Tuesday, February 9, 2010 4:40 p.m.   Veterans bills win Senate approval   Two bills aimed at helping veterans are headed to the governor’s desk after winning approval by the Senate today.   House Bill 75, sponsored by Rep. Mike Cherry, D-Princeton, mandates that veterans and their family members who are eligible for “preference points” when applying for state jobs be granted interviews for those positions. If more than five people qualify for those preference points, at least five of them will be guaranteed an interview. The bill also clarifies and expands the veterans and family members eligible for “preference points” when applying for state employment.   HB 14, sponsored by Rep. Charlie Siler, R-Williamsburg, grants veterans disabled in the line of duty up to three nights of free lodging each year at a Kentucky State Park.   Both bill passed unanimously and now head to the governor’s office for his signature or veto.         4:35 p.m.   House passes bill to speed up mine permit process   A bill to help the state reduce delays in issuing coal mine permits passed the Kentucky House today by an 80-15 vote.   House Bill 283, sponsored by Rep. Jim Gooch, D-Providence, would increase surface coal mining permit, renewal, amendment, revision and transfer fees and allocate the fees to fiscal courts, with the balance going to the state Division of Mine Permits to expedite the permitting process. Gooch said the coal industry and the state agreed on the fee increase to speed up how quickly permits are issued.   “Companies--when they are doing a major mine permit--will spend tens of thousands of dollars for engineering, for geology work, maybe drilling, water wells, and other things. This is a very minute part of their permits, and they’re just saying we’ve got to have these permits to operate,” said Gooch.   Opponents to HB 283 included Rep. Jim DeCesare, R-Bowling Green, who said he could not support the bill until it includes specific time frames for when new permits would be issued. Gooch said permitting time frames are already included in state law, but the time frames are not able to be met.   “What was happening currently is a large percent of these permits were beyond the statutory deadline, and so what we’re being told now is that they can get these permits issued within that time frame,” said Gooch.   Rep. Fitz Steele, D-Hazard, said he has received no complaints about HB 283 and supports the legislation.   “I represent, and proudly represent, the number 2 and 3 coal-producing counties in this state. I’ve not had one call about the little extra money for our permits,” said Steele. “I’d like to thank you for this bill.”   HB 283 now goes to the Senate for consideration.       4:30 p.m.   Senate approves early graduation bill   Kentucky students would have a statewide program to graduate early and get a head start on their college years under legislation approved by the Senate today.   Senate Bill 67, sponsored by Sen. Ken Winters, R-Murray, prescribes an 18-credit requirement for graduation under the program, including two college-level courses through the Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate programs.   “The program provides rigor and encourages students to take the more difficult courses,” Winters said, thereby avoiding the “lost senior year” undertaken by students who take a lighter courseload their last year of school.   To read more, click here.         1:10 p.m.   Ignition interlock bill clears House committee   Those convicted of a first-offense DUI in Kentucky would be required to have breath-monitoring “ignition interlock” devices installed in their vehicles under a bill that cleared the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee today.   Under current law, Kentucky courts can impound the license plates of a person convicted of a second or subsequent DUI while their driver’s license is suspended and may order that an interlock device be installed in the person’s vehicle once the suspension period ends. Under House Bill 58, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Keene, D-Wilder, courts would be required to impound a person’s license plates and order the installation of interlock device on a first or subsequent offense.   Ignition interlock devices electronically sense a driver’s breath before the person can start his or her vehicle. If the person’s breath alcohol concentration does not meet required levels, the vehicle engine will not start.   Keene said the cost of the devices—which he said would be leased for about $3 a day—would be paid by the offender.   HB 58 would also require ignition interlock devices be installed in any vehicle operated by someone with a “hardship” license--which is typically granted by the courts to allow someone to resume driving to work or fulfill family obligations once a person’s license suspension period has ended—and would prohibit first and subsequent DUI offenders from driving work vehicles without interlock devices. It would also expand the list of factors that trigger higher DUI penalties.   HB 58 now goes to the House floor.     Top of Page     Monday, February 8, 2010 5:25 p.m.   House approves bill to bolster unemployment fund   The Kentucky House has approved a bill aimed at repairing the unemployment insurance trust fund that pays benefits to the state’s jobless.   