State Legislative Issues 2024
The KAS Science Policy Committee is actively monitoring bills introduced during the Kentucky General Assembly's 2024 session and identifying those that are of interest or concern to the science community. Summaries of bills we think are worth watching are listed below. You can click on a bill number to see complete legislative info, including sponsors, amendments, vote history, and the full text of the legislation.Please help us give science a voice at the State Capitol! Share your feedback on bills under consideration by emailing your lawmakers or calling the General Assembly's toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181.
(Updated 04/22/24)
Click to on subject to go to section of choice:
Education Environment and Energy Health State Budget State Symbols Technology
Education
SB 1 (Stivers) - Would establish the endowed research fund to fund research consortiums between two or more public universities. The bill calls for five consortium accounts within the endowed research fund that shall each be assigned to a unique research consortium selected by the Council on Postsecondary Education. The Kentucky Spinal Cord and Head Injury Research Trust would be one of five initial research consortiums.
Latest action: 04/04/24: signed by Governor
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
Statement from KAS Science Policy Committee on SB 1: Scientific advancement within our state could be significantly enhanced by establishing endowed research funds in conjunction with a substantial appropriation to support university research consortiums. Increased investment in university research drives innovation, fosters economic growth, and advances scientific knowledge. Prioritizing university research will play a pivotal role in propelling Kentucky to the forefront of scientific discovery and technological advancement.
HB 2 (Miles) - Would propose a new section of the Constitution of Kentucky to authorize the General Assembly to provide for a financial support for the education of students outside of the public school system. If the proposal passes the General Assembly, it will be decided on by Kentucky voters.
Latest action: 03/21/24: delivered to Secretary of State
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Delivered to Secretary of State |
SB 6 (Wilson) - Would provide that a student or employee of a public postsecondary education institution shall not be penalized, discriminated against, or receive any adverse treatment due to the individual's refusal to support or endorse any divisive concept; provide that a student or employee of a public postsecondary education institution shall not be required to endorse a specific ideology or political viewpoint to be eligible for hiring, contract renewal, tenure, promotion, or graduation and prohibit an institution from inquiring into the individual's political or social viewpoints; provide that any person aggrieved by a violation of this Act has a cause of action against the institution for damages and costs of no less than $1,000 and no more than $100,000 per violation; waive sovereign, governmental, and qualified immunity; require the job duties of any individual employed in a diversity, equity, and inclusion role to include the promotion of intellectual diversity; provide that nothing in the section shall be interpreted to infringe upon designated rights of an institution's ability to comply with state or federal law or accreditation standards; require each public postsecondary education institution to conduct a survey in 2025 and 2027 of the institution's students and employees to assess the campus climate with regard to diversity of thought and the respondents' comfort level in speaking freely on campus, regardless of political affiliation or ideology.
Latest action: 04/12/24: posted for passage for concurrence in House Committee Substitute (1)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
KAS Science Policy Committee statement on SB 6 and HB 9: The Kentucky Academy of Science values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts at universities and in scientific communities. We want to protect the commitment at our universities to foster an environment where all students feel valued and included. We oppose any actions that may undermine these efforts or create barriers to full participation in the campus community and in the scientific community.
SB 8 (Wilson) - Would require members of the Kentucky Board of Education to be elected rather than appointed by the Governor.
Latest action: 03/08/24: to Education (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 9 (Decker) - Would prohibit DEI programs in postsecondary education.
Latest action: 02/14/24: floor amendments (1), (2) and (3) filed
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
KAS Science Policy Committee Statement on HB 9 and SB 6: The Kentucky Academy of Science values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts at universities and in scientific communities. We want to protect the commitment at our universities to foster an environment where all students feel valued and included. We oppose any actions that may undermine these efforts or create barriers to full participation in the campus community and in the scientific community.
HCR 51 (Clines) - Would establish the Autism in Education Task Force; establish duties and membership; direct the task force to study autism supports and services provided to K-12 students by Kentucky public schools.
Latest action: 03/26/24: to Committee on Committees (S)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
SB 52 (Thomas) - Would establish the Artificial Intelligence in Kentucky's Schools project to develop trainings for educators, administrators, and school board members on artificial intelligence. Would also require districts to adopt policies on artificial intelligence. This bill would also establish the Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education project, and would require higher education institutions to adopt artificial intelligence policies.
