Legislative Update

February 17, 2020


This coming week will mark the halfway point in the 2020 session. While there are a number of bills moving through the process, most of these would be considered minor, with a couple of exceptions. The House is considering a bill to legalize medical marijuana and there appears to be some momentum for passage in the House. Its prospects in the Senate are less certain. The bill legalizing sports betting is stalled in the House for the time being. While they won't solve the state's budget problems, both of these bills would generate some much-needed revenue.
 
The third bill that will raise some revenue is HB 32, which will place a tax on vaping products. This bill has cleared committee and could be voted on by the full house this week.
 
SB 8, which clarifies certain provisions of the School Safety Act, has passed both houses and is still on the governor's desk. The requirement that school resource officers be armed remains in the legislation.
 
HB 325, which expands historic preservation tax credits has been sent to the House Appropriations and Revenue committee. AIA Kentucky supports this legislation. We don't anticipate the legislation moving until after the budget is out, but members are encouraged to call their representatives and express support for HB 325.
 
We are reviewing HB 397, which is a union backed employer misclassification bill. AGC and several contractor interests are opposed to the legislation.
 
Below is the full list of bills that AIA Kentucky is currently tracking.
Thank you,

    
Greg Brotzge 
AIA Kentucky Lobbyist 
 
Bill Activity Report

Click below for the current status of bills AIA Kentucky is tracking.
(Report created on February  17, 2020)
  

Week In Review 
   (For the Week Ending February 15, 2020)   

Lawmakers in the Kentucky House approved a bill to loan $35 million to the University of Louisville to support its acquisition of a health care system which includes a hospital.
Associated Press
A House panel overwhelmingly approved a bill that would legalize medicinal marijuana in Kentucky, boosting a proposal that has long struggled to gain traction in the legislature despite increasing public support.
Lexington Herald-Leader
A bill that would significantly change how leadership of the state transportation cabinet is selected as well as how road projects would be prioritized has cleared its first legislative hurdle. Governor Beshear is not supportive and calls Senate Bill Four "unfortunate."
WEKU
For the second consecutive day, legislation aimed at reducing youth vaping passed out of committee. Tuesday it was a new wholesale tax on vaping products. Wednesday the measure focused on limiting higher nicotine and certain flavored vaping products to those 21 and older in vape shops only.
WEKU
The Kentucky House's top priority for the 2020 General Assembly Session is reforming the Commonwealth's public assistance system.
Spectrum News
A bill discouraging protests against pipelines and other "key infrastructure" has passed out of the Kentucky House of Representatives after receiving an amendment quelling some advocates' free speech concerns.
WKMS
There was good news for state government finances as both the General Fund and Road Fund showed hefty revenue increases last month, compared to a year ago.
Northern Kentucky Tribune
A House committee on Tuesday approved a bill that would raise nearly $50 million over the next two years with a new excise tax on vaping products and a hike in existing taxes on tobacco products other than cigarettes.
Lexington Herald-Leader
Gov. Andy Beshear has had his opportunity to present and pitch his two-year budget proposal for state government.
Louisville Courier-Journal
Kentucky voters ratified Marsy's Law in 2018 to create a Crime Victim's Bill of Rights in the Kentucky Constitution but despite 63 percent of voters approving the amendment, the Kentucky Supreme Court struck it down saying the wording of the question did not provide voters enough of an idea of what it would do.
Spectrum News
Under current Kentucky law, veterinarians are prohibited from reporting cases of suspected animal abuse. A Western Kentucky lawmaker is seeking to give veterinarians the latitude to register such a concern.
WEKU
The House passed two criminal justice measures unanimously Monday.
Spectrum News
Questions or comments may be directed to Legislative Chair Eric Steva, AIA, Lobbyist Greg Brotzge or Executive Director, Kelly Ives.
 
Kelly E. Ives, AIA
Executive Director
AIA Kentucky
(859) 223-8201
In This Issue
Bill Activity Report
Week in Review
 

 

 

 

 
AIA Kentucky Government Affairs Committee
The AIA Kentucky Government Affairs Committee reviews, provides feedback, and recommends positions on pending legislation. 

Eric Steva, AIA is the AIA Kentucky Government Affairs Committee chair. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please contact AIA Kentucky Executive Director Kelly Ives, AIA at 859-221-0154. Any AIA Kentucky member in good standing is eligible to serve.
 

KSA Political Action Committee

The importance of our participation in the political process becomes more and more evident each time we must take action to cope with legislative proposals that have the potential to negatively impact our profession. 

You can join many of your fellow members who have already contributed by making a donation of any amount that you are comfortable with. Visit our KSAPAC website to donate online and find out more about how you can lend your support!

HIGHLIGHTS 
2020 Legislative
Day at the Capitol




HIGHLIGHTS 
2019 Legislative 
Shadow Day