2020 Legislative Session Update: Week 3

2020 General Assembly

Regular Session Legislative Update

Week 3 (Legislative Days 10-13)

Jan. 21-24, 2020

Weekly Highlights

The routine of a session settled in this week, as a full slate of committee meetings and bills being heard in both chambers began in earnest. While it’s still very early and lawmakers have until March 2 and 3, respectively to file new bills, they have already surpassed 400.

Bills filed that affect counties included voter ID, hiring deputy jailers, EMS, open meetings and coroner responsibilities to name a few.

Other bill topics that saw action this week were raising the age to purchase tobacco, school safety legislation to arm school resource officers, as well as the lighter fare of naming an official dog (Treeing Walker Coonhound) and syrup (sweet sorghum) of Kentucky.

A new senator was sworn in Tuesday. Sen. Michael J. Nemes represents the 38th District, which includes Bullitt County and part of Jefferson County. He won in a special election after the resignation of long-time Sen. Dan Seum.

As a reminder, Gov. Andy Beshear will deliver his Budget Address to a joint session of the General Assembly in the Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, at 7 p.m. EST. While all are anxiously awaiting the details, it will surely set the tone for the session going forward. Be sure to tune in on KET.

Legislation

Bills that saw movement this week included many affecting counties. Highlights include:

SB5 (R. Alvarado) – provides fiscal court options in addressing proposed rate or fee increases by special purpose governmental entities (SPGE’s).

HB195 (J. Miller) – provides an alternative publication source for required advertisements.

SB3 (C. McDaniel) – moves the election year of statewide candidates (governor, attorney general, auditor, agriculture commissioner, treasurer, secretary of state) to even-numbered years beginning in 2028.

SB64 (R. Girdler) – requires the Finance Cabinet to reimburse the Attorney General, a Commonwealth’s Attorney or County Attorney for fees or judgments after being sued for an act or omission in the course of his or her duties.

Headlines 

Gov. Beshear, Secretary Gray make announcements on REAL ID: New project manager named, two more regional licensing offices opening.

Kentucky hemp bill passes House: The Kentucky House voted 70-17 to expand options for hemp testing while continuing to meet federal requirements for the state’s hemp program.

Public health 'transformation' bill clears committee: A bill aimed at improving Kentucky’s public health system by putting it through a legislative “transformation” was approved Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, by the House Health and Family Services Committee.

Sports wagering bill clears House committee: A bill to legalize sports wagering and regulate online poker and fantasy sports operations in Kentucky is on its way to the House after receiving committee approval today.

Mark your calendar 

Jan. 28 - Governor’s Budget Address to Joint Session of Legislature

Feb. 17 - Presidents’ Day: no session

Feb. 20 - County Government Day - at the Capitol

Feb. 20 - County Officials Legislative Reception - Thomas D. Clark Kentucky History Center, Frankfort (4:30 - 7 p.m.)

March 2 - Last day to file a bill in the House

March 3 - Last day to file a bill in the Senate

March 31 - April 1 - Concurrence Days

April 2-4; 6-11; 13 - Veto days: no session

April 15 - Sine Die - last possible day of session    

Annual KACo legislative luncheon a success

KACo held its annual legislative luncheon honoring the Kentucky General Assembly and the dedicated LRC staff on Thursday, Jan. 23. More than 90 state legislators were in attendance to engage with county leaders and learn how they can work together to make the Commonwealth stronger.