Latest action: 01/03/24: to Education (S)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers |
HCR 60 (Truett) - Would establish the Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) Task Force to study various components of the SEEK formula and evaluate whether changes are necessary.
Latest action: 03/21/24: posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 74 (Kulkarni) - Establish the Kentucky Urban Farming Youth Initiative to promote farming to youth in urban counties in at least one urban University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service office beginning August 1, 2024, and others by August 1, 2025.
Latest action: 01/02/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
SJR 132 (Stivers) - Directs the Council on Postsecondary Education to conduct a study on transforming the Hazard Community and Technical College into a four-year, residential university.
Latest action: 04/16/24: signed by Governor
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 162 (Tipton) - Dubbed the "Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act," this bill seeks to strengthen mathematics instruction, supports, and interventions. It would require schools to give the mathematics universal screener to all students in grades four through eight within the first 30 days of school beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. It would require the Department of Education to establish reading teacher academies or coaching models by September 1, 2025, if funds are available, and would require postsecondary institutions offering teacher preparation programs in elementary education and middle school mathematics education to include kindergarten through grade 12 instructional strategies and Department of Education identified mathematics resources; require the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) to develop and maintain a list of approved teacher preparation assessments; require the EPSB to develop an evaluation rubric for teacher candidates; require the EPSB to report elementary and middle school mathematics teacher preparation program data to an external evaluator; amend KRS 158.842 to change the composition of the Committee for Mathematics Achievement.
Latest action: 04/19/24: signed by Governor
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
KAS Science Policy Committee Statement on HB 162: The KAS Science Policy Committee supports efforts to boost math screenings and evidence-based interventions. These efforts are crucial for identifying and addressing learning gaps early, ensuring that all students have the necessary foundation to succeed in mathematics. By investing in comprehensive math education strategies, we empower students to reach their full potential and foster a foundation for continued growth and innovation in Kentucky.
HB 169 (Palumbo) - Would require local boards of education to maintain a portable automated external defibrillator in a public, readily accessible, well-marked location in all school buildings, including elementary school buildings, and at school-sanctioned athletic practices and competitions.
Latest action: 04/18/24: signed by Governor
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
SB 191 (Givens) - Would make slight adjustments to the state's performance-based funding for postsecondary schools. The bill would implement rewards that take into account the number of nontraditional age students at a school. It would also slightly increase rewards for student success outcomes while slightly lowering rewards distributed based on each university's share of sector total student credit hours earned.
Latest action: 04/17/24: signed by Governor
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 208 (Calloway) - Would let citizens vote on a proposed amendment to the Constitution of Kentucky to authorize the General Assembly to provide for a portion of the educational costs of students outside of the public school system.
Latest action: 01/12/24: floor amendment (1) filed
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 224 (Maddox) - This legislation deals with free speech at postsecondary education institutions. Among its provisions, it would: require institutions to adopt a policy to not restrict off-campus speech; extend free speech protections to the public; provide that student religious and political organizations shall be afforded equal access to facilities; and provide that authority vested with a student organization to distribute student organization funding shall be contingent on viewpoint-neutral distribution of those funds.
Latest action: 01/10/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 228 (Tipton) - Would require the boards of each state university and the Kentucky Technical and Community College System to approve a performance and productivity evaluation process for all faculty members by January 1, 2025; require faculty evaluations be completed at least once every four years; permit removal of faculty for failure to meet performance and productivity requirements, regardless of status; permit a board to delegate appointment and removal of faculty to the college or university president; require that each board of regents of the six state comprehensive universities appoint a university president.
Latest action: 01/17/24: to Education (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 231 (Lawrence) - Would prohibit the Council on Postsecondary Education from raising tuition for a postsecondary education institution more than 5% a year for resident students and 7% a year for nonresident students. It would also provide a four-year tuition freeze for an enrolled resident student.
Latest action: 01/10/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
KAS Science Policy Committee Statement on HB 231: Making sure Kentuckians have access to affordable higher education is central to efforts to promote innovation and a higher quality of life for Kentuckians. KAS believes tuition should remain affordable and that there should also be a path to student loan forgiveness. We support strengthening the state’s investment in higher education so institutions can avoid tuition increases and make postsecondary education attainable for all Kentuckians.
