KACP KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY LEGISLATIVE REPORT FOR WEEK ENDING MARCH 29
Thursday, March 28, marked the 58th day of the 60-day legislative session.
The 10-day veto period has begun and will last until April 9. During this period, Gov. Beshear considers bills that he may veto. Lawmakers then return to Frankfort on April 12 for two days to consider veto overrides. They may also pass bills that have not been acted on. However, any bills passed during the final two days can be vetoed and the legislature will not have the opportunity to override the governor’s action.
The budget
The legislature passed the budget bills that total about $128 billion over the next two years. Following are law enforcement highlights:
- 3% KLEFPF increase in each year of the two-year budget.
- $50 million for the Western Kentucky Training Academy in Madisonville. KACP – including President Chief Jeremy Thompson and Executive Director Shawn Butler – met several times with lawmakers and Seante budget chairman Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, to build support for the budget allocation.
Training bill passes
HB 482, which is related to the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council. Filed by Rep. Stephanie Dietz, R-Edgewood, the bill adds the chief of police of the Owensboro Police Department and the director of the Northern Kentucky Police and Sheriff’s Training Center to the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council. The bill – which was a KACP priority – has been sent to the governor for his signature. KACP testified in support of the bill.
Pension System Health Insurance
KACP is still in ongoing discussions about legislation that would increase the healthcare stipend for some law enforcement officers in the pension system. (Tier 1 who began participation after July 2003; all Tier II and III.). Chanes are slim, but the bill remains alive at this point.
THE LATEST ON LEGISLATION
HOUSE
SB2, related to placing “guardians” in public schools – PASSED
Filed by Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, the bill would establish a framework for employment of Kentucky guardians – veterans and former police officers – in schools to provide school safety. It also calls on school districts to form trauma-informed teams to improve mental health interventions. The bill will not take effect until 2025-26 school year, Sen. Wise said he would work with law enforcement during the interim to address concerns. Changes could be made in the 2025 session.
HB5, the crime bill – PASSED
Sponsored by Rep. Jared Bauman, R-Louisville, the 72-page bill is dubbed the Safer Kentucky Act. Among its provisions is a three strikes law to require a life sentence after a person’s third violent felony, along with increasing penalties for crimes like carjacking and fentanyl trafficking. Prosecutors are now allowed to file a manslaughter charge against anyone who sells or distributes fentanyl that causes a fatal overdose. It would also crack down on vandalism, homeless encampments and allow businesses to use force to stop shoplifters. Support.
HB207, related to sex dolls – PASSED
Sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Dietz, R-Edgewood, the bill prohibits the possession, trafficking, importing and advancing of a child sex doll. It would also expand laws against child pornography to include computer-generated images of an identifiable minor. KACP testified in favor of the bill. Support
HB 248, relating to reinstatement of police and fire department employees – PASSED
Sponsored by Rep. Killian Timoney, R-Fayette, Amend KRS 95.440 to remove the requirement that a person shall only be eligible for reinstatement to a police or fire department within one year following separation from employment. The bill has been delivered to the governor for his signature. Support
HB293, related to kratom – PASSED
Filed by Rep. Kim Moser, R-Tayor Mill, Kratom is an herbal drug frequently sold online and in convenience stores. The bill would prohibit sales to people under 21 and provide guidelines for labeling and advertising. KACP testified on behalf of the bill. Support.
HB349, related to in line of duty disability benefits -RECOMMITED TO HOUSE BUDGET COMMITTEE
Filed by Rep. Emily Callaway, R-Louisville, the bill would provide full hospital and medical insurance benefits for a member of the retirement system, their spouse, and their dependents if a member becomes disabled in the line of duty with a hazardous disability. Passed committee, awaiting full action by the House. Support.
HB551, related to cold cases – PASSED
Filed by Rep. Keturah, D-Louisville, and co-sponsored by Rep. John Blanton, R-Salyersville, the bill allows law enforcement agencies to contract with retired officers to assist with homicide cold cases. KACP testified in support of the bill, which has been sent to the governor for his signature. Support
HB661, related to spiking -AWAITING SENATE COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENT
Filed by Rep. John Blanton, R-Salyersville, the bill exempts system-wide raises from anti-spiking legislation. The bill passed 96-0 in the House and awaits a Senate committee assignment. Support
HB782, related to telecommunicators – PASSED
Filed by Rep. Scott Lewis, R-Hartford, the bill makes changes to telecommunicator training requirements. Delivered to the governor for his signature.
SENATE
SB11, related to juvenile justice -PASSED
Filed by Sen. John Schickel, the bill requires notice to schools prior to filing of a public offense petition against a child in certain cases. Delivered to the governor for his signature.
Support.
SB20, related to violent offenders -PASSED
Filed by Matthew Deneen, R-Elizabethtown, the bill includes in the definition of “violent offender” a person who has been convicted of burglary in the first degree, assault in the second degree and wanton endangerment in the first degree involving the discharge of a firearm; other changes. KAC testified in favor of the bill. Delivered to the governor for his signature. Support.
SB45, missing adults -PASSED
Sponsored by Sen. David Yates, D-Louisville, the bill requires KSP to create and operate the Kentucky Ashanti Alert System to provide public notification through the use of media providers and highways signs when an adult is missing and may have been abducted or kidnapped or may be in physical danger.
SB71, related to mental health evaluations -PASSED
Filed by Sens. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon, the bill eases the burden that requires law enforcement officers to be present during a 202A evaluation until a facility agrees to hold the individual. This can take hours and keeps officers off the streets. The bill has been sent to the governor for his signature. Opposed after changes made by House Amendment 2.
SB162, related to vehicle accident reports – PASSED.
Filed by Sen. Robby Mills, R-Henderson, the bill allows law enforcement agencies to retain copies of accident reports filed with the KSP and allows agencies to contract with third parties to provide the reports to other entities that are eligible to receive them. KACP testified in support of the bill. Support.
LEGISLATIVE CALENDAR
March 29 – April 9: Veto recess
April 12, 15: Final legislative days
FOR MORE INFO
As always, questions, suggestions, comments or concerns can be directed to Executive Director Shawn Butler, who can be reached at 859-743-2920 or sbutler@kypolicechiefs.org or KACP lobbyist Patrick Crowley, who can be reached at 859-462-4245 or pcrowley@strategicadvisersllc.com.
You can also follow the legislative activity through the Kentucky General Assembly website.