>> A BAN ON MASK MANDATES AND PROOF OF COVID-19 VACCINATION STATUS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND COLLEGE CAMPUSES.

A VICTORY FOR DOLLY PARTON.

AND STATE SENATORS VOTE TO SHAKE UP THE GOVERNING BOARD AT KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY.

THOSE STORIES AND MORE ON DAY 43 OF THE 2022 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SESSION.

GOOD EVENING, EVERYONE.

WELCOME TO LEGISLATIVE UPDATE.

I'M RENEE SHAW.

A BILL THAT WOULD BAN MASK MANDATES IN KENTUCKY PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES IS NOW UP TO THE SENATE TO DECIDE ON AFTER THE HOUSE PASSED IT TODAY 56 TO 35.

THE BILL'S SPONSOR, CRITTENDEN COUNTY REPUBLICAN LYNN BECHLER, SAYS IF HIS BILL BECOMES LAW, MASKS WOULD BE OPTIONAL IN THOSE EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS, INCLUDING DAY CARE CENTERS.

HERE'S WHAT HIS BILL SAYS.

NOTWITHSTANDING ANY STATE LAW, ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION, EXECUTIVE ORDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTIVE, SCHOOL BOARD POLICY OR SCHOOL POLICY TO THE CONTRARY, ANY REQUIREMENT TO WEAR ANY TYPE OF FACIAL COVERING ON ANY PUBLIC SCHOOL PREMISES, ON SCHOOL-SPONSORED TRANSPORTATION OR AT A SCHOOL-SPONSORED EVENT THAT IS IMPOSED IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS OR ANY MUTATED STRAIN OF THE COVID-19 VIRUS SHALL PROVIDE A PARENT OR GUARDIAN THE OPPORTUNITY TO OPT A STUDENT OUT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR ANY REASON.

>> AS WE LOOK AROUND THE COUNTRY, WITH HE SEE STATES LIKE PENNSYLVANIA, NEW JERSEY, DELAWARE, CONNECTICUT, MASSACHUSETTS, ILLINOIS, OREGON AND OTHERS LIFTING THEIR MASK MANDATES.

THE CDC HAS ONCE AGAIN CHANGED POLICY.

RECENTLY GOVERNOR LOOKED A AT HIS MASK MANDATES FOR MOST FACILITIES.

INTERESTINGLY, IT'S BEEN KNOWN ALMOST SINCE COVID HIT OUR SHORES THAT CHILDREN WERE THE LEAST SUSCEPTIBLE TO COVID AND IF GETTING IT HAD FEWER SYMPTOMS, THEN ADULTS >> REPRESENTATIVE JOSH CALLOWAY WHO ATTACHED AN AMENDMENT THAT PROHIBITS MEDICAL DEVICES OR PROCEDURES ON KIDS WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT.

THE WESTERN KENTUCKY LAWMAKER RESPONDED TO CRITICISM THAT THE MEASURE HIJACKS CONTROL FROM LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

HE ARGUED THAT PARENTAL EMPOWERMENT IS THE ULTIMATE EXERCISE OF HOME RULE BY REMOVING MASK MANDATE DILEMMAS FROM SCHOOL BOARDS AND GIVING IT TO PARENTS.

>> AND THERE'S NOTHING MORE LOCAL CONTROL THAN WHEN A CHILD IS GETTING READY TO WALK OUT OF THE KITCHEN OR LIVING ROOM AND GET ON A SCHOOL BUS AND PARENT SAYING, HEY, YOU NEED TO PUT YOUR MASK ON.

REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR MASK TODAY.

OR A CHILD WALKING OUT AND THE PARENT SAYING, YOU KNOW ENOUGH OF THE -- INHIBITIVE LEARNING, LET'S TAKE THAT MASK OFF.

AND I BELIEVE THAT IN AND OF ITSELF GIVES PARENTAL EM POWERMENT.

MR. SPEAKER, I WOULD SUBMIT TO YOU THAT THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THAT IS MORE LOCAL THAN A LITTLE BRICK HOUSE IN KENTUCKY IN MY LIVING ROOM WHEN ME AND MY WIFE MAKE MEDICAL DECISIONS FOR MY CHILD >> LOUISVILLE DEMOCRAT LISA WILLNER READ A LETTER FROM A STUDENT WHO FAVORS MASK MANDATES.

DURING HER FLOOR REMARKS ON SHE SAYS SHE EMPATHIZES WITH PANDEMIC-FATIGUE, BUT IS PUZZLED BY A RETREAT FROM PROTECTIVE MEASURES FOR SCHOOLS AGAINST COVID.