SB 238 (Berg) - Would allow parents to opt out of education on human sexuality for their children. This bill would also request, but not require, that school districts use pronouns upon parental request and a diagnosis of gender dysphoria from a medical provider and would provide accommodations for privacy in bathrooms, locker rooms, and shower rooms for any individual who requests it. This bill would also prohibit surgical treatment for gender dysphoria for anyone under 18 years of age, and would allow medical treatment for gender dysphoria to individuals under 18 only with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria, with consent from the parent, from a health care provider with training and experience in medical treatment for gender dysphoria, in collaboration with a psychologist or psychiatrist, and that are according to evidence-based medical guidelines.
Latest action: 02/22/24: to Education (S)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 245 (Massaroni) - Would remove expected family income from the selection criteria for the teacher scholarship.
Latest action: 01/17/24: to Education (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 330 (Willner) - Would prohibit mental health professionals from engaging in sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts with a person under 18 years of age.
Latest action: 01/22/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
SB 358 (Williams) - Would create a new section of the Constitution of Kentucky to authorize the General Assembly to provide funding for education costs of students outside of the public school system.
Latest action: 03/01/24: to State & Local Government (S)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 377 (Banta) - Would establish the Teacher Recruitment Student Loan Forgiveness Pilot Program; define eligibility for the program to provide monetary awards for student loan repayment for eligible students who complete qualified teaching service. The bill would also establish the Student Teacher Stipend Program.
Latest action: 04/09/24: signed by Governor
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 390 (Hale) - Would define 'boy', 'equal', 'female', 'girl', 'male', 'man', 'sex', and 'woman', would require schools to collect statistics to identify individuals as male or female.
Latest action: 01/26/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 432 (Dossett) - Would allow KEES scholarships to be used for dual credit courses.
Latest action: 01/31/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 612 (Tipton) - Would require the Kentucky Department of Education to establish a list of approved reading curriculums that do not use a three-cuing system, prohibit use of a three-cuing system in schools, and require evidence-based reading instruction to be utilized.
Latest action: 03/12/24: to Committee on Committees (S)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 681 (Massaroni) - Would establish a tax credit for eligible educator expenses.
Latest action: 02/22/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 683 (Massaroni) - Would prohibit instruction on social and emotional learning in schools.
Latest action: 02/22/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
Environment and Energy
HJR 29 (Doan) - Would appropriate $100,000 in General Fund moneys in fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Forest Stewardship Incentives Fund.
Latest action: 01/03/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
SB 59 (Boswell) - Would prohibit the state from enforcing or imposing fines and penalties for the killing of Cooper's hawks or red-tailed hawks. These are federally protected birds under the Migratory Bird Act.
Latest action: 01/04/24: to Natural Resources & Energy (S)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 70 (Kulkarni) - Would establish a Healthy Soils Program and a Healthy Soils Program fund in the Department for Natural Resources to provide technical advice and assistance and to assist with soil health assessments and soil health plans.
Latest action: 01/02/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 116 (Kulkarni and Bratcher) - Would establish a PFAS Working Group to research the effect that exposure to PFAS has on health outcomes in the Commonwealth; establish a reporting requirement for manufacturers that intentionally include PFAS in products manufactured for sale or distribution in the Commonwealth; establish a reporting requirement for PFAS releases in the Commonwealth by manufacturers that intentionally include PFAS in manufactured products.
Latest action: 03/06/24: to Health Services (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
Statement from KAS Science Policy Committee on HB 116 and SJR 149: PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are anthropogenic chemicals found in a number of everyday products including nonstick cookware, fast food wrappers, cosmetics, and many other items. Known as "forever chemicals", PFAS chemicals resist breaking down even many years after the items that contain the chemicals have been discarded. Because of this, PFAS chemicals continually accumulate in soil and water, in the food we eat, and even in our own bloodstreams. We see benefits in establishing a PFAS Working Group in Kentucky. We also support calling upon state experts to provide guidance on best PFAS management practices to entities discharging into Kentucky waterways. PFAS contamination is a global health concern. It is imperative that we prioritize this issue, fostering greater awareness and collaboration to address the far-reaching consequences of PFAS exposure on public health.
