A bill that began as relief for Kentucky schools from weather-related closings was transformed by the Senate Thursday into relief for a controversial virtual school. After the Senate overhauled House Bill 241, its sponsor, Rep. Timmy Truett, an elementary school principal, said he would recommend that the House now kill it. The Kentucky Board of Education […]
Category: Frankfort
Posted inPolitics
Trump has DOGE. Kentucky Senate votes to launch KOGE.
Inspired by Elon Musk’s band of young engineers tasked with finding federal funding cuts, Kentucky Republicans are hoping to replicate their efforts in the Bluegrass state. If passed in the General Assembly this session, Senate Bill 257 would establish the Kentucky Office of Government Efficiency in the auditor of public accounts’ office. The office would be known as KOGE. […]
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KY Houses passes bill canceling Beshear’s restrictions on conversion therapy
This story mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Correction: This story previously misstated how House Bill 495 was changed through a floor amendment. The GOP-controlled Kentucky House approved a bill Wednesday that seeks to invalidate an executive order issued […]
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Kentucky lawmakers advance ‘shell’ bill to ban sale of hemp-derived beverages
Kentucky lawmakers advanced a “shell” bill Wednesday evening to ban the sale of hemp-derived beverages in the state until summer of 2026, a move supporters say will allow time to understand how intoxicating versions of the beverages are impacting consumers. But those involved in the hemp industry decried the proposed moratorium on the sale of […]
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Kentucky house passes bill to eliminate DEI programs at public universities
After an impassioned but futile push by House Democrats to block a measure that eliminates diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Kentucky public universities, the House gave its approval to the bill Wednesday. House Bill 4 passed in a floor vote of 81-18, largely on party lines. The lone Democrat to vote with Republicans on […]
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 […]