>> SO I'M GOING TO VOTE NO ON THIS BILL.

I'M GOING TO VOTE NO FOR HUE HAM I HAD.

I'M GOING TO VOTE NO FOR OTHER STUDENTS LIKE HIM WHO HAVE BEEN TAUGHT IN HIS PUBLIC EDUCATION ABOUT THE CARE AND CONCERN AND COMPASSION THAT WE NEED TO SHOW TO ONE ANOTHER TO HIS FELLOW STUDENTS, TO THEIR TEACHERS.

I'M GOING TO VOTE NO ON THIS FOR THE FRONTLINE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS WHO ARE EXHAUSTED TO THE MARROW OF THEIR BONES.

AND I'M GOING TO VOTE NO ON THIS FOR THE MEDICALLY-FRAGILE STUDENTS WHO MAY VERY WELL BE PUT IN HARM'S WAY IF THIS TOOL IS TAKEN AWAY FROM OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

>> LAST SUMMER, THE KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY MET IN SPECIAL SESSION TO REVOKE THE GOVERNOR'S AUTHORITY TO IMPLEMENT UNIVERSAL SCHOOL MASKING, REASONING THAT THE DECISION WAS BEST LEFT TO LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

THE BILL'S OPPOSITION CALLS TODAY'S ACTION HYPOCRITICAL.

JEFFERSON COUNTY REPUBLICAN JASON NEMES SOUGHT TO SHOOT THAT ARGUMENT DOWN.

KENTON COUNTY REPUBLICAN ADAM KOENIG SQUARELY OBJECTED TO THE MEASURE AND SITES THAT HOME RULE DOESN'T JUST APPLY TO THE STATE LEGISLATURE.

>> LAST YEAR, NUMEROUS SCHOOL DISTRICTS, INCLUDING MY OWN, WOULD NOT HAVE WENT BACK TO IN-PERSON SCHOOLING IF IT WEREN'T FOR WHAT WE DID IN FOLLOWING THE LADY FROM WHITLEY.

THEY WOULDN'T HAVE WENT BACK TO SCHOOL.

THERE WAS ALL OF THIS, IT'S GOING TO CAUSE DESTRUCTION.

IT'S GOING TO BE HARM EVERYWHERE.

WE WENT AHEAD AND WE REQUIRED THEM TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL.

OUR KIDS CAUGHT UP A LITTLE BIT.

HAD WE ALLOWED THE OTHERS THE LOCAL CONTROL FOLKS WHO ARE MAKING BAD DECISIONS TO CONTINUE, I'M NOT SURE MY KIDS WOULD BE IN SCHOOL TODAY.

THANK GOD FOR THIS LEGISLATURE.

THAT'S WHAT MY PARENTS ARE TELLING ME.

>> WHO HERE HAS EVER SAID, BOY, WASHINGTON, D.C., THEY GOT IT RIGHT.

THEY'RE SO GOOD.

WE SHOULD SEND MORE POWER TO WASHINGTON, D.C.

THEY GOT IT FIGURED OUT.

THEY KNOW WHAT'S BEST FOR KENTUCKY.

ANYONE?

BECAUSE I DON'T.

TELL ME THE DIFFERENCE.

WE WANT POWER SENT HERE TO KENTUCKY FROM WASHINGTON, D.C. JUST ABOUT EVERY CHANCE WE GET.

AND SIX MONTHS AGO, WE MADE THE RIGHT DECISION, TAKING POWER OUT OF FRANKFORT NO MATTER WHICH BRANCH IT CAME FROM AND SENDING IT TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND SAYING, MAKE THE DECISION THAT'S BEST FOR YOUR DISTRICT.

>> HOUSE DEMOCRATIC WHIP ANGIE HATTON WAS THE ONLY MEMBER OF HER CAUCUS TO SUPPORT THE REPUBLICAN MEASURE LAST FALL TO LIFT THE STATEWIDE MASK MANDATE AND ALLOW LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO DECIDE.

SHE SAID IT WAS WHAT HER DISTRICT NEEDED, REGARDLESS OF THE POLITICAL BACKLASH SHE RECEIVED.

BOWLING GREEN DEMOCRAT PATTI MINTER REGISTERED HER OBJECTIONS AS WELL.

>> NOTHING HAS CHANGED IN MY MIND SINCE SEPTEMBER.

THE ONLY CONSISTENT WAY TO VOTE FOR ME, HAVING VOTED YET IN SEPTEMBER, IS TO NOW VOTE NO.

