Beech Tree News Network

As we approach the latter days of the 2019 Session, the Capitol remains as busy as ever. Countless visitors from across Kentucky advocated on important issues in a week that had no shortage legislative activity.

Significant bills are heading to Governor Bevin’s desk with the hope that they will soon be signed into law. As the result of months of discussion and collaboration, Senate Bill 1, the School Safety and Resiliency Act, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the House. SB 1, sponsored by Senator Max Wise, would boost school safety by improving the type of personnel, systems and structures and student culture in Kentucky’s schools. While in the House, improvements were added to the language such as creating the position of the state school safety marshal, whose role would be similar to that of a state fire marshal. I was proud to advocate for this legislation as a co-sponsor, and we are hopeful that this pivotal school safety bill will soon be signed into law.

Senate Bill 4 is also awaiting a signature from the Governor. SB 4, sponsored by Senator Damon Thayer, would require all candidates running for a public office in Kentucky to electronically file their campaign finance reports starting in 2020. This bill eliminates the option of filing a paper report.

The Senate passed two substantial bills this week, which were sponsored by Senate President Robert Stivers. Senate Bill 6 addresses executive branch ethics by requiring the disclosure of executive agency lobbyist compensation. Senate Bill 2 would allow a broader representation of elected judges to hear cases which affect the entire Commonwealth and its constituency rather than two circuit judges who are elected by only the residents of Franklin County.

Additionally, we passed a pro-life bill that I also co-sponsored. Commonly known as the Born Alive Infant Protection Act, Senate Bill 227, sponsored by Senator Whitney Westerfield, requires that medical professionals take all appropriate steps necessary to preserve the life and health of an infant that is born alive after a failed abortion. This common sense bill is another legislative stride to protect life here in Kentucky.

Legislation that I sponsored, Senate Bill 55, is also moving to the House for further consideration. SB 55, or the “Green Alert” bill, allows any agency searching for a veteran at risk to refer to the alert as a “Green Alert”. This legislation provides a clear and identifiable alert for at risk veterans. As vice-chairman of the Senate Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection committee, I am always eager to instate legislation that helps ensure the safety and well-being of Kentucky’s Veterans.

Thank you for your continued feedback and support. It is an honor to represent you in Frankfort, and I look forward to continued discussion on a number of issues facing our district and the Commonwealth.

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