We are halfway through the 2019 Regular Session, and the Senate is eager to continue making progress in these final weeks.
The General Assembly did not convene on Monday in observation of Presidents Day. Before resuming legislative business on Tuesday, both the House and the Senate reconvened at the historic Old State Capitol in downtown Frankfort.
We passed a wide range of bills concerning issues, including public education, agribusiness, medical licensing, animal safety, and more. Both chambers still have an extensive array of legislation to consider in the weeks ahead.
Several bills are moving to the House following an extremely productive week in the Senate. Among those passed was Senate Bill 34, sponsored by Senator Damon Thayer. SB 34 amends state law regarding the voter registration database. This bill requires the Kentucky Board of Elections to institute measures to ensure there is no inappropriate use of the voter registration roster. Only county clerks, assistant county clerks, and Kentucky Board of Elections staff will have the authority to access the roster.
A bill designed to reduce drunk driving also passed in the Senate this week. Senate Bill 85, Sponsored by Senator Whitney Westerfield, strengthens Kentucky’s current ignition interlock device (IID) measure by making these breathalyzer-type devices available to all driving under the influence (DUI) offenders. SB 85 also includes a compliance-based component that incentivizes the use of IID by mandating stiffer penalties for those DUI offenders who choose not to use the device.
Personally, I am proud to be the primary sponsor of Senate Bill 152, otherwise known as the “Parents Bill of Rights”. SB 152 statutorily codifies the rights of parents to direct the education, upbringing, moral training, and healthcare decisions, among other things. These rights have been clearly understood since the founding of this nation. However, over the past two decades, there has been an erosion of these rights. Particularly in our federal courts. Therefore, there is a need to protect these long held rights in our state by statute.
For ambitious students who want to be a part of this year’s legislative process, the Senate offers page opportunities for all ages. Those interested should contact my office to make a formal request. Full-time page opportunities are also available.