HJR 121 (Gooch) - Would declare Kentucky to be a 'sanctuary state' against the United States Environmental Protection Agency's regulations on fossil fuel-fired power plants.
Latest action: 03/27/24: recommitted to Appropriations & Revenue (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 130 (McPherson) - Would establish the procedure for the discontinuance of watershed conservancy district boards.
Latest action: 04/04/24: signed by Governor
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 136 (Bauman) - Would prevent air pollution control in Louisville from penalizing facilities that self-disclose violations of federal air pollution regulations.
Latest action: 04/12/24: delivered to Secretary of State
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
SJR 140 (Carroll) - Directs the Public Service Commission to be ready to review nuclear energy regulations & related matters.
Latest action: 04/04/24: signed by Governor
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
SJR 149 (Smith) - Directs the Energy and Environment Cabinet to provide guidance on PFAS to groups that discharge into Kentucky's waterways.
Latest action: 04/05/24: signed by Governor
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
Statement from KAS Science Policy Committee on SJR 149 and HB 116: PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are anthropogenic chemicals found in a number of everyday products including nonstick cookware, fast food wrappers, cosmetics, and many other items. Known as "forever chemicals", PFAS chemicals resist breaking down even many years after the items that contain the chemicals have been discarded. Because of this, PFAS chemicals continually accumulate in soil and water, in the food we eat, and even in our own bloodstreams. We see benefits in establishing a PFAS Working Group in Kentucky. We also support calling upon state experts to provide guidance on best PFAS management practices to entities discharging into Kentucky waterways. PFAS contamination is a global health concern. It is imperative that we prioritize this issue, fostering greater awareness and collaboration to address the far-reaching consequences of PFAS exposure on public health.
SB 198 (Carroll) - Would establish the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority to serve as the nonregulatory, trusted state government agency on nuclear energy issues and to support and facilitate the development of the nuclear energy ecosystem across the Commonwealth. The authority would assist interested communities in understanding advanced nuclear opportunities, provide information to the public, develop the capacity for nuclear energy development in the Commonwealth, seek clarity on early nuclear site permitting, work with energy communities that have hosted nuclear-related or fossil fuel activities to assist in exploring nuclear energy opportunities, strengthen engagement with the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission, build the organizational capacity to convene a consortium of nuclear stakeholders to share best practices, engage with United States Department of Energy National Laboratories and private companies to develop technologies to reprocess or recycle spent nuclear fuel, and maintain awareness of potential events that could initiate or accelerate the development of new nuclear technologies in the Commonwealth.
Latest action: 04/12/24: delivered to Secretary of State
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
KAS Science Policy Committee Statement on SB 198: In order to lower carbon emissions in a way that can fight against climate change, all low-carbon power sources deserve to be studied for their effectiveness, their impact on the planet, and their effect on human health. We are particularly interested in studying modern approaches to nuclear power that carry fewer risks than older nuclear facilities.
SB 233 (West) - Would regulate areas where solar farms could be developed.
Latest action: 03/22/24: to Natural Resources & Energy (S)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 302 (Raymond) - Would propose to create a new section of the Constitution of Kentucky relating to the environment that includes the statement that Kentuckians have a right to a healthy environment, clean air, pure water, and ecologically healthy habitats.
Latest action: 01/18/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
SB 349 (Mills) - Would establish the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission to review decommissioning and replacement of existing coal, oil, or natural gas-powered electric generating plants.
Latest action: 04/12/24: delivered to Secretary of State
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 398 (Huff) - Would exclude from the electric vehicle power tax any electric vehicle power dealer with a charging station having a charging capacity of less than 50 kilowatts.
Latest action: 02/06/24: to Appropriations & Revenue (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 773 (Raymer) - Would increase the environmental remediation fee from $1.75 to $2.00, would allocate 50% of fees collected to the county where the waste facility is located and 50% to the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation fund.
Latest action: 02/26/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
Health
HB 10 (Moser) - Known as the "Momnibus" bill, this legislation seeks to improve maternal health by expanding access to prenatal, postnatal and mental health care.