SINCE WE WERE HERE IN SEPTEMBER, MY SCHOOL DISTRICTS MADE THEIR OWN DECISIONS.

AT THE END OF FEBRUARY THE SCHOOLS LIFTED THE MASK MANDATE.

HARLAN COUNTY LIFTED IT A LONG TIME BEFORE THAT.

THAT WAS THEIR DECISION.

LET YOUR COUNSEL -- STILL HASN'T.

I DON'T KNOW THE REASONS.

I DON'T KNOW ALL OF THE PERSONAL, MEDICAL HISTORY AND CONDITIONS OF THE PEOPLE IN MY SCHOOLS.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY KNOW, AS THEY'RE MAKING THESE DECISIONS.

>> I DON'T WANT MORE PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES TO QUIT.

I DON'T WANT MY COLLEAGUES OR MY STUDENTS AT WKU TO FEEL UNSAFE.

AND I WANT THEIR VOICES TO BE HEARD.

THIS STOPS THE CONVERSATION.

I'M VOTING NO BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN PARENTS' RIGHTS AND I BELIEVE IN LOCAL CONTROL.

>> THE ACLU OF KENTUCKY OPPOSES THE MEASURE SITING CONCERN FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES HAVING TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THEIR HEALTH AND EDUCATION.

THEIR STATEMENT GOES ON TO SAY: FEDERAL LAW REQUIRES SCHOOLS TO MAKE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES SO THEY CAN ACCESS THE SAME EDUCATION AS THEIR PEERS.

THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT AND THE REHABILITATION ACT PROHIBIT SCHOOLS FROM EXCLUDING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES, DENYING THEM EQUAL ACCESS TO EDUCATION OR SEGREGATING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES UNNECESSARILY.

ALLOWING SCHOOLS THE ABILITY TO IMPLEMENT MASKING, WHEN NEEDED, IS A SIMPLE, LOW-COST AND EFFECTIVE PRECAUTION THAT CAN KEEP OUR SCHOOLS OPEN FOR ALL STUDENTS.

REPRESENTATIVE LYNN BECHLER'S HOUSE BILL 51 BANNING MASK MANDATES AT PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES ADVANCED FROM THE HOUSE ON A 56 TO 35 VOTE AND NOW HEADS TO THE SENATE FOR CONSIDERATION THERE.

>>> A GRANT COUNTY REPUBLICAN WANTS TO MAKE SURE THAT COVID PASSPORTS AND PROOF OF VACCINATION AGAINST COVID BY PUBLIC AGENCIES AND COLLEGES ARE OUTLAWED.

REPRESENTATIVE SAVANNAH MADDOX'S RAN DOWN THE PROVISIONS OF HER HOUSE BILL 28 BEFORE THE HOUSE STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE THIS AFTERNOON.

>> THE FIRST SECTION OF THE COMMITTEE SUB OF HOUSE 28 WOULD DISALLOW PUBLIC ENTITIES FROM REQUIRING THE DISCLOSURE OF IMMUNIZATION STATUS WITH REGARD TO COVID-19.

THE SECOND SECTION OF THIS BILL WOULD DISALLOW POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS FROM REQUIRING A DISCLOSURE OF IMMUNIZATION STATUS WITH REGARD TO COVID-19.

THE THIRD SECTION WOULD PROHIBIT VACCINE PASSPORTS AND PROTECT PRIVACY RIGHTS.

AND THE LAST FINAL AND FOURTH SECTION WOULD ALLOW PARENTS TO OPT OUT OF A COVID VACCINE FOR THEIR CHILD ON THE BASIS OF CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION WITHIN K-12 SCHOOLS.

>> ASKED THE RESPONSIBLE STORE DEFINED WHAT IS MEANT BY COVID PASSPORTS AS SET OUT.

>> A PUBLIC ENTITY SHALL NOT MAIN DATE A VACCINE PASSPORT, VACCINE PASS OR ISSUE OTHER STANDARDIZED DOCUMENTATION TO CERTIFY AN INDIVIDUAL'S IMMUNIZATION FOR A PURPOSE OTHER THAN HEALTH CARE OTHERWISE PUBLISH OR SHARE ANY INDIVIDUAL'S IMMUNIZATION STATUS OR SIMILAR HEALTH INFORMATION FOR A PURPOSE OTHER THAN HEALTH CARE.

>> UNDER MADDOX'S BILL, AN EMPLOYEE OR JOB APPLICANT COULD SUE A PUBLIC ENTITY FOR VIOLATING THE RULE AND FACE STATUTORY DAMAGES OF $1,000 PER DAY FOR EACH VIOLATION, PLUS PUNITIVE DAMAGES.

