Senator Damon Thayer's Week Twelve Legislative Update
Frankfort, KY — Spring has arrived here in the Bluegrass State, and we find ourselves in the final stages of the 2024 Regular Session. We continue to apply the final touches to the biennial state budget and I am working hard to secure big budget wins for the 17th Senate District along with critical road projects in the biennial road plan. Final decisions from House and Senate budget discussions should be available within the next few days.
The budget process demands careful consideration and thorough debate to ensure that every dollar is utilized wisely and responsibly. Our conservative budgeting over the past seven or so years has allowed us to build a robust budget reserve trust fund, all while lowering your income tax to 3.5 percent. I hope that we will further reduce this in the years ahead, with the ultimate goal being a zero percent tax on the money your hard work produces. In the closing days of my time as your state senator, my colleagues and I are taking advantage of the extended daylight hours by wrapping up final committee hearings and floor activity and pushing forward essential bills addressing various issues.
The following measures were approved in the Senate this week and will still have time to be approved by the state House of Representatives before the veto period:
SB 239, known as the Health Care Rights Protection Act, aims to safeguard the conscience rights of medical practitioners, health care institutions, and payers by granting them the right to refuse participation in or payment for health care services that contradict their sincerely held beliefs. While upholding federal laws on emergency care and sexual assault, this provision shields individuals from legal repercussions and discrimination. However, they must still fulfill their obligations to perform other medical duties.
SB 344 introduces measures to oversee the sale and advertising of vapor products in Kentucky by mandating the creation of a directory listing approved vapor product manufacturers and products and requiring annual certification for compliance. Provisions include advertising restrictions to prevent the use of certain terms and depictions appealing to minors with fines for violations and seizure of non-compliant products. Additionally, the bill establishes a dedicated enforcement fund, funded by fees, penalties, and enforcement actions, to support monitoring and regulatory efforts.
The following House Bills (HB) were also delivered to the governor’s desk after approval by the Senate:
HB 22 seeks to eliminate the unnecessary burdensome task of requiring a physician to oversee the automated external defibrillators (AED) program for any entity that requires an AED.
HB 86 expands interment eligibility in Kentucky state veterans' cemeteries to include eligible National Guard and Reserve service members and their families.
HB 159 establishes that health care providers are immune from criminal liability for harm arising from a health services-related act or omission other than gross negligence or wanton, willful, malicious, or intentional misconduct.
HB 478 seeks to authorize the Energy and Environment Cabinet to allow the expansion of construction or demolition waste sites from one to two acres, contingent upon compliance with existing permit requirements and meeting additional conditions, including posting a $10,000 bond for the expanded area's compliance assurance.
HB 492 defines "qualified local government" and requires employees with access to federal tax information to undergo criminal background checks by both the Kentucky State Police and the FBI. The fee for these checks is limited to processing costs, and the Kentucky State Police can establish necessary regulations.
HB 581 aims to prohibit local governments from using zoning processes or measures that unfairly hinder retail filling stations from locating in areas where similar businesses operate. It ensures that retail filling stations are treated equitably compared to electric vehicle charging stations and other businesses in zoning processes and measures.
Bills vetoed by the Governor will be swiftly corrected with a legislative veto override, adding to this Governor’s already record number of vetoes that have been overridden. Governor Beshear has long been in complete contrast with the conservative policies being championed by the legislature, yet he continues taking credit for the policy and budget environment the Republican supermajorities have helped facilitate. He’s likely to continue doing more of the same as we implement a sound, fiscally conservative budget over his line-item vetoes. The important thing is your legislature is making wise investments with the tax dollars you have entrusted to us, working to keep more money in your pocket, but utilizing available reserves for transformational one-time investments.
Thank you for your continued engagement in the 2024 Regular Session. Find more on these bills online at Legislature.ky.gov and visit KYSenateRepublicans.com for news releases from the Senate Majority Caucus.
It is a privilege to represent you in Frankfort. Find the status of legislation by calling 866-840-2835, legislative meeting information at 800-633-9650, or leaving a message for lawmakers at 800-372-7181. You can watch and follow legislative activity at KET/org/legislature and Legislature.ky.gov.