House Bill 349, sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark, D-Okolona, cleared the House by a vote of 97-0. Should it become law, the bill would return the state’s unemployment trust fund to solvency through multiple changes that include raising the taxable wage base that determines how much employers pay into the fund and requiring interest payments be made to the fund by most local governments. It would also reduce the percentage of weekly wages paid by the fund as of 2012.   To read more, click here.     Top of Page     Friday, February 5, 2010 1:45 p.m.   This week in Frankfort To see a review of some of this week's action in the Kentucky General Assembly, click here.       9:50 a.m.   Foster child tuition bill passes House, 98-0   Foster children who take college courses while still in high school could have the tuition costs for those classes waived under a bill that passed the House this morning.   House Bill 84, sponsored by Rep. Linda Belcher, D-Shepherdsville, passed by a vote of 98-0 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.   State law already waives college tuition for foster children who have graduated from high school, but does not waive tuition costs for high school students who take college classes as part of dual credit or dual enrollment programs. HB 84 would apply the waiver to those students.     Top of Page     Thursday, February 4, 2010 4:50   House approves bill to ban texting while driving   A bill that would ban text messaging by drivers of all ages and cell phone use by drivers under age 18 has passed the House by an 80-16 vote.   House Bill 43, sponsored by Rep. Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, now goes to the Senate for consideration.   To read more, click here.       4:10 p.m.   Panel approved bill to prevent child head trauma   Legislation has cleared a House committee that would require medical staff, police, social workers, child care workers, prospective adoptive parents and other groups to be trained to recognize and help prevent abusive head trauma of babies and young children.   Rep. Addia Wuchner, R-Burlington, the sponsor of House Bill 285 which was approved by the House Health and Welfare Committee today, said the bill promotes prevention, awareness and education about pediatric abusive head trauma, also known as Shaken Baby Syndrome. Wuchner said the condition “has become far too commonplace in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with our youngest citizens.”   Kentucky Chief Medical Examiner Tracey Corey, M.D. said pediatric abusive head trauma is the leading cause of “inflicted injury death” on infants and children nationwide and in Kentucky.   “I think this bill will help in recognition by health care workers, by day care workers and the general public so that hopefully we can intervene at an earlier time and save the lives of Kentucky children,” said Dr. Corey.   HB 285 now goes to the full House for consideration.       1:15 p.m.   Unemployment trust fund bill advances   A bill that would help repair Kentucky’s unemployment insurance trust fund has cleared the House Labor and Industry Committee.   By increasing the taxable wage base that affects how much employers pay into the fund from $8,000 to $12,000 by 2022 and charging interest on unemployment insurance payments made by most local governments, House Bill 349 is aimed at returning the state’s unemployment insurance system-—now millions of dollars in debt to the federal government—to stability and solvency.   To read more, click here.       8:10 a.m.   License revocation bill goes to Senate   Kentucky judges would no longer be required to revoke driving privileges of convicted thieves who fail to pay court-ordered restitution under a bill that passed the House today.   House Bill 35, sponsored by Rep. Darryl Owens, D-Louisville, would make revocation of a driver’s license in cases where restitution is not paid discretionary rather than mandatory, he said.   To read more, click here.     Top of Page     Wednesday, February 3, 2010 4:20 p.m.   Child psychiatric care bill passes House   Children with severe psychiatric disorders who must now be treated out of state because of a lack of options in Kentucky could return home under a bill that cleared the House today.   House Bill 231, sponsored by Rep. Jimmie Lee, D-Elizabethtown, would create a new level of licensed psychiatric residential treatment facilities for special-needs Kentucky children now being cared for in states as far away as Utah and Texas. Lee said the bill would set requirements for operation of the facilities, which could be located across the Commonwealth by qualifying applicants.   To read more, click here.       3:10 p.m.   Bill to inform police about pawned items advances   Kentucky State Police would have another tool to fight theft if a bill passed by the Senate today becomes law. Senate Bill 123, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Katie Kratz Stine, R-Southgate, would require pawnbrokers to share information on those who bring items to them with Kentucky State Police. KSP would have access to a database of that information so that they’d have leads to pursue if items were found to have been stolen. The legislation is aimed at cutting down on the $98 million that is lost to theft by Kentuckians each year. The bill passed 35-0 and now moves to the House for its consideration.     8:45 a.m.   