Beech Tree News Network

The pace of activity in the Capitol is picking up as we rapidly approach the end of the 153^rd Regular Session. With only a few days left to pass bills, the Kentucky General Assembly has been working in overdrive to develop the best legislative policy for the Commonwealth.

 Many big issues have been addressed in this 30-day short session. This was one of our busiest weeks yet as bills concerning abortion, medical marijuana, and education had Frankfort buzzing with visitors to attend rallies and committee meetings.

 Policy relating to the use of e-cigarettes or “vaping” was also addressed. Senate Bill 218, would establish an anonymous reporting system for students to report vaping and would encourage school boards to inform teachers and students of the dangers of e-cigarette use and nicotine addiction.

 The major legislative priority, tax reform, was addressed this week as the Senate took up the tax overhaul bill, House Bill 354. Amended by a Senate committee substitute, HB 354 would exempt nonprofits from collecting and remitting sales tax on admissions to charity events in addition to making it clear in statute that one-time fundraising events are not subject to the sales tax. HB 354 is now before a free conference committee, a joint committee of Senators and Representatives directed to reach agreement on legislation on which the two chambers are unable to agree.

 The first bills of the session were signed into law by Governor Bevin during the sixth week of session. They include Senate Bill 77, to which I was a proud co-sponsor, a measure that would allow people to join Kentucky’s organ donor registry via a single sign on system, and Senate Bill 4, legislation requires mandatory electronic filing of all candidates’ campaign finance reports.

 In a recent calendar revision, the General Assembly will begin its veto recess on March 15 and final adjournment of the 2019 Regular Session is now scheduled for on March 28. The revised session calendar can be found online at www.legislature.ky.gov.

 Lastly, I would like to congratulate Senator-elect Phillip Wheeler on his recent special election victory. The Senate Republican Caucus is proud to welcome him and know he will represent the 31^st Senate district well.

Thank you for reaching out with your questions and concerns. It is an honor to represent you in Frankfort.

 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

# # #

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.