Week 5 of the 2024 Legislative Session
This week, the Kentucky Auditor’s Office issued a news release regarding the third-party audit of Kentucky’s Department of Juvenile Justice Facilities. In last year’s comprehensive DJJ reform legislation, Senate Bill 162, a bill I sponsored, we included a provision outlining a required audit and providing the funding for its completion.
The report from CGL Management Group confirms the fears and concerns my colleagues and I expressed during last year’s DJJ workgroup efforts. It shows a lack of strategic direction and lingering problems with using force and isolation techniques. Sadly, it shows little has been done to implement a 2017 state audit’s suggestions for improvement. The information from this report will be helpful as we continue to navigate the challenges facing Kentucky’s most troubled youth. Our focus is unchanged, and our desire to help children in need and protect the public, staff and youth continues to be our top priority. I remain optimistic about the conversations and collaborative efforts I am having with those within DJJ, the Kentucky Justice Cabinet, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
I told my colleagues and the public on Thursday, after having a day to review some of the 200-page audit report, that we will soon roll out a comprehensive package aiming to address the needs of troubled youth with acute mental health needs. Under the legislation, we would establish a facility that would be able to care for violent, mentally ill youth whom other facilities are not equipped to care for. There will be costs associated, but as in my advocacy for funding to support the child care industry, I will work with my colleagues to garner support and get something meaningful done for troubled children and youth workers who are counting on us.
These objectives and many others require funding, and the General Assembly is crafting a biennial budget for the commonwealth. In the Kentucky Senate, our role is unique, particularly during the 60-day budget session. The Constitution of Kentucky clearly outlines any revenue-raising and, traditionally, appropriation measures to originate with the state House of Representatives. Also, traditionally, before the House submits a two-year state budget proposal, the executive branch provides its recommendations. After these initial proposals, the Senate then makes its contribution.
This process is beneficial as it allows the Senate to analyze and gain an understanding of the proposals thoroughly. Crucially, it will enable us to define our priorities and establish a clear vision for allocating taxpayer dollars. This constitutionally-mandated budgeting approach ensures the Senate remains focused on a disciplined and well-informed assessment. You can expect a thoughtful and sound approach from my colleagues and me as we craft our version of the commonwealth’s two-year state budget, road plan, and other related appropriation and revenue bills.
This week, the Senate passed various bills covering elections, bourbon industry regulations, and more. The following bills were approved and now move to the House for consideration:
SB 50 – Bourbon Industry Regulations: Implements changes to strengthen Kentucky’s bourbon industry, addressing retail sales, private events, and distribution of distilled spirits. Notably, it allows distillers with a Class B license to sell and deliver up to 5,000 gallons annually to licensed retailers.
SB 80 – Election Integrity: Strengthens election integrity by refining Kentucky’s voter ID laws. The bill removes student or employee IDs and credit or debit cards as identification options, aligning with previous legislation focused on reasonable voter access.
SB 81 – Higher Education Boards Alteration: Alters the makeup of KHEAA and KHESLC to meet out-of-state regulations, ensuring continued support for student loans. The bill addresses fingerprinting and financial disclosure requirements for board members, preventing ex officio members from meeting stringent out-of-state security requirements.
SB 125 – Off-Highway Vehicle Programs: Creates economic opportunities for eastern Kentucky by extending the ability for local governments to start off-highway vehicle pilot programs. The bill expands the definition of local government, opening the program to the entire state, including our region here in far western Kentucky.
Thank you for your continued engagement in the 2024 Regular Session. It is a privilege to represent you in Frankfort. Find the status of legislation by calling 866-840-2835, legislative meeting information at 800-633-9650, or leaving a message for lawmakers at 800-372-7181. You can watch and follow legislative activity at KET/org/legislature and Legislature.ky.gov. If you have any questions or comments about these or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me Danny.Carroll@LRC.ky.gov.