Transparency bills clear Senate   Two bills aimed at making government and quasi-governmental groups more accountable to the taxpayers passed the Senate unanimously yesterday.   Senate Bill 40, sponsored by Sen. Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, would require all three branches of government to put their spending records online as a searchable database by January 1, 2011. The databases would be updated monthly, with information in the state’s electronic accounting system would be updated weekly. The information would include the amount and description of the spending, along with any documentation available electronically.   “This puts Kentucky’s checkbook online,” Thayer said of the bill, known as the Taxpayer Transparency Act of 2010.   Senate Bill 87, also sponsored by Thayer, extends the same requirements to the Kentucky League of Cities and the Kentucky Association of Counties, both funded by dues and insurance premiums from local governments. In addition, SB 87 requires an annual audit of each group’s finances, with the state’s Auditor of Public Accounts given access to the findings.   “We need to re-establish taxpayer confidence in these entities,” Thayer said. “It is unfortunate that this body had to take these steps” in the wake of media reports last summer involving KLC and KACo spending. SB 87 incorporates into law some of the recommendations made by Auditor Crit Luallen made after those reports, including mandates for formal procurement, compensation, and ethics policies.   The bill also clarifies that both organizations fall under the state’s Open Records and Open Meetings laws, with exceptions for proprietary insurance information.   Each bill passed on a 37-0 vote and now moves to the House for its consideration.     Top of Page     Tuesday, February 2, 2010 4:10 p.m.   Senate OKs independent voters in primaries   Independent voters could take part in partisan primary elections under legislation passed by the Senate today.   Senate Bill 53, sponsored by Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, would allow independent voters to choose a party primary to vote in. They would limited, however, to a single party’s candidates for the entire ballot – no switching between parties for different offices.   To read more, click here.       10:15 a.m.   Foster child tuition bill goes to House   Foster children who take college courses while still in high school could have the tuition waived for those classes under a bill that passed the House Education Committee today.   State law already waives college tuition for foster children who have graduated from high school, but does not waive tuition costs for high school students who take college classes as part of dual credit or dual enrollment programs. House Bill 84, sponsored by Rep. Linda Belcher, D-Shepherdsville, would apply the waiver to those students.   The legislation now goes to the full House for consideration.     Top of Page     Monday, February 1, 2010 5:40 p.m.   School bus driver bill passes House 94-0   A state law that requires school bus drivers and other classified school employees to have a high school diploma or GED could be waived under a bill that cleared the House today.    HB 142 passed the House by a vote of 94-0 and now goes to the Senate.   Rep. Tom McKee, D-Cynthiana, said waivers would be decided by the state Board of Education on a case-by-case basis and would only apply to current employees who have proven to be competent in their jobs.   To read more, click here.       8:20 a.m.   Bill Watch makes it easy to follow legislation   If you want to easily keep tabs on bills moving through the process during the 2010 legislative session, sign up for Bill Watch to receive e-mail notices each time action is taken on a bill that interests you.   There is no cost to use the tracking service. Simply go to the Bill Watch website to create a custom profile and start receiving information about proposed legislation. Users of Bill Watch can track legislation based on keywords, sponsors, committees, subjects or bill numbers.     Top of Page     Friday, January 29, 2010 4:25 p.m.   This week in Frankfort To see a review of some of this week's action in the Kentucky General Assembly, click here.     Top of Page     Thursday, January 28, 2010 4:55 p.m.   Friday session, press conference canceled   Due to a weather forecast that calls for snow, the Kentucky General Assembly will not meet in session on Friday, Jan. 29. The press conference with Senate President David Williams and House Speaker Greg Stumbo scheduled for the same day has also been canceled.   A revised 2010 legislative calendar can be viewed here.   Lawmakers are now scheduled to begin their veto recess on March 31 – one day later than previously planned. The legislative session is still scheduled to conclude on April 13.       4:55 p.m.   Bill to expand whistleblower laws advances   Legislation that would expand job protections for state and local government whistleblowers passed the House State Government Committee today.   House Bill 185, sponsored by Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville, would give whistleblowers—or employees who raise concerns about wrongdoing in their workplace—the freedom to report wrongful actions to their supervisor or refuse to participate in certain activities without fear of retaliation.  