As we begin another week in the 2025 Legislative Session, our hearts are with the many Kentuckians impacted by the severe storms and historic flooding that swept across the commonwealth this past weekend.
Several communities, particularly in eastern and southcentral Kentucky, experienced widespread devastation, with homes and businesses submerged, roads washed out, and thousands left without power. At one point, there were over 300 road closures. Tragically, reports confirm that lives have been lost in the flooding, and we mourn alongside the families affected.
The governor declared a state of emergency, and the president approved it to ensure federal resources are available to assist in recovery efforts. First responders, the National Guard, and local emergency management teams continue working tirelessly to conduct water rescues and aid those in need. Reports indicated there were hundreds of water rescues, which resulted in many lives being saved. Their dedication, and that of local neighbors, in the face of such horrors is commendable, and we are grateful for their service.
In the days and weeks ahead, we must focus on supporting the impacted communities and ensuring they receive the necessary resources. The General Assembly will work closely with state and federal officials to assist in relief efforts, and we urge all Kentuckians to remain vigilant as conditions continue to evolve.
Week four of the 2025 Legislative Session marked the bill filing deadlines for the House and Senate.
A bill I am sponsoring, Senate Bill (SB) 13, passed the Senate this week, marking an important step toward streamlining Kentucky’s Medicaid system. This legislation aims to reduce administrative burdens on healthcare providers by capping the number of managed care organizations (MCOs) in the state’s Medicaid program at three. By simplifying operations, SB 13 will improve efficiency and accessibility, particularly in rural areas where providers face challenges navigating multiple MCOs.
Now that the bill has cleared the Senate, I am working diligently to ensure it moves forward in the House. I am engaging with my colleagues, healthcare stakeholders, and advocates to underscore the importance of this reform. Addressing inefficiencies in our Medicaid system is critical, and I remain committed to seeing SB 13 across the finish line to provide much-needed relief to Kentucky’s healthcare providers and patients.
In the upper chamber, the Senate Majority Caucus successfully limited the number of bills each member introduced. For comparison, during the previous 30-day legislative session in 2023, the Senate proposed 282 bills; in 2021, there were 285.
Below is a list of other bills the Senate approved this week.
SB 2 ensures no taxpayer dollars are used for transgender surgeries or hormone therapy for inmates while still protecting access to medically necessary care for conditions like thyroid or hormonal disorders. The bill draws a clear line between essential health care and elective procedures, which prevents state agencies from pushing unauthorized policies behind closed doors.
SB 15 exempts minor league baseball players from Kentucky’s wage-and-hour laws to align with their federal collective bargaining agreement, which provides salary increases, year-round pay, health insurance, and housing. This ensures Kentucky’s minor league teams remain operational.
SB 18 expands insurance options for vehicle dealers by allowing required bonds or coverage from a broader range of insurers, including certain non-admitted insurers. It also updates insurance statutes to streamline compliance.
SB 24 strengthens protections against insurance fraud by closing loopholes and expanding the definition of fraudulent statements in property and casualty claims. It includes repair cost misrepresentation, towing, storage, and associated expenses.
SB 28 establishes an agricultural economic development program within the Department of Agriculture to boost agribusiness, create jobs, and support rural communities. It creates a funding board to oversee financial support for agriculture projects statewide.
SB 67 proposes a constitutional amendment to freeze property tax assessments for Kentucky homeowners aged 65+ to protect them from tax increases due to rising property values. Requires voter approval in 2026.
SB 69 modernizes animal health regulations by creating new licenses for animal chiropractors and equine dental providers. It establishes an advisory committee, updates rabies vaccination record laws, and clarifies that only veterinarians can prescribe equine dental medications.
SB 77 expands eligibility for appointments to the Education Professional Standards Board by allowing the governor to appoint either a chief academic officer or the head of an educator preparation program from independent not-for-profit colleges.
SB 79 updates state personnel policies to improve efficiency and accountability. It clarifies job classifications, requires remote state employees to return to in-person work with limited telework allowances, and reclassifies wardens as non-merit employees to improve juvenile facility leadership.
SB 84 ensures Kentucky courts interpret laws independently rather than deferring to state agencies. It mandates de novo judicial review, aligning with a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling to prevent excessive agency authority.
SB 103: Increases transparency in the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation by prioritizing in-state service providers, requiring annual reports to the governor, and preventing arbitrary service fees.
SB 104 expands investment options for Kentucky’s Deferred Compensation program by authorizing self-directed brokerage accounts, strengthening fiduciary protections, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
SB111 strengthens Kentucky’s juvenile justice system by prioritizing mental health treatment for high-risk youth, improving facility safety, and creating a structured continuum of care for mentally ill juveniles.
SCR 43 expresses the General Assembly’s support for the Crisis Recovery Support Network, which helps schools and colleges recover from crises like natural disasters and school shootings, particularly in rural areas.
It’s a privilege to serve you in Frankfort. If you have questions or ideas, feel free to contact my office at (502) 564-8100 or email me at Stephen.Meredith@kylegislature.gov.
Sen. Steve Meredith, R-Leitchfield