CITIZENS AND GROUPS LINED UP TO CHALLENGE THE BILL AND ENCOURAGE THE LEGISLATIVE PANEL TO REJECT IT OR MAKE CHANGES.

>> THIS LEGISLATION WOULD IMPACT THE CITY AND COUNTY GOVERNMENTS BEING ABLE TO MAKE THOSE DECISIONS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL AND AS SUCH OUR BOARD HAS VOTED TO OPPOSE THAT.

I WANT TO ALSO MAKE CLEAR THAT IT'S NOT -- THERE MAY BE SOME BROAD PHILOSOPHICAL AGREEMENT WITH MY MEMBERSHIP ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THEY WOULD IMPOSE ANY TYPES OF RESTRICTIONS THAT ARE PROHIBITED.

IN FACT, I THINK EVERY MAYOR I'VE TALKED TO WOULD NOT OR ANY CITY COUNCIL WOULD NOT GIVEN THE FACT OF WHAT WE WERE FACING AND WE OPPOSED JUST FOR THE CONSISTENCY EXAMPLE WE HAD THE ISSUE WITH THE BIDEN MANDATE THAT MANDATED TO GET THE VACCINES.

WE WERE FEARFUL WE WERE GOING TO LOSE A LOT OF OUR PUBLIC SAFETY EMPLOYEES.

SO IT'S NOT WEIGHING IN FOR US ONE WAY OR ANOTHER ON THE VACCINE ISSUE.

IT IS TO SAY THAT LOCAL OFFICIALS ARE IN THE BEST POSITION TO PAIK LOCAL DECISIONS LOCALLY.

AND BECAUSE IT VIOLATE THAT IS TENET AND BASIC PRINCIPLE OF HOME RULE, OUR BOARD HAS VOTED TO OPPOSE THE LEGISLATION.

MOST OF YOU HAVE ALL HAVE STUCK WITH US SOLIDLY ON THIS HOME RULE ISSUE FOR ALL OF THESE YEARS, AND WE ASK THAT YOU WOULD CONSIDER DOING SO ON THIS ISSUE AS WELL.

>> SECTION ONE, WID IS NOT AMENDED BY THE AMENDMENT INCLUDES RELIGIOUS AND EDUCATIONAL NONPROFITS IN THE DEFINITION OF PUBLIC ENTITIES AND WE WOULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT -- SEESH YEAHS OBJECTION TO INCLUDING RELIGIOUS NONPROFITS AND OTHER NONPROFITS IN THE DEFINITION OF A PUBLIC ENTITY IN CREATING SEPARATE REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS AND FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES IN WHICH RELIGIOUS NONPROFITS WOULD END UP ON THE PUBLIC SIDE OF THAT LINE.

AND SO WE WOULD OBJECT VERY STRONGLY.

IF THERE WOULD BE A WAY TO AMEND THAT, THAT WOULD ADDRESS THAT CONCERN >> MADDOX SAYS THE INTENTION OF HER MEASURE IS TO "PROVIDE AS BROAD STATUTORY PROTECTIONS AS POSSIBLE FOR KENTUCKIANS," AND SHE SAID SHE WAS OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO CLARIFYING NON-PROFITS, LIKE HOSPITALS.

>> CAN YOU BRING THIS TO A NARROW SCOPE FOR ME.

WE HEARD ALL THESE DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS THAT I HAVE SOME RESPECT FOR SAY THAT THEY'RE NOT INTERESTED IN THIS LEGISLATION.

COULD YOU TELL ME WHERE YOU'RE HEADED WITH THIS ON YOUR FINAL CONCLUSION ON WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE COME OUT OF THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION FOR KENTUCKY?

BECAUSE I GUESS WHAT BOTHERS ME JUST A LITTLE BIT ABOUT IT AND I WAS TELLING THE CHAIRMAN EARLIER, MY PROBLEM IS WE'RE PASSING LEGISLATION THAT WILL BE FOREVER UNTIL IT'S AMENDED OR TAKEN SOMEBODY ELSE TAKES IT OUT.

YOU MUST HAVE A VIEWPOINT OF SOME SORT OF PROTECTION FOR JUST INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS OR JUST BECAUSE WE'RE LISTENING FROM BUSINESSES THIS LEAGUE OF CITIES, THESE ARE PEOPLE THAT COME IN AND REPRESENT A LOT OF PEOPLE.