It would also require that the state’s whistleblower statutes be posted in government offices.   To read more, click here.     1:15 p.m.   Senate panel OKs early graduation, suicide prevention   The Senate Education Committee today approved an organized plan for students seeking to start college early as well as efforts to boost suicide prevention training for teachers.   SB 67, sponsored by Sen. Ken Winters, R-Murray, would create a statewide program for students seeking to graduate high school in less than four years. Under the program, students would be mandated to complete 18 courses, including 16 core requirements, along with a 3.2 GPA and minimum ACT scores. SEEK funding that would otherwise go to their school district for their senior year would be redirected to their college or university, and KEES funding would be recalculated to account for their earlier graduation.   The panel also approved SB 65, sponsored by Senate Majority Caucus Chair Dan Seum, R-Louisville, which would mandate two hours of suicide prevention training for teachers as part of their annual professional development.   Both bills passed unanimously and now move to the full Senate for its consideration.     Top of Page     Wednesday, January 27, 2010 4:15 p.m.   Breastfeeding interference bill passes House   Harassing mothers for breastfeeding their children in public or private would carry a fine of at least $500 under a bill that passed the House today.   House Bill 218, sponsored by Rep. Kelly Flood, would require anyone who breaks current state law protecting breastfeeding mothers from harassment to pay a $500 fine. Breaking the law two or more times would carry a fine of $1,000 per offense.   The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.     4:10 p.m   Inmate food bill clears House committee   Legislation has passed a House committee that would eliminate privatized food service for inmates at Kentucky’s prisons.   The House Judiciary Committee approved House Bill 33, sponsored by Rep. Brent Yonts, D-Greenville, which would require inmate food service at the state’s prisons be turned over to the Department of Corrections at a cost of an additional $5.4 million per year. The state currently pays around $12 million a year for prison food service through Aramark.   HB 33 now goes to the full House for consideration.   To read more, click here.         1:40 p.m.   Senate panel OKs transparency measures   State government as well as local government associations would post their spending details online under legislation approved by the Senate State and Local Government Committee today.   Senate Bill 40, sponsored by Sen. Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, would require all three branches of state government to set up a website featuring line-item spending along with descriptions of what the money was used for. The sites would be updated monthly at a minimum, although information in the state’s electronic accounting database would be updated at least weekly. “This puts Kentucky’s checkbook online,” Thayer said.   SB 87, also sponsored by Thayer, puts groups like the Kentucky League of Cities and Kentucky Association of Counties under the same transparency requirements and clarifies that they are subject to state open records and open meetings laws. The bill also adopts some suggestions made by KLC’s and KACo’s recent state audits, including the adoption of procurement, compensation, and ethics policies.   SB 40 passed 12-0, while SB 87 passed 10-0 with two “pass” votes.     Top of Page     Tuesday, January 26, 2010 4:20 p.m.   House votes to create Green Schools Caucus   The Kentucky House today voted to create a General Assembly Green Schools Caucus that will support healthy, environmentally-friendly schools statewide.   The Green Schools Caucus, created by the passage of House Resolution 24, will encourage the construction of more “green schools”-- energy efficient, water efficient, environmentally-sustainable schools designed to improve learning and save school districts money. To read more, click here.       2:50 p.m.   Panel OKs ban on texting while driving   Legislation that would ban text messaging by drivers passed the House Transportation Committee today.   The panel approved a committee substitute to the legislation, House Bill 43, sponsored by Rep. Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, that would require violators to pay a fine of between $20 and $100 for each offense beginning in 2011.   The legislation also would prevent cell phone use by drivers under age 18..   “This is another important step forward in terms of highway safety, particularly for our teens,” Richards said.   HB 43 would not ban the use of GPS equipment on phones. It would allow texting by emergency officials as part of their official duties or writing a text to report illegal activity or summon for help in an emergency.   HB 43 now goes to the House floor for consideration.     Top of Page     Monday, January 25, 2010 6:25 p.m.   Ultrasound bill passes Senate   Women seeking an abortion in Kentucky would be provided with an ultrasound and explanation of what’s shown in that ultrasound under legislation passed by the Senate today.   Senate Bill 38, sponsored by Sen. Elizabeth Tori, R-Radcliff, would also specify in law that the required physician-patient meeting held before an abortion be conducted in person rather than via phone or videoconference.   