Beech Tree News Network

It was a productive third week of the 2019 Regular Session, as the General Assembly remained hard at work in Frankfort.

Working with our colleagues across the aisle, we forged ahead in committee meetings in which we heard testimony, discussed policy, and advanced bills for a floor vote. Friday, we reached the filing deadline for new bills in the Senate. Moreover, we are pleased with the consequential legislation that is before us this session.

The Senate Majority made notable progress on our legislative agenda successfully passing 9 bills over the course of the week. This legislation will now move to the other chamber to be deliberated by the State House of Representatives. Prominently among those passed were bills concerning 2^nd Amendment rights and pro-life measures.

Always a passionate topic, the Senate addressed abortion this week and passed a piece of legislation to which I was the proud co-sponsor. After much consideration, we passed a “Fetal Heartbeat Bill.” Senate Bill 9, sponsored by Senator Matt Castlen, would ban the ability to receive an abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat with the exception of a medical emergency to which the mother’s life is at risk. This pro-life legislation is just one of the many pro-life related bills the General Assembly will consider this year. I will remain steadfast by voting to protect life.

 Senate Bill 40, sponsored by Senator Stephen Meredith, would limit the amount of attorney’s fees that could be collected as a result of legal action for building code violations. Senate Bill 99, sponsored by Senator Max Wise, creates the ability for a properly licensed winery to ship a limited number of cases of wine directly to consumers. Senate Bill 143, sponsored by Senator Mike Wilson, prohibits government entities from contracting with groups or individuals who are actively boycotting Kentucky trading partners based on discriminatory practices, including Israel. A bill sponsored by Senator Julie Raque Adams, Senate Bill 15, expands school security by requiring two levels of clearance for new hires, board members, and other school personnel. Senate Bill 70, sponsored by Senator Alice Forgy Kerr, redefines the crime of strangulation as a Class D felony.

Additionally, we passed Senate Bill 100, legislation to reform Kentucky’s current private solar net metering policy. This bill, sponsored by Senator Brandon Smith, would change how much owners of solar power systems are reimbursed for electricity they add to the power grid generated as they do with all other electric rates in Kentucky. Furthermore, this bill protects all current net metered customers by allowing them to be grandfathered and guarantees a minimum of 25 years under their current net metering agreement.

Every day, I am mindful of the primary obligation we have as legislators: To represent those who entrusted us with this responsibility. The Regular Session is a time to statutorily address the needs and concerns of our district in the capitol. This year, I am proud of the bi- partisan efforts reflected in Senate Bill 1. The General Assembly has an obligation to develop policy that ensures optimum safety and security for our school systems. I was honored to be a part of the pivotal day that this legislation passed in the Senate chamber by voicing my support of the legislation as a co-sponsor. I remain humbled to serve as your State Senator as we continue to work towards developing policy that is best for all Kentuckians.

For ambitious students who want to be a part of this year’s legislative process, the Senate offers page opportunities. Students interested should contact my office at (502) 564-8100 to make a formal request. Information regarding  page program can be found at www.legisature.ky.gov. 

If you have any questions or comments about these issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me at[email protected].  You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.legislature.ky.gov

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Note:  Senator C.B. Embry, JR (R-Morgantown) represents the 6th District including Butler, Hopkins, Muhlenberg, and Ohio Counties.He is vice chairman of Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection Committee and co-chairman of the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee. He also serves as a member of the Natural Resources and Energy Committee; the Transportation Committee, and the Budget Review Subcommittee on Education.