>> REPRESENTATIVE SMITH WITH THE EXCEPTION OF KENTUCKY LEAGUE OF CITIES WHICH IS MAKING A HOME RULE ARGUMENT, WITH I IS A LITTLE BIT OF DIFFERENT OF A DIMENSION TO THIS DISCUSSION, THE EP OTHER ENTITIES OPPOSEED THIS BUILD OR POE HE ISED BY VIRTUE OF THE FACT THE ABUILT.

THEY HAD TO RETAIN THE A BIMENT TO MANDATE A VACCINE.

I WANT FUNDAMENTALLY OPPOSED TO PEOPLE BEING FORCED TO RECEIVE A VACCINE AGAINST THEIR WILL.

SO HOUSE BILL 2 PEAT IN ITS ORIGINAL ITERATION AND AS YOU SEE IT TODAY IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THE BROADEST POSSIBLE PROTECTIONS FOR KENTUCKIANS TO BE ABLE TO DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES WHETHER OR NOT TO RECEIVE A VACCINE WITHOUT ANY UNDO FORCE OR CO- COERCION FROM ANY ENTITY TO THE EXTENT IT'S FULLY POSSIBLE.

THAT'S MY INTENTION AND HOPE.

>> YOU TALKED ABOUT THE BROADEST PROTECTION FOR KENTUCKIANS SO I GUESS MY QUESTION IS, IF THE GOVERNMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROTECTING KENTUCKIANS, WHAT ARE THEY TO DO WHEN WE'RE IN SUCH A THING AS A PANDEMIC THAT THEY DON'T HAVE INFORMATION TO MAKE DECISIONS ON?

HOW DO YOU PROTECT THE COMMUNITY FROM A PANDEMIC IF YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO ASK THE QUESTIONS?

>> REPRESENTATIVE STEVENSON, THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUESTION AND NO ASPECT OF THIS LEGISLATION IS INTENDED TO IMPEDE A GOVERNMENT'S ABILITY TO PROVIDE GOOD, SOLID INFORMATION FOR CITIZENS TO MAKE GOOD DECISIONS BECAUSE I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT KENTUCKIANS CAN MAKE GOOD DECISIONS FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR HEALTH CARE, WHEN IT COMES TO SITUATIONS LIKE PUBLIC HEALTH CRISES AND THERE'S NOT ASPECT OF THIS LEGISLATION THAT WOULD IMPEDE THE GOVERNMENT'S AILT ABOUT TO PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION.

>> AS FORMER TEACHER, AND AS A FORMER ELECTED OFFICIAL, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT LOCAL CONTROL, THE TWO BEST PLACE THAT IS SHOW HOW THEY CAN OPERATE AND SERVE THE COMMUNITIES ARE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL, AND I KNOW THAT FROM MY EXPERIENCE BEING IN BOTH.

AND IF WE ARE PEOPLE WHO ESPOUSE THE IDEAS OF LIMITED GOVERNMENT, THEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT BE IT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OR CITY AND COUNTY GOVERNMENTS ARE THE BEST PLACE IN WHICH SERVICES ARE MADE AND DECISIONS ARE MADE FOR THE GOOD OF ALL, AND AS A COMMONWEALTH, THAT'S WHAT WE ARE FOR THE GOOD OF ALL.

THAT'S WHAT THAT MEANS.

SO, LIMITING THESE LOCAL DIVISIONS OF GOVERNMENT FROM BEING ABLE TO MAKE DECISIONS WHICH ARE BEST FOR THE COMMUNITY BUT NOT ONLY THAT, BEST FOR THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, I THINK THIS BILL IS A BAD BILL.

>> FIRST OFF, I WANT TO SAY I'M PROPONENT OF VACCINES OF I RECEIVED THREE MODERNA SHOTS N LIFE WE ALL FACE RISKS.

I FEEL IT'S THE LEAST RISK CHOICE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY TO BE VACCINATED.

THAT SAID, I DO NOT WANT GOVERNMENT MANDATING A VACCINE OR SHAMING INFORMED AND FREE INDIVIDUALS THAT SHE SHOULD.

WITH THAT, THAT IS MY YES VOTE >> DESPITE OBJECTIONS, DEMOCRATS WERE OUTNUMBERED AND REPUBLICANS ENDORSED THE MEASURE TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE FULL HOUSE ON A VOTE OF 12 TO 5.

>>> KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY HAS SAID THEY CAN'T OPERATE AFTER THE SPRING SEMESTER WITHOUT FINANCIAL SUPPORT - AND HAS REQUESTED $23 MILLION FROM THE STATE TO BALANCE THEIR BUDGET.