To read more, click here.     Top of Page     Friday, January 22, 1010 12:10 p.m.   This week in Frankfort To see a review of some of this week's action in the Kentucky General Assembly, click here.   Top of Page     Thursday, January 21, 2010 2:45 p.m.   Panel approves breastfeeding bill   Anyone who breaks current state law by interfering with mothers while they breastfeed children in public or private would be fined under a bill that cleared the House Health and Welfare Committee today.   House Bill 218, sponsored by Rep. Kelly Flood, would require those who break the law to pay a $500 fine. If they break the law two or more times, they would have to pay a $1,000 fine for each offense.   “It was the General Assembly’s decision back in 2006 to make sure that women were not harassed at all for breastfeeding,” said Flood, “(but) there was no penalty. So this ensures that there’s a $500 penalty the first time, and $1,000 every subsequent time for that harassment.”   HB 218 now goes to the full House for consideration.       Top of Page     Wednesday, January 20, 2010 4:40 p.m.   Suicide prevention measure clears House   A bill that could save young lives by requiring public schools to distribute suicide prevention materials to middle and high school students has passed the House.   House Bill 51, sponsored by Rep. Linda Belcher, D-Shepherdsville, would require every public middle and high school to distribute suicide prevention awareness information to all students by Sept. 1 of each year, beginning this fall. Suicide prevention information and warning signs would also be posted on the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services web site by Aug. 1 of this year.   “This bill was done in memory of several students” who committed suicide, Belcher said. “It is our hope with this bill to get out some information that will prevent things like this from occurring.”   HB 51 passed the House 97-0 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.       4:40 p.m.   Parks benefit for vets advances   A bill that would offer limited free overnight stays at state parks to Kentucky’s disabled military veterans was approved by the House today.   House Bill 14, sponsored by Rep. Charlie Siler, R-Williamsburg, was approved on a 97-0 vote. Should it become law, the bill would provide totally disabled veterans with a maximum of three overnight stays per year at state park lodges and campsites, subject to space availability and other criteria.       4:10 p.m.   Senate OKs stroke center plan   A program to highlight top-notch stroke centers could result in lives saved, senators said in a unanimous vote today.   The chamber approved Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville. The bill number is reserved each session for the leader’s highest priority.   Under SB 1, facilities that are certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations or the American Osteopathic Association would be state-designated as primary stroke centers. Such facilities would provide a high standard of stroke care, including a greater ability to treat multiple types of strokes in an emergency setting and first-rate care during recovery.   To read more, click here.       4:10 p.m.   Nuclear power proposal gets Senate approval   A statewide moratorium on nuclear energy plant construction would end under legislation passed by the Senate today.   Senate Bill 26, sponsored by Sen. Bob Leeper, I-Paducah, would allow new nuclear power plants in Kentucky if the facility’s plan for storing the high-level waste conformed to federal guidelines. Current law mandates a plan for waste disposal, in effect a ban because no disposal site has yet been approved anywhere in the United States.   To read more, click here.     1:50 p.m.   Senate panel OKs two constitutional amendments   Two issues would go before voters this fall under a pair of bills passed by the Senate State and Local Government Committee this morning.   Senate Bill 2, sponsored by Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, would mandate that any expanded gaming first be approved by voters via a constitutional amendment.   Senate Bill 3, nicknamed the “21st Century Bill of Rights,” spells out nine items asserting Kentucky’s right to state sovereignty and protecting Kentuckians’ rights to bear arms, display the Ten Commandments, and express their religious beliefs, among other provisions. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard. “This measure is a shot straight across the bow of the federal government,” Smith said.   Both bills, which passed by identical 7-5 votes, now head to the Senate floor. If passed by both the full Senate and the full House, they would appear before voters on the November 2, 2010 ballot.       1:40 p.m.   Stroke center legislation heads to Senate floor   Kentucky citizens would be made more aware of which hospitals offer top-notch stroke care under Senate Bill 1, which passed the Senate Health and Welfare Committee this morning.   SB 1, numbered because of its priority to Senate President David Williams, would require any acute care hospital certified so by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations to be state-designated as a primary stroke center.   The move wouldn’t require any state funding or bureaucracy, Williams said — “It just gives incentive by way of formal recognition.”   