The world is continuing to learn more about the COVID-19 pandemic with each passing day. As your State Senator, I am proud to see how those in my district and across the Commonwealth are responding. Even while implementing safety precautions such as “social distancing” that physically keep us apart, we are pulling together like never before in order to fight this invisible enemy. Our motto has never been more evident: “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.”
Members of the Kentucky General Assembly returned to Frankfort on Thursday with the primary goal of advancing the state’s biennial budget plan. While negative economic impacts due to the coronavirus are inevitable, I am confident in the legislature’s ability to reconcile political differences and craft a balanced two-year financial plan for the Commonwealth.
The budget conference committee began meeting this week. This bipartisan and bicameral group is tasked with reexamining the current budget document and determining the most financially responsible avenue moving forward, given the economic climate. To get a clearer view of what the state’s financial future could look like, the committee heard a report from the State Budget Director who offered a less than optimistic projection with an estimated minimal $300 million in revenue losses over the next two years. These difficult financial conversations and budget revisions will be ongoing until a final version of the budget is agreed upon.
We are constitutionally required to pass a budget prior to adjourning the legislative session. Therefore, it is anticipated that both chambers will vote on the finalized budget bill when we reconvene on our next legislative day on Wednesday, April 1. We will then be in veto recess until the session’s final days on April 14 and 15.
The Kentucky Senate passed legislation during the abbreviated week of session to boost the state’s response to COVID-19 in hopes of speeding the eventual recovery from the pandemic.
The measure, known as Senate Bill 150, would take a broad approach by including measures addressing the state’s strained health system, businesses forced to shutter and governmental functions that have slowly stopped amid social distancing.
A key provision, however, would extend unemployment eligibility to the self-employed including many small business owners and gig workers, such as ride-share drivers. Supporters of SB 150 said the state was expected to quickly deplete the $600 million it had in the bank to cover unemployment benefits, but the federal government would provide additional money to help cover the coming tsunami of claims.
Provisions designed to give a shot in the arm to the health care system would include allowing the state medical board to let out-of-state doctors practice in Kentucky, expanding telehealth, permitting providers to continue to treat clients for such things as addiction and granting health care providers civil immunity in some cases.
Municipalities, counties and other government agencies would be able to meet open meeting laws by broadcasting gatherings live. In addition, the groups would have more time to respond to open record requests. Various government hearings, such as ones dealing with zoning issues, could also be delayed.
SB 150 will codify some actions already called for in various executive orders issued during this state of emergency.
The bill was delivered to the governor after it passed the Senate by a 30-0 vote and later cleared the House of Representatives by an 82-0 vote. Because the bill contains an emergency clause, it would become effective immediately upon being signed into law rather than 90 days after adjournment. SB 150 would also sunset once the governor ends the current state of emergency or the General Assembly takes action during next year’s regular session.
The following includes other bills acted on during the 12th week of session:
Kentuckians would finally be able to legally have their favorite out-of-state wine shipped to their homes with the final passage of House Bill 415.
The measure would impose shipping limits of 10 liters of distilled spirits, 10 cases of wine and 10 cases of malt beverages per month. Packages of alcohol would have to be clearly labeled and be signed for by someone 21 or older. HB 415 would also prohibit shipping to dry territories, communities where alcohol sales are prohibited by local laws.
HB 415 would provide a new source of tax revenue for the state, much-needed jobs and a new stream of income for Kentucky’s distillers, vintners and craft brewers. Those alcohol producers have been battered by the closing of the bourbon trail, lesser-known wine trail and taprooms. Opponents suggested the bill would make it easier for minors to get their hands on liquor while also taking business away from mom-and-pop liquor stores. After a 21-11 vote in the Senate, HB 415 was delivered to the governor. It had previously passed the House by a 52-33 vote.
Kentucky would become the 36th state to ban female genital mutilation with the final passage of Senate Bill 72. A federal ban that had been in place for more than two decades was found unconstitutional in 2018.
SB 72 would make performing the procedure on minors a felony. The World Health Organization states the barbaric practice, often referred to as FGM, is mostly carried out on young girls. It includes procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female organs for non-medical reasons. The bill would also ban trafficking of girls across state lines for FGMs and strip the medical licenses from providers convicted of the practice.
SB 72 was delivered to the governor after the Senate voted 31-0 for the measure. The House had previously passed it by an 84-0 vote. This bill also contained an emergency clause.
The separation of the County Employees’ Retirement System (CERS) was addressed in House Bill 484. The bill would transfer the administration of CERS from the Kentucky Retirement Systems’ board of trustees to a newly created County Employee Retirement System.
An amendment would require CERS to pay any additional ongoing expenses that occur as a direct result of the separation. Supporters of the amendment said this would incentivize CERS to be thrifty in its management, citing the already high administrative costs in other public pensions.
CERS accounts for 76 percent of the pension assets KRS manages and makes up 64 percent of the KRS membership – but controls only 35 percent of the seats on the KRS board. The bill received final passage with a 78-4 vote in the House after it cleared the Senate by a 31-1 vote. The measure has been delivered to the governor.
There are many ways for you to stay informed on legislative happenings as we continue our work in Frankfort. Livestreamed video feed is available for all General Assembly meetings. Kentucky Educational Television (KET) currently livestreams Senate and House proceedings as well as many committee sessions. The Legislative Research Commission (LRC) will livestream any committee meetings that aren’t covered by KET on YouTube.
To see the daily meeting schedule with links to livestreams visit:
LRC: legislature.ky.gov (link to watch is on the homepage).
KET: ket.org/legislature
I understand that these are troubling times, and it feels like there are more questions than answers. However, I believe it is important that all Kentuckians are informed of the resources that have been made available to help with any questions or concerns that you may have. I would ask for your assistance in sharing this information with those in your community as well.
The COVID-19 hotline is still available to those in need: 1 (800) 722-5725. The hotline is a service operated by the healthcare professionals at the Kentucky Poison Control Center who can provide advice and answer questions. They ask that you first review their website, kycovid19.ky.gov, before calling. Guidance and updated information is being provided as it becomes available.
As we maneuver through the final legislative days of the 2020 Regular Session, I encourage you to utilize resources mentioned to stay updated on the coronavirus situation and budget discussions. Take care of each other and stay healthy. 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 danny.carroll@lrc.ky.gov. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you in the Kentucky State Senate and value your feedback throughout the 2020 legislative session.