Latest action: 03/27/24: floor amendment (5) filed
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
Update on HB 10 - The provisions of HB 10 were inserted into another piece of legislation, SB 74, that was approved by lawmakers. So even though HB 10 didn't receive final approval, all the provision in the legislation are now law!
KAS Science Policy Committee statement on HB 10: As the state with the second highest rate of maternal mortality in the United States, the KAS Science Policy Committee supports efforts to address this crisis. The ‘Momnibus’ bill contains many components to improve maternal health and reduce maternal mortality by expanding access to care at only a 0.2% increase in healthcare costs. By addressing maternal health from multiple angles, we can improve life in Kentucky for its current and future residents.
HB 41 (Callaway) - Would prohibit prohibit monetary or in-kind incentives for immunization by a fully insured health benefit plan or self-insured plan issued or renewed to public employees; would prohibit a public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school from accepting any monetary or in-kind incentives for immunization of any person; would prohibit a public or nonpublic postsecondary educational institution from accepting any monetary or in-kind incentives for immunization of any person; would prohibit the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or any related entity from providing any public funds for monetary or in-kind incentives for immunization of any person to any entity; would prohibit any public funds from being used to provide any monetary or in-kind incentives for the immunization of any person; would prohibit any health facility or health care provider from accepting any funds for providing monetary or in-kind incentives for the immunization of any person; would prohibit a health care insurer from accepting any funds for providing monetary or in-kind incentives for the immunization of any person; would prohibit an employer from accepting any funds for providing monetary or in-kind incentives for the immunization of any employee.
Latest action: 01/02/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
SCR 46 (Southworth) - Would urge the United States Congress to amend the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 to authorize the study of medical cannabis.
Latest action: 01/12/24: to Health Services (S)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 48 (Rawlings) - Would recognize in state law an "inherent and absolute right" to refuse medical treatment.
Latest action: 01/02/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HCR 62 (Stevensen) - Would establish the Infant Mortality Task Force.
Latest action: 01/29/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 115 (Moser) - Would prohibit cost-sharing requirements for any covered diagnostic breast examination or supplemental breast examination.
Latest action: 04/05/24: signed by Governor
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
SB 134 (Neal) - Would define 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity', would prevent discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in insurance sales and several other areas
Latest action: 01/29/24: to Judiciary (S)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
SB 135 (Southworth) - Would require institutions that normally require immunizations to allow exemptions
Latest action: 01/29/24: to Health Services (S)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 141 (Hart) - Would make water fluoridation programs optional by allowing the governing bodies of water systems subject to regulation by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to decide whether they participate in water fluoridation programs.
Latest action: 03/27/24: recommitted to Appropriations & Revenue (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
KAS Science Policy Committee statement on HB 141: Scientific research shows the tremendous health benefits of having fluoride in our drinking water. This is a particularly important issue in Kentucky due to our state’s history of health disparities and poor oral health. Decades of scientific research affirm the safety and effectiveness of fluoridation in promoting oral health. By maintaining fluoridation in community water supplies, we uphold a proven public health measure that saves health care costs and offers an important health benefit to people across the state.
SB 159 (Armstrong) - Would establish a voluntary PFAS blood testing reimbursement for firefighters.
Latest action: 02/05/24: to State & Local Government (S)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 163 (Decker) - Would require blood establishments to test for COVID-19 antibodies, evidence of lipid nanoparticles, and spike protein; require the administrator of any blood establishment to inquire on the donor history questionnaire whether a donor has received a COVID-19 vaccine or mRNA vaccine; require a donor to provide the name of the manufacturer of the COVID-19 vaccine the donor received; establish deferral periods for donors who have received a live attenuated COVID-19 vaccine or for donors who do not know the manufacturer of the COVID-19 vaccine the donor received, and establish deferral periods for donors who have received a diagnosis of COVID-19 or are displaying symptoms of COVID-19; amend KRS 214.458 to require blood establishments to include on the label for blood collected the laboratory test results for COVID-19.
Latest action: 01/05/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 166 (Nemes) - Would encourage a health care provider to provide information regarding sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
Latest action: 04/05/24: signed by Governor
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 177 (Raymer) - Would prohibit the state, any political subdivision of the state, or any governmental agency from requiring a child to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
Latest action: 01/08/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
SB 182 (West) - Would require employers to allow immunization exceptions based on religious beliefs or medical contraindications.