The bill, which passed unanimously, now heads to the Senate floor.     Top of Page     Tuesday, January 19, 2010 3:50 p.m.   Senate committee to consider SB 1   The Senate Health and Welfare Committee is expected to consider Senate President David William's Senate Bill 1 tomorrow.   SB 1 would allow acute care hospitals that receive a primary stroke center certification from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations to be recognized by the state as primary stroke centers.   The Senate Health and Welfare meeting starts at 11 a.m. in the Capitol Annex, Rm. 131.         10:10 a.m.   Budget address tonight   Senate and House members will meet in a joint session of the Kentucky General Assembly this evening to hear Gov. Steve Beshear’s Budget Address.   The session, scheduled for 7 p.m., will be broadcast live by Kentucky Educational Television.   The timing of the speech coincides with the deadline given by state statute for lawmakers to receive a spending plan from the governor.   Top of Page     Friday, January 15, 2010 2:10 p.m.   Lawmakers to observe MLK Day   The Kentucky General Assembly will not meet on Monday, January 18, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Lawmakers are scheduled to return to their legislative chambers on Tuesday, January 19, at 4 p.m.       12:15 p.m.   This week in Frankfort To see a review of some of this week's action in the Kentucky General Assembly, click here.   Top of Page   Thursday, January 14, 2010 7:50 p.m.   Friday morning press conference canceled   There will not be a joint press conference with Senate President David Williams and House Speaker Greg Stumbo on Friday, January 15. The regular Friday morning press conferences at the State Capitol with the chamber leaders will resume next week.       1:50 p.m.   Colon cancer screening bill advances   A bill that calls for setting aside $3 million in state funds over the next two years to screen uninsured Kentuckians for colon cancer and educate people about the disease has cleared a House committee.   House Bill 72, sponsored by House Health and Welfare Committee Chair Tom Burch, D-Louisville, and House Minority Caucus Chairman Rep. Bob DeWeese, R-Louisville, would fund the Kentucky Colon Cancer Screening Program approved by lawmakers in 1998 for uninsured Kentuckians age 50 to 64 or other at-risk individuals. The bill would also call for $400,000 to educate the public about colon cancer.   HB 72, which would also allow the state to charge income-based fees for screenings through the program, now goes to the full House for consideration.   Routine screenings for colon cancer are widely recommended for persons age 50 and over. Currently, about 6,400 uninsured Kentuckians turn 50 each year, said Dr. Whitney Jones, a colon cancer expert at the University of Louisville.     Top of Page     Wednesday, January 13, 2010 4:30 p.m.   Legislator pension reversion approved in Senate   State lawmakers would no longer dramatically enrich their retirement pay by switching branches of government under a bill that passed the Senate today on a 21-17 vote.   Senate Bill 51, sponsored by Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, would repeal language first enacted in 2005 as part of a larger retirement bill. “Senate Bill 51 reverses unintended consequences,” Higdon said. The current law allows legislators to count their years of part-time service in the General Assembly and apply it toward the pension accumulated in full-time executive branch or judicial branch service, which Higdon termed a “windfall.”   “Senate Bill 51 will restore a more appropriate retirement system by keeping part-time lower-wage service separate from higher-paying full-time service,” Higdon said. The bill would restore the old system, where lawmakers who enter another branch would be eligible for separate pensions based on their separate service, rather than a single pension that would count total years of service but use the higher average salary gained through non-legislative jobs.   The bill now moves to the House for its consideration       3:30 p.m.   Plan for low-performing schools headed to governor   The Senate put its stamp on a plan to boost low-performing schools today, sending it to the governor’s desk in time for the state Department of Education to apply for millions in federal funding.   To read more, click here.       10 a.m.   Senate panel OKs legislative pension bill   State lawmakers would no longer be able to use their years of service in the General Assembly toward another state pension under a bill approved by the Senate State and Local Government Committee today.   Senate Bill 51, sponsored by Sen. Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, passed on a 7-5 vote. It would not apply to anyone who has already retired.   The bill now moves to the full Senate.     Top of Page     Tuesday, January 12, 2010 4:50 p.m.   ‘Amanda’s Bill’ passes House   A bill named after domestic violence victim Amanda Ross that would encourage Kentucky courts to order electronic monitoring in certain domestic violence order cases has passed the House by a 97-0 vote.   