The Kentucky General Assembly reconvened in Frankfort on Tuesday after observing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, marking the beginning of the third week of the 2024 Regular Session.
A notable development last week was the unveiling of the biennial budget proposal by the state House of Representatives. The proposed bills, House Bill (HB) 6 and HB 1, are now available for review at Bills – Legislative Research Commission.
With these proposals in hand, the Senate will begin its review and formulate recommendations. This proactive approach ensures shepherding the bills through the legislative process, from the House to the Senate, and through the Appropriations and Revenue committees and subcommittees. I will keep you updated on the pertinent details of the budget as it progresses.
There was an uptick in floor action last week, as we passed several Senate bills (SB) including SB 10. This proposed measure aims to amend the Constitution of Kentucky (Section 95) by shifting elections for state constitutional officers to even-numbered years. The objective is to address voter fatigue, boost participation, enhance cost-efficiencies for local governments, and fortify the stability of government at various levels.
Despite recent bipartisan efforts to expand voting access, the 2023 general election saw an 8.7 percent decrease in turnout compared to four years prior. The amendment is anticipated to save local governments about $13.5 million annually. If backed by the majority of Kentucky voters, elections for statewide offices would still occur every four years, starting after the November 2027 election. An additional year would be added to the term of officers elected in that year, with the subsequent election set for 2032.
Other bills receiving approval this week include SB 24, a bill I am proud to sponsor. This crucial bill seeks to refine the landscape of managed care organizations contracted by the Department for Medicaid Services. Under its provisions, the department is now limited to engaging with no more than three such entities, a strategic move aimed at enhancing efficiency and optimizing service delivery and reducing health care costs. It now goes to the House for further consideration.
SB 28, another bill I am sponsoring, successfully passed Committee this week. This bill broadens the scope of practice for podiatric residents and assistants, enabling them to engage in additional professional activities. The measure introduces new qualifications for acquiring a podiatry license to ensure practitioners meet specific standards. Podiatry is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the foot and ankle.
SB 17 also advanced through the Senate. This bill focuses on easing the regulatory burdens related to death certificates for county coroners and vital statistics. This legislative effort is designed not only to alleviate workloads but also to set in motion realistic timelines for forensic studies, contributing to a more streamlined and effective system.
Lastly, SB 63, having garnered approval, proposes a meaningful change by renaming the current Investments in Information Technology Improvement and Modernization Projects Oversight Board to the Information Technology Oversight Committee.
Thank you for your continued engagement in the 2024 Regular Session. It is a privilege to represent you in Frankfort.
I’m excited for this session and take my responsibilities representing you seriously. Feel free to share your thoughts and stay connected throughout the session by reaching out to my office at (502)-564-8100 or via email at Stephen.Meredith@lrc.ky.gov. Additionally, you can stay informed and follow legislative activities through live broadcasts on www.KET.org/legislature and by visiting www.Legislature.ky.gov.
Sen. Steve Meredith, R-Leitchfield
