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830 bills have been filed in the House alone. 114 bills have cleared the House (including 6 of mine) and now wait for consideration in the Senate.
Two bills have been signed into law by the governor, HB 161 (filing deadline technical fix)
SB 5 (Fish and Wildlife landowner licensing fix)
and HB 18 (property owner’s rights) has been delivered to the governor.
Notable Bills that have passed the House so far (all must still go to the Senate):
Making breast cancer examinations more accessible/HB 115: would prohibit cost-sharing requirements for any covered breast examination. This measure would help many Kentuckians have access to preventative and diagnostic healthcare they may not have had the opportunity to access before.
Protecting children from sexual abuse/HB 207: Currently, there is no legal restriction in the commonwealth for the possession or trafficking of child sex dolls. These dolls are anatomically correct models of adolescent children that can be used for sexual gratification. HB 207 would prohibit the possession, trafficking, importing, or otherwise advancement of a child sex doll. Another important aspect of this bill is that it also would make the digitization of a minor that portrays a sexual act a class D felony on the first offense. This measure would help keep our children safe, and hold bad actors accountable for their actions
Addressing teacher misconduct/HB 275: This proposal seeks to prevent those with a history of abuse or misconduct from continuing to be employed by Kentucky schools. HB 275 would require school districts to thoroughly investigate allegations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior towards a minor. If passed, the measure would prohibit school districts from signing nondisclosure agreements with staff that have been under investigation for these actions. Additionally, it would require school districts to conduct reference checks for new personnel and requires the former school districts to disclose if any cases against a teacher were substantiated.
Protecting Students from Abusive Conduct/HB 275: This measure prohibits school districts from signing nondisclosure agreements with faculty accused of abusive conduct toward a student. The measure also instructs schools to investigate all allegations of abusive conduct until a conclusion is reached. Additionally, HB 275 requires school districts to conduct reference checks with past school districts of teaching applicant. Past school districts must disclose all records of abusive conduct of an individual to the districts hiring the new personnel.
Ensuring school personnel are treated fairly/HB 300: The measure protects the due process rights of educators if they have a complaint filed at the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). HB 300 would help make sure that professional school personnel will be treated fairly, professionally, and in a timely manner.
Honoring our Kentucky National Guard: HB 86 would allow Kentucky National Guard and Reserve members not qualified by “veteran status” service to be buried in one of Kentucky’s state veterans cemeteries.
Clarifying the division of marital assets: HB 155 would allow courts the ability to consider criminal actions taken against a spouse by their partner during the division of their joint property. This would put an end to unjust property division during a time that is already difficult.
Removing annual purchase limits on pseudoephedrine products/HB 386: The measure would remove annual and package purchase limits for pseudoephedrine products, including Sudafed. Purchase limits were initially put into place to help limit product sales when it was commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine, but it is no longer necessary as meth labs have mostly moved south of the border. With the current restrictions in place, we are preventing those who need the medication from being able to purchase it at different times throughout the year.
As bills get voted on, I will update you here monthly. Look to my social media pages for frequent updates on new bills I am involved with.
My 4 Committee assignments are:
- Elections & Constitutional Amendments
- State Government
- Transportation
- Information Technology Oversight Committee (House Co-Chair)
Watch live internet video of the session and committees on this KET link.
I welcome your input and perspective on legislative issues (online form here).
My office number is 351D in the Capitol Annex.
Office phone is 502-564-8100.
State email is John.Hodgson@lrc.ky.gov
I will do my best to answer your questions and consider your input on District 36 issues if you would like to contact me.
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