House Bill 1—also called “Amanda’s Bill” in memory of Ross, who was shot to death outside her Lexington apartment last September—would allow the use of global positioning system (GPS) monitoring in some domestic violence cases that the courts deem most dangerous. House Speaker Greg Stumbo, the sponsor of HB 1, said the legislation would make GPS monitoring economical by allowing counties to buy or lease GPS systems for pretrial release, pretrial diversion or probation and use those systems in domestic violence cases.   The cost of GPS monitoring, about $7 to $10 a day, would be paid by those being monitored, Stumbo said.   HB 1 now goes to the Senate for its consideration. If passed into law, it would become law immediately under an emergency clause attached to the measure.   To read more, click here.       1:45 p.m.   LRC makes legislative info iPhone-friendly   Kentuckians with iPhones will now find it easier than ever to remain connected to the Kentucky State Capitol.   The Legislative Research Commission (LRC) has unveiled an iPhone-friendly way for people to have ready access to information about lawmakers, legislation moving through the General Assembly and legislative news. With one touch on their home screen, iPhone users can pull up key features of the Kentucky Legislature Home Page that have been formatted specifically for their phones.   “We’re always looking for ways to keep people connected to the Kentucky General Assembly,” said LRC Director Robert Sherman. “This is another way for citizens to have easy access to up-to-date information about the Legislature whenever they want. The better-connected people are to the State Capitol, the more likely they are to provide the informed feedback that lawmakers depend on to serve our state.”   To begin using the new feature with an iPhone, go online to www.lrc.ky.gov/isite/index.html. Click on the “+” sign at the bottom of your iPhone’s home screen and choose “Add to home screen.” The LRC seal that will appear on your home screen will allow you to instantly connect to a wealth of legislative information, including the General Assembly’s daily calendar.   Users of the LRC’s iPhone feature can use it to connect to all the resources available on the Kentucky Legislature Home Page. The Web site is updated daily to indicate each bill’s status in the legislative process and how each lawmaker voted on legislation. Bill summaries, amendments and resolutions and also available on the site.       8:40 a.m.   First bill to win chamber support advances   The first bill to pass a legislative chamber this year is House Bill 176, legislation aimed at helping low-performing schools. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Carl Rollins, was approved by the House yesterday on a 96-0 vote.   The bill is expected to help Kentucky compete for federal “Race to the Top” funds that will be awarded to states through competitive grants.   To read more, click here.     Top of Page     Monday, January 11, 2010 9:50 a.m.   SB1 filed   Senate Bill 1 – a designation that’s usually reserved each session for a matter of high priority to the Senate president – would recognize certain Kentucky hospitals as primary stroke centers.   Under the legislation, filed late last week by Senate President David Williams, acute care hospitals that receive a primary stroke center certification from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations would be recognized by the state as primary stroke centers.       9:15 a.m.   Issues Confronting the General Assembly   If you’re looking for some Monday morning reading material, keep in mind that the LRC provides an online publication that offers an overview of some of the issues lawmakers are likely to consider during the 2010 legislative session.   The “Issues Confronting the Kentucky General Assembly” book is not meant as an exhaustive list of issues that lawmakers will consider this year, but reflects a balanced look at some of the topics that have been discussed in legislative committee meetings.   The publication is available online here. .     Top of Page     Friday, January 8, 2010 11:50 a.m.   This week in Frankfort To see a review of some of this week's action in the Kentucky General Assembly, click here.     Top of Page     Thursday, January 7, 2010 2:20 p.m.   "Amanda's Bill" heading to House chamber   Legislation known as “Amanda’s Bill” that would allow Kentucky courts to use GPS monitoring in dangerous domestic violence order situations cleared the House Judiciary Committee today.   The legislation, House Bill 1, now heads to the full House for consideration.   To read more, click here.       8:40 a.m.   House Judiciary Committee to hear HB 1   The House Judiciary Committee is expected today to consider House Bill 1, legislation aimed at keeping domestic violence victims safer. The bill would allow judges to determine whether dangerous domestic violence offenders should wear electronic devices to monitor their movements.   The bill is sponsored by House Speaker Greg Stumbo, and its designation as House Bill 1 is an indication of the legislation’s importance to him.   The House Judiciary Committee meets at 11 a.m. in the Capitol Annex, Rm. 171.     Top of Page     Wednesday, January 6, 2010 2:10 p.m.   Resolution honors Butler   House members adopted House Resolution 29 yesterday in honor of one of the chamber’s former members, Denver Butler, who passed away last month. Butler, a Louisville Democrat, served in the House from 1989 until 2006.       10:20 a.m.   