After impassioned debate Wednesday afternoon, the Kentucky Senate adopted a DEI bill that seeks to ban diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at public postsecondary intuitions in Kentucky. House Bill 4, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Decker, a Republican from Waddy, advanced off the Senate floor with a 36-6 vote. It was presented on the chamber floor […]
Author Archives: Legislative Research Commission
Posted inFrankfort
House committee advances DEI bill
A DEI bill that would prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at public postsecondary institutions cleared its first hurdle in the 2025 legislative session. The House Postsecondary Education Committee advanced House Bill 4 on Tuesday. Rep. Jennifer Decker, a Republican from Waddy, said the DEI bill would end an unconstitutional practice in Kentucky and make […]
Posted inFrankfort
School employee misconduct bill regulates communication with student
 Legislators on the Senate Families and Children Committee unanimously approved an employee misconduct bill Tuesday that would require Kentucky’s public school districts to implement policies for using only traceable forms of communication between staff, coaches, and volunteers and their students. Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, a Republican from Smithfield, testified during a meeting that Senate Bill 181 […]
Posted inFrankfort
Senate committee approves update to Kentucky name, image likeness bill
The Senate Education Committee unanimously approved legislation Thursday that would update Kentucky’s name, image and likeness law in response to issues that have cropped up since it was first adopted for college athletes. Name, image, likeness laws – known as NIL – allow student-athletes to generate personal income from their image and celebrity. Senate Bill […]
Posted inFrankfort
Senate green lights religious liberty bill as detractors push for balance
The Kentucky Senate adopted a bill Wednesday that supporters say will strengthen religious liberty in the commonwealth even as some raise concerns about discrimination. Senate Bill 60, sponsored by Sen. Steve Rawlings, a Republican from Burlington, advanced off the Senate floor with a 29-7 vote and now heads to the House. The legislation seeks to […]
Posted inFrankfort
Kentucky House passes bill on manufactured homes
Kentucky has a housing shortage. House Bill 160 could help, according to supporters. Sponsored by Rep. Susan Witten, a Republican from Louisville, HB 160 would ensure qualified manufactured homes that meet strict standards for size, age and permanent foundation are treated the same as site-built homes in single family residential zones. The bill is the […]
Posted inFrankfort
Gender transition in prisons, cigar bars, insurance fraud and more: Last week at the Capitol
The Old State Capitol was full of spirit last week as lawmakers gaveled in to session under the painted gaze of Isaac Shelby and George Washington and advanced a pair of bills that would designate every June as Kentucky History Month. House Bill 313 and Senate Bill 313 are companion measures that each received a […]
Posted inFrankfort
More driver’s license renewal locations under consideration in Kentucky
Kentuckians looking for a more convenient way to renew their driver’s license may soon have more options under House Bill 161. The House Transportation Committee approved the bill on Tuesday. Primary sponsor, Rep. Kevin Jackson, a Republican from Bowling Green, said the legislation would allow third-party entities to offer driver’s license renewal services. “This legislation […]
Posted inNews
NKY’s Steve Doan appointed to key House committees
Representative Steven Doan of Erlanger will serve as a member of the House Families and Children, Postsecondary Education, Primary and Secondary Education, and Local Government committees according to the office of House Speaker David Osborne. “Its an honor to continue serving the people of my district and I’m committed to ensuring that their voices are […]
Posted inPolitics
Stay connected with your local legislators during the 2025 legislative session
The Kentucky General Assembly will begin its 30-day legislative session on Jan. 7, and Kentuckians have many ways to follow along with the action. Kentuckians can use online resources to:— See the General Assembly’s daily schedule— Tune in to live coverage of legislative meetings— Find information on their legislators— Contact lawmakers and offer feedback— Read […]