THE HOUSE HAS PASSED A BILL THAT WILL APPROPRIATE THAT MONEY TO KENTUCKY'S ONLY PUBLICLY-FUNDED HISTORICALLY BLACK UNIVERSITY, BUT SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM DAVID GIVENS SAYS MORE IS NECESSARY TO PUT KSU ON SOLID FINANCIAL FOOTING.

HIS ANSWER -- SENATE BILL 265 -- WHICH WOULD REPLACE THE UNIVERSITY'S BOARD OF REGENTS.

THE MEASURE WOULD REQUIRE THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT EIGHT NEW MEMBERS BY APRIL 1, GIVING THE SENATE TIME TO APPROVE HIS CHOICES BEFORE THE END OF THE REGULAR SESSION.

YESTERDAY IN COMMITTEE, GIVENS SAYS HE'S COMMITTED TO HELPING KSU BUT SAID CLOSURE MUST REMAIN ON OPTION.

TODAY ON THE FLOOR HE EXPLAINED THE IMPORTANCE OF SENATE BILL 265.

>> GENERALLY CONCERN, TRUE PASSION, AND FUNDAMENTAL BELIEF IN THE POTENTIAL FOR FUTURE SUCCESS.

I THINK WE AGREE ON ALL THOSE THINGS.

I THINK WE'VE ALSO GO GOT TO BE EYES WIDE OPEN AND I DRESS THIS IS A TIME OF CRISIS.

AND CHALLENGE.

FOR THIS INSTITUTION.

WE OFTEN TALK ABOUT KSU AS A STAND ALONE ENTITY BUT UNDERSTAND IT'S VITALLY IMPORTANT TO THE OVERALL FABRIC TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION IN OUR COMMONWEALTH.

WE HAVEN A OVERARCHING GOAL OF 60% OF OUR CITIZENS OBTAIN POST-SECONDARY DEGREE BY THE YEAR 2030.

IT'S VITALLY IMPORTANT WE ACHIEVE THAT MARK BECAUSE IT IMPACTS SO MANY OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE FABRIC OF OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR COMMONWEALTH >> THE GOVERNOR WOULD APPOINT THE EIGHT NEW MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF REGENTS FROM A LIST OF 16 PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNOR'S POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION NOMINATING COMMITTEE.

THOSE NOMINEES CAN INCLUDE CURRENT AND FORMER BOARD MEMBERS.

LOUISVILLE SENATOR GERALD NEAL IS A KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY ALUM..

HE SAYS THE UNIVERSITY LAID THE FOUNDATION FOR HIM TO ATTEND LAW SCHOOL AND BECOME A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

HE REASONS THAT IT'S THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP THE UNIVERSITY REBOUND.

>> THE NARRATIVE HAS BEEN THAT KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY IS SOME KIND OF WAY IS FLAWED.

IN ITS ADMINISTRATION OR OTHERWISE BUT IF ANYBODY KNOWS OF THE HISTORY OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FROM THE INCEPTION OF THIS INSTITUTION TO THIS VERY DATE, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN COMPLICIT IN UNDERFUNDING AND DEVALUING I WOULD SAY IN MANY INSTANCES, WHAT THIS INSTITUTION HAS MEANT HISTORICALLY AND THE POTENTIAL THAT IT HAS FOR OUR ENTIRE COMMONWEALTH AND BEYOND.

WE TALK ABOUT WHETHER KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY HAS TO ACHIEVE SOME BENCHMARK OR NOT OR CLOSE.

THAT'S NOT THE QUESTION.

THE QUESTION IS, IS THE KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY GOING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY TO DO RIGHT BY THAT INSTITUTION, DO RIGHT BY ITS HISTORY, DO RIGHT BY ITS PURPOSE, DO RIGHT BY ITS MISSION AND STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND INVEST ADEQUATELY AND SUBSTANTIALLY IF WAYS IT HAS NEVER DONE HISTORICALLY, NEVER DONE HISTORICALLY >> NEAL VOTED IN FAVOR OF SENATE BILL 265 - AS DID LEXINGTON SENATOR REGGIE THOMAS, THE SENATE MINORITY CAUCUS CHAIR.

THOMAS SAYS HE AGREES WITH NEAL'S POINTS BUT ALSO SAYS THE PERFORMANCE FUNDING MODEL FOR POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS -- A MODEL HE VOTED IN FAVOR OF -- IS PARTIALLY TO BLAME.

>> THAT INCEPTION OF THAT FUNDING FORMULA FOR OUR UNIVERSITIES BACK IN 2016, KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY HAS NOT RECEIVED ONE DIME, ONE DIME FROM THAT FORMULA IN SIX YEARS AND THAT HAS HANDICAPPED AND PIENLIZED THIS UNIVERSITY.

