As the legislative interim presses on, lawmakers returned to Frankfort last week to continue interim joint committees, task forces, and budget review subcommittee meetings. Discussions ranged from responsible budget oversight to artificial intelligence in educational institutions. As we move through the interim, I encourage you to stay up to date on what’s going on in Frankfort.
I have included summaries of the meetings here, but you can also watch them yourself on the legislature’s YouTube page, @KY LRC Committee Meetings.
Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee: Members received an annual update from the General Assembly’s Office of Education Accountability, which provides oversight for public education. The office presented its annual District Data Report, which provides a wide variety of education information on each public school district in the commonwealth. The panel also heard an update from the Education Professional Standards Board, in which their reviewed their activity in the past year.
Interim Joint Committee on Education: Lawmakers heard from several public universities and the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) on recent developments in higher education. First, the presidents of the University of Louisville and Murray State University introduced themselves and shared their goals and objectives. Next, members received an update on the implementation of legislation passed and funding provided in the 2022 Session to bolster Kentucky State University through administrative and financial issues. Finally, CPE presented on Futuriti.org, a statewide database designed to help Kentuckians explore career paths and access workforce resources.
Interim Joint Committee on Transportation: Legislators received an update on the progress on the Interstate 69 Bridge Project, which will connect Henderson with Evansville, Indiana, and provide relief to an incredibly busy regional transportation hub. Construction on the bridge is expected to begin in 2027 and be complete by 2031. The committee also received an update on the implementation of SB 63, which allows local governments to enact ordinances permitting and regulating street-legal special purpose vehicles on highways within their jurisdictional boundaries.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has successfully completed implementation of a new registration category for special purpose vehicles, and the program is now fully operational across the state. Members then received an update on the medical review board and third-party driver’s license issuance. KYTC has updated the structure and internal procedures of the medical review board to align with the new requirements in the statute and built the framework for a significant expansion on how driver’s licenses may be issued in Kentucky through authorized third parties. Lastly, members received an update on KAVIS, specifically concerning the integration of sheriff’s inspections into the system.
Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee: Members convened last week to review highway access regulations. Witnesses noted that current regulations place an unfair financial burden on property owners, despite roads being a public good. Additionally, members heard testimony from Department of Veterans Affairs officials regarding state-run nursing homes. Officials noted that with funding allocations provided by the legislature, the department has worked to reduce its backlog of facility-related complaints. Members also reviewed regulations concerning the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority, the boards of pharmacy and social work, and the Agricultural Experiment Station. All regulations were approved.
Air Mobility & Aviation Economic Development Task Force: Lawmakers received an overview of general aviation in the Commonwealth from the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Aviation in terms of what’s been done recently, what’s working well, and what needs improving at airports across the state. Members then received an overview, general updates, and operations of commercial airports in Kentucky, including the Bluegrass Airport, the Muhammad Ali International Airport, and the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. These commercial airports have a significant economic impact on the commonwealth, driving job creation and fostering economic development.
Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue: Legislators heard from legislative budget staff on budget trends, disaster response, and the current economy. Presenters highlighted the aim for a period focused on sustainability, resilience, adequate reserves, and strategic investment priorities, alongside evolving structural spending trends – including historic growth in both K-12 public education and Medicaid. The state’s financial health is further strengthened by the Budget Reserve Trust Fund, which was empty in 2011 and now sits at $3.5 billion. This growth has enabled significant one-time investments across various sectors, including transportation projects, economic development, sewer and water grant programs, local government support, hospitals, post-secondary education, and a substantial allocation of $3.1 billion over three fiscal years towards addressing unfunded liabilities in the state retirement system.
Artificial Intelligence Task Force: Members of the Artificial Intelligence Task Force convened to explore the evolving role of AI in education. The Southern Regional Education Board provided testimony on the latest strategies and policy recommendations for AI integration in K-12 and postsecondary systems. Members then heard from the Council on Postsecondary Education about emerging AI-focused degrees, institutional guidance, and opportunities for statewide collaboration. Members discussed the need for AI literacy among educators and students, the potential usefulness of AI tools in the classroom, and the importance of ethical frameworks and human oversight to guide implementation.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Samara.Heavrin@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
Rep. Samara Heavrin