State of the Commonwealth tonight   Members of the Senate and House will meet in a joint session of the Kentucky General Assembly this evening to hear Gov. Steve Beshear’s State of the Commonwealth address.   The session, scheduled for 7 p.m. in the House chamber, will be broadcast on Kentucky Educational Television.   Top of Page     Tuesday, January 5, 2010 2:35 p.m.   Leaders to hold Friday morning news conferences   Senate President David L. Williams and House Speaker Greg Stumbo will once again hold Friday morning news conferences while the Kentucky General Assembly is in session.   This marks the second year that the two leaders plan on meeting with reporters each week to field questions and discuss the past week’s work, as well as the upcoming issues lawmakers may tackle.   The first Friday morning news conference of 2010 will be held on Jan. 8 at 8:30 a.m. in room 327 of the State Capitol.       1:50 p.m.   Many ways to follow legislative action   As always, members of the public are welcome to attend legislative committee meetings and floor sessions while lawmakers are at the State Capitol for the General Assembly’s 2010 session. But there are ways for citizens to stay in touch with the legislative process even if they can't make the trip to Frankfort.   The Kentucky Legislature Web Page is updated daily to give citizens the latest legislative updates. Web surfers also can see for themselves the issues before lawmakers by browsing through bill summaries, amendments, and resolutions. The Web site is regularly updated to indicate each bill’s status in the legislative process, as well as the next day’s committee-meeting schedule and agendas.   In addition to general information about the legislative process, the Web site also provides information on each of Kentucky’s senators and representatives, including their phone numbers, addresses, and legislative committee assignments.   The Kentucky General Assembly also maintains toll-free phone lines to help citizens across the state follow legislative action and offer their input.   People who want to give lawmakers feedback on issues under consideration can do so by calling the Legislative Message Line at (800) 372-7181. People who prefer to offer their feedback in Spanish can call the General Assembly's Spanish Line at (866) 840-6574. Anyone with a hearing impairment can use the TTY Message Line at (800) 896-0305.   A taped message containing information on the daily schedule for legislative committee meetings is available by calling the Legislative Calendar Line at (800) 633-9650.   Information on the status of each bill lawmakers are considering will be available on the Bill Status Line, (866) 840-2835.   Citizens can write to any legislator by sending a letter with a lawmaker's name on it to: Legislative Offices, 701 Capitol Ave., Frankfort, KY 40601.       1:15 p.m.   Stivers begins session as floor leader   Today marked the first legislative session day that Sen. Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, has served as the Senate's majority floor leader.   Stivers, a longtime chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, was elected to serve as the majority party’s floor leader last October after the position was vacated by former senator Dan Kelly, who was appointed to a circuit judgeship in Central Kentucky.       12:40 p.m.   New members welcomed   One of the first orders of business of the 2010 session was to welcome new members to each legislative chamber.   The Senate welcomed two new members: Sen. Robin Webb and Sen. Jimmy Higdon. Webb, D-Grayson, was elected in August, 2009, to serve Kentucky's 18th Senate District and Higdon, R-Lebanon, was elected last month to serve the state's 14th Senate District. Both previously served in the House.   The House welcomed Rep. Jill York, R-Grayson, who was elected last month to represent Kentucky's 96th House District. The seat was previously held by Webb until she joined the Senate.   Another new House member is expected next month since Gov. Beshear has called for a Feb. 2 election to fill the open seat in state’s 24th House District that was vacated when Higdon was elected to the Senate.       12:30 p.m.   General Assembly’s 2010 session begins   The Kentucky Senate and state House of Representatives have been gaveled into order and the General Assembly’s 2010 session is underway.   Lawmakers will tackle an array of issues over the next several months, as evidenced by the many prefiled bills that were proposed in advance of the session. There’s general agreement that the biggest issue on lawmakers’ plates will be crafting the state’s next two-year budget in the midst of projected shortfalls.   Budget negotiations will start in earnest once lawmakers receive Gov. Steve Beshear’s spending proposal on Jan. 19.     Top of Page

• Legislative Calendar Archives: June 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 June-July 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007        Log Entries: February 8, 2010 February 5, 2010 February 4, 2010 February 3, 2010 February 2, 2010 February 1, 2010 January 29, 2010 January 28, 2010 January 27, 2010 January 26, 2010 January 25, 2010 January 22, 2010 January 21, 2010 January 20, 2010 January 19, 2010 January 15, 2010 January 14, 2010 January 13, 2010 January 12, 2010 January 11, 2010 January 8, 2010 January 7, 2010 January 6, 2010 January 5, 2010

Legislature Home Page | Public Information