SO THAT'S GOT TO CHANGE.

WHEN WE SAY IT NEEDS MONEY MORE THAN $23 MILLION AGAIN TO GO FORWARD, DO BETTER BE SIGNIFICANT IN TERMS OF ITS ACHIEVEMENTS, THAT'S WHAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT.

WE HAVEN'T GIVEN KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY A CHANCE TO SUCCEED.

I DO NOT WANT THIS UNIVERSITY TO GET A $TO 3 MILLION AND SET UP FOR FAILURE >> SENATE BILL 265 PASSED 34 TO 0 AND NOW HEADS TO THE HOUSE.

HOUSE BILL 250, WHICH APPROPRIATES $23 MILLION TO KSU AS A LOAN TO ADDRESS THE UNIVERSITY'S BUDGET SHORTFALL HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO THE SENATE APPROPRIATIONS AND REVENUE COMMITTEE.

>>> DOLLY PARTON MAY JUST HAVE WHAT KENTUCKY IS LOOKING FOR.

A SENATE MEASURE WOULD CREATE THE IMAGINATION LIBRARY OF KENTUCKY -- A PROGRAM STARTED BY THE COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND.

THE IMAGINATION LIBRARY PROGRAM WAS STARTED IN TENNESSEE, AND IT MAILS BOOKS TO CHILDREN FROM BIRTH UNTIL THEY TURN FIVE, REGARDLESS OF THE FAMILY'S INCOME.

IN TOTAL, THE PROGRAM HAS SENT OVER 175 MILLION BOOKS TO ALMOST 2 MILLION CHILDREN.

SENATE MINORITY LEADER MORGAN MCGARVEY EXPLAINS HOW THE PROGRAM WOULD HELP KENTUCKY KIDS.

>> THE IMAGINATION LIBRARY IS AN INCREDIBLE PROGRAM.

WE KNOW THE BENEFITS OF GETTING BOOKS IN THE HANDS OF CHILDREN.

ED IMPROVED LITERACY RATES, IMPROVED KINDERGARTEN READINESS.

SOME TEST, WHETHER A CHILD KNOWS HOW TO HLD A BOOK.

THEY BRING LANGUAGE INTO THE HOUSE, GIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOW PARENTS CAN READ TO IRTHAT KIDS AND GET INVOLVED.

IT'S COMMUNITY BONDING EXERCISE.

IF YOU LIVE IN A COMMUNITY THAT HAS THE DOLLY PARTON IMAGINATION LIBRARY, EVERY SINGLE CHILD IS ELIGIBLE AND THAT IS THE GOAL OF THE LIBRARY TO GET EVERY SINGLE CHILD SIGNED UP.

SO THAT WAY WHEN THEY DO START KINDERGARTEN THEY HAVE A COMMON SERIES OF BOOKS THEY HAVE READ >> SENATE BILL 164 PASSED THE SENATE 33 TO 1.

ADRIENNE SOUTHWORTH WAS THE LONE NO VOTE.

>>> IN KENTUCKY, PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS CAN'T ALWAYS GET TO A CLINIC.

SO, THERE'S A MOVE TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THE CLINIC TO GET TO THEM.

HOUSE BILL 645 WOULD CREATE A FUND THAT WOULD ALLOW THE CABINET FOR HEALTH AND FAMILY SERVICES TO LOAN MONEY TO COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS SO THE CENTERS CAN USE MOBILE UNITS TO REACH PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY IN RURAL AREAS.

ONE OF THE CO-SPONSORS, REPRESENTATIVE DANNY BENTLEY OF RUSSELL, SAYS HE'S SEEN THE BENEFITS OF THESE MOBILE UNITS.

>> SO, ONE DAY I WAS AT A PLACE OF POPULATION OF ABOUT 1500 AND PATHWAYS HAD A CAMPER WHICH WAS ADJUSTED TO BE A MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC.

AND AT THAT TIME WHEN I WAS STANDING THERE IN FRONT OF IT, THIS HAS BEEN EARLY LAST SPRING, TWO VETERANS CAME UP TO ME WITH PTSD AND SAID, WE WOULD NEVER GO TO A MAJOR CITY FOR CARE BUT FOR THIS, WE PROBABLY AND WE WOULD.

WE STARTED LOOKING INTO THAT.

SO WE MADE A RECOMMENDATION FOR MOBILE MENTAL HEALTH LABS.