Latest action: 02/08/24: to Health Services (S)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 273 (Tate) - Would require the Department for Medicaid Services and any managed care organization contracted to provide Medicaid benefits to provide comprehensive coverage for the treatment of obesity and inform Medicaid enrollees of the availability of the coverage.
Latest action: 01/16/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 322 (Stevensen) - Would require health insurance plans to cover hepatitis C virus infection testing and treatment for pregnant individuals.
Latest action: 01/22/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 323 (Frazier Gordon) - Would permit the Kentucky Fire Commission to establish a reimbursement program for cancer screenings for firefighters.
Latest action: 04/09/24: signed by Governor
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 339 (Roberts) - Would require certain health plans to provide coverage for medically necessary treatment of mental health and substance use disorder.
Latest action: 01/22/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 358 (Wesley) - Would require the biological sex designation on birth certificates to be either male or female.
Latest action: 01/24/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 391 (Herron) - Would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in insurance sales and a number of other areas.
Latest action: 01/26/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
State Budget
HB 1 (Petrie) - Would appropriate $1.74 billion from the state's budget reserve trust fund for one-time projects, including infrastructure investment and payments toward unfunded liabilities of state pension programs.
Latest action:04/12/24: delivered to Secretary of State
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
CLICK HERE for more information about the campaign to restore $18 million of swept funds back into the KY Heritage Land Conservation Fund.KAS Science Policy Committee statement on adding a land conservation appropriation to HB 1: We stand firmly behind the call for lawmakers to add a one-time $18 million investment in land conservation to HB 1. This initiative represents a critical step towards preserving our natural habitats, safeguarding biodiversity, and promoting sustainable land management practices. Such an investment not only benefits current generations but ensures the preservation of our state's natural heritage for future ones.
HB 6 (Petrie) - This bill contains the two-year state budget proposal introduced by legislative leaders. It includes a 6 percent increase for SEEK, the state's main funding formula for schools. School districts would be encouraged to give raises to teachers and school personnel, but a specific amount is not mandated. The spending plan also includes $20 million in child care assistance.
Latest action: 04/12/24: delivered to Secretary of State
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
HB 114 (Graham) - This legislation provides the state budget proposal from Gov. Andy Beshear. Highlights of the two-year spending plan include funding boosts to support universal pre-K for all 4-year-olds and help for child care providers, as well as an 11% pay raise for all public school employees.
Latest action: 01/03/24: to Committee on Committees (H)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
State Symbols
HB 378 (Gentry) - Would improve the accuracy in designations of state symbols. The bill, as amended by a Senate Committee Substitute, would name coal as the official state rock, calcite as the state mineral, and Kentucky agate as the state gemstone.
Latest action: 04/04/24: signed by Governor
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers | Law |
KAS Science Policy Committee Statement on HB 378. Scientists have long noted that the state rock isn't really a rock and the state mineral isn't really a mineral. HB 347 would address inaccuracies in state symbol designations. The KAS Science Policy Committee strongly supports this legislation.
Technology
HCR 38 (Bray) - Would establish the Artificial Intelligence Task Force to study the impact of artificial intelligence on operation and procurement policies of Kentucky government agencies and consumer protection needed in private and public sectors. The Task Force would also provide recommendations on artificial intelligence systems that would enhance state government operations and legislative initiatives needed to provide consumer protection in the private and public sectors.
Latest action: 01/25/24: to Economic Development, Tourism, & Labor (S)
| Introduced | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in first chamber | Delivered to second chamber | Referred to committee | Awaiting vote in second chamber | Passed both chambers |
KAS Science Policy Committee Statement on HCR 38: Although artificial intelligence has the potential to be used in many beneficial ways, like any other technology, it's important to understand its inherent limitations. The risks and benefits of using AI technologies in many different areas should be more fully grasped before the adoption of widespread use. KAS supports the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Task Force, the Artificial Intelligence in Kentucky’s Schools project, and the Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education working group. These groups would focus on creating guidelines for current use of AI, while regularly revisiting and revising the guidelines as more information about AI becomes available.