A SMALLER GOVERNMENT BE, YOU KNOW, BELIEFS THAT OUR GOVERNMENT IS BY THE PEOPLE AND FOR THE PEOPLE.

WHEN WE BEGIN TO SAY, WELL, WE CAN TAKE GOVERNMENT INTO OUR OWN HANDS, I BELIEVE THAT'S WHEN WE BEGIN TO FAIL.

WHEN WE CONSTANTLY REMIND OURSELVES THAT WE ARE ELECTED, WE ARE HERE TO BE A VOICE, AND WHEN THAT VOICE IS PUT WITH THOSE CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES, I BELIEVE THAT THAT'S HOW I CAN GOVERN THE MOST EFFECTIVELY.

>> WELL, I'VE GOT CHILDREN THAT MY GIRLS ARE IN THEIR FRESHMAN IN HIGH SCHOOL.

MY SON'S IN FIFTH GRADE P PI FELT LIKE MY AGE, I'M 44 YEARS OLD, I FELT I HAD SOMETHING TO GIVE BACK TO THE TRICKETT AND WANTED TO GO OUT THERE AND GO TO WORK FOR THE COMMONWEALTH.

SO UM AN ATTORNEY.

I DO A LOT OF FEDERAL FLAME DEFENSE IN LONDON.

I'M THE PANEL CHAIRMAN FOR TOAL GYM THAT WILL JUSTICE ACT SO I DO DEAL WITH THE DIFFERENT ATTORNEYS AND JUNCTION, AND I FELT HAVING THAT BACK DROWNED HELPED ME INTERPRET LAWS AND HELP ME MAKE GOOD LAW.

I WANT TO SHAKE MAKE SURE EVERYONE KNOWS I'M GOING THE BEST I CAN.

I WON'T SOLVE EVERLY PROBLEM IN THE WORLD BUT I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW THAT I'VE TRIED AND DONE EVERYTHING I CAN TO LISTEN TO THEIR CONCERNS AND BE THEIR VOICE.

I WANT TO BE THEIR ADVOCATE.

I GET eMAILS DAILY ABOUT THE UNEMPLOYMENT ISSUES, AND I'VE GOT EXCELLENT STAFF AT THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION WHO HAVE ALWAYS HANDLED THOSE AND WE JUST BASICALLY REFER THOSE ON UP THE CHAIN, BUT THAT'S PRIMARILY THE ISSUE I DEAL WITH MOSTLY.

THERE ARE SOME EDUCATION CONCERNS ABOUT, YOU KNOW, KIND OF WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN WITH THE BUDGET THIS YEAR, AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HAS HAD AN OBLIGATION TO MAKE SURE THAT IT'S FUNDED, AND I THINK THAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN, OBVIOUSLY, AND THAT IS A CONCERN THAT WE DO EXPERIENCE SOME.

I THINK IT'S VERY EXCITING INITIALLY I WAS KIND OF SCARED AS TO WHAT TO EXPECT, BUT AS WE GOT IN THERE AND I KIND OF SAW THINGS HAPPENING AND THINGS GOING ON, I PICKED UP PRETTY QUICKLY.

I WAS ABLE TO NOMINATE THE PRESIDENT STIVERS AS THE SENATE PRESIDENT, AND THAT WAS HONOR FOR ME, SO I AGAIN, I GREATLY APPRECIATED THAT.

I WOULDN'T NEGLECT THEM BUT WOULDN'T IT LET OUR DISTRICT BE NEGLECTED.

I WOULD BE SOMEONE THAT WOULD BE ARE THEIR FOR THEM, THEIR ADVOCATE AND I WOULD FIGHT FOR THEM.

I WANT TO FIGHT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE.

THEY WANT TO FIGHT FORE GOOD ROADS.

I REPRESENT AGAIN JACKSON,ES TILL, MENIFEE, BATH, POWELL, LAUREL, ALL THOSERS THAT HAVE DESPERATE NEED OF ROAD STRUCTURE AND INFRASTRUCTURE AND BRIDGES AND THINGS OF THAT NATURE, AND SO I'VE TOLD THEM WANT IT TO DO WHAT I CAN TO HELP.

WELL, UNFORTUNATELY, I DIDN'T HAVE ANYTHING TO COMPARE IT TO, SO I'VE BEEN ABLE TO ADAPT IN THE COURTROOM.

WE WEAR MASKS.

WE SOCIAL DISTANCE.

I WAS ALREADY USED TO THOSE PROCEDURES.

I DID REFER TOTE PRESIDENT ONE DAY AS YOUR HONOR SO THAT WAS PRETTY FUNNY.

I JUST WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW I WAS UP INES STILL TONIGHT THE OTHER DAY AND SOMEONE THOSE ME UNWITH OF THE CRITICAL THINGS WE NEED TO DO IN EDITION IS GET CIVICS BACK IN AND FOCUS ON CIVICS.

MY GIRLS ARE CURRENTLY IN CIVICS AT NORTH LAUREL HIGH SCHOOL, AND I TOLD MR. BURCH OR MR. HENDRICKS I'D GIVE THEM A SHUTOUT AND I WANTED EVERYONE TO KNOW I WANT TO DO THE BEST I CAN FOR THE COMMONWEALTH.

>> Renee: YOU CAN SEE MORE OF OUR FRESHMAN PROFILES ON KET'S YOUTUBE channel THAT'S ALL FOR DAY 24 COVERAGE OF THE 2021 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 SMART PHON 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.

KEY LEGISLATIVE LEADERS AND BUDGET CONFEREES ARE RECONCILING THEIR DIFFERENCES ON THE STATE'S ONE-YEAR SPENDING PLAN.

TUNE INTO COVERAGE ON THE KENTUCKY CHANNEL AND ONLINE FOR THAT.

NEXT WEEK.

About "LEGISLATIVE UPDATE" WILL BACK NEXT THURSDAY, MARCH 11TH AT 11:00 EASTERN, 10:00 CENTRAL TIME FOR DAY 25 OF THE 30-DAY S I'LL SEE YOU MONDAY NIGHT FOR KENTUCKY TONIGHT AT 8:00 FROM THE KENTUCKY SENATE CHAMBERS AS WE TALK ABOUT LAWMAKERS' TOAD l THANKS FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

I'M RENEE SHAW.

HAVE A GREAT WE.