AND, YOU KNOW, THERE'S -- THE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTERS COULD TAKE ONE OF THOSE AND REACH A LOT OF PEOPLE.

REPRESENTS SUPPORT THE BILL SAYING IT WOULD PUT EVERYTHING PATIENTS NEED UNDER ONE ROOF.

>> AND SO I THINK THIS BILL AND THIS INITIATIVE THAT DR. BENTLEY HAS PROPOSED REALLY BRINGS TOGETHER THE PHYSICAL HEALTH, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, ARE INTERCONNECTED THAT YOU COULD GO TO ONE MOBILE UNIT AND HAVE BOTH SETS OF NEEDS ADDRESSED.

I THINK THAT'S SO IMPORTANT AND I THINK IT'S QUITE REVOLUTIONARY.

THE OTHER THING I WILL SAY WHILE WE'RE STARTING WITH RURAL MENTAL HEALTH AND BEHAVE -- EXCUSE ME AND PHYSICAL HEALTH, IN DR. BENTLEY'S AREA IN EASTERN KENTUCKY THAT THEY'RE UNDER SERVED AREAS ALL OVER THE STATE IN RURAL AREAS AND IN URBAN AREAS AS WELL.

SO I HOPE THAT THIS COULD BE A FANTASTIC PILOT PROJECT THAT COULD EXPAND ACROSS THE STATE.

>> AS YOU KNOW I RIN A MENTAL HEALTH CENTER WE TAKE HOLISTIC APPROACH PHYSICAL ANDMENT INCLUDING THE FAMILY IN ORDER TO ADDRESS ANY SITUATIONS THAT DO COME UP.

THERE IS A VACUUM WITHOUT A DOUBT IN THE RURAL PART AND WE -- AND THROUGH PANDEMIC AT LEAST MY AGENCY WE HAD TO PIVOT QUICKLY IN TERMS OF PROVIDING MENTALITY HEALTH SERVICES VERY QUICKLY WITHIN TWO WEEKS EQUIPMENT, TRAINING TO SOFTWARE YOU NAME IT.

PART OF THAT I THINK WILL HELP EXPAND TO GET INTO THOSE AREAS THAT HAVE A HARD TIME -- THOSE INDIVIDUALS HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING TO AN AREA.

THIS MOBILE UTILITY PROVIDES THAT ACCESS BUT ALSO SO HEALTH CAN HELP COMPLIMENT THAT.

IT'S A WIN-WIN SITUATION.

I COMPLEMENT DR. BENTLEY OR REPRESENTATIVE BENTLEY SUPPORT OF THE BILL, SENDING IT TO THE FULL HOUSE.

>>> AS WE LEAVE YOU TONIGHT, WE'RE SAD TO REPORT THE PASSING OF THE FORMER SENATOR FROM OWENSBORO, JOE BOWEN.

HE RETIRED FROM THE KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN 2018.

HE HAD SERVED IN BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE.

SENATOR BOWEN ONCE CHAIRED THE SENATE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE AND WAS FOCUSED ON REFORMING THE STATE'S PUBLIC PENSION SYSTEMS.

SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS SAID OF THE SENATOR: JOE BOWEN WAS OUR DEAR FRIEND AND DEFINED PUBLIC SERVICE IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD.

HE WAS UNAFRAID TO STAND IN THE TRENCHES, SO MUCH SO THAT HE WAS KNOWN AS LUNCHBOX JOE AND PAPA JOE TO HIS MANY GRANDKIDS.

JOE WAS THE EPITOME OF THE MAN ON THE STREET AS HE FOUGHT FOR THE BEST INTERESTS OF THIS COMMONWEALTH, WHICH HE LOVED DEARLY.

WHETHER IT WAS AS A STATE SENATOR OR ON THE UK BOARD OF TRUSTEES, HE WAS ABOUT SERVING HIS COMMUNITY AND THIS COMMONWEALTH.

OUR THOUGHTS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES.

>>> THAT'S ALL FOR DAY 43 OF THE 2022 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN REGULAR SESSION.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS, CALL 1-800-633-9650.

YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW OUR GAVEL-TO-GAVEL COVERAGE THROUGHOUT THE DAY BY DOWNLOADING KET'S LEGISLATIVE COVERAGE APP TO YOUR SMART PHONE OR TABLET.

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

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

WE SURE HOPE TO SEE YOU TOMORROW NIGHT 11:00 EASTERN, 10:00 CENTRAL TIME FOR LEGISLATIVE UPDATE.

THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING.

I'M RENEE SHAW.

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT, AND I'LL SEE YOU SOON.