2020 Legislative Session Update: Week 7

2020 General Assembly

Regular Session Legislative Update

Week 7 (Legislative Days 29-32)

Feb. 18-21, 2020

Weekly Highlights

Wednesday officially marked the 30th day of the sixty-day session. Although we are halfway through, many bills will continue to be filed as the deadline for the introduction of new bills approaches.

The last day to file bills in the House is Mar. 2 and Mar. 3 in the Senate.

As this deadline nears, we await a bill to adequately fund transportation infrastructure. On Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m., KACo President and Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore will testify before the Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation that counties support a much needed increase in infrastructure funding.

Let your voice be heard – join Kentucky’s Petition for Better Roads by clicking the link below today!

Join the Petition for Better Roads: https://p2a.co/kyv98Kj

HB195, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Miller and known as the Publications Bill, passed the House on Wednesday with a 51-40 vote. The bill would allow counties with a population of 80,000 or greater to publish ordinances online. It also allows all counties to publish ordinances once, rather than twice. Please contact your Senator and ask them to support HB195.

County Official Legislative Reception

Thank you to all of the elected officials who attended the KMCA Legislative Training Day and County Official Legislative Reception on Thursday. There was a great turnout and opportunities to network with legislators, constitutional officers and executive branch officials. Please remember, it is imperative for you to contact your legislators as bills and the budget are being finalized in the last few weeks of the session.

Legislative Message Line: 800-372-7181

Open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday-Thursday and Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Pink slip” messages are counted by legislators and often referenced among reasons for their vote.

Headlines 

House votes to approve legalization of medical marijuana

For the first time in Kentucky history, a bill to legalize medical marijuana came to a vote on the floor of the Kentucky House.

SB4, which would change how state selects Transportation Secretary, moves forward

The bill that would pave the way to changes in how Kentucky hires transportation secretaries passed out of the state Senate today.

Police pursuit policy bill gets committee approval, heads to House

“Police pursuit” policies would be required at law enforcement agencies statewide under a bill on its way to the Kentucky House.

$500,000 in grants announced for counties to dispose of debris after flooding

Grant application packages will be emailed to eligible counties.

Mark your calendar 

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