Having surpassed the midpoint of the 2024 Regular Session, it’s a pivotal time to reflect and renew our dedication to our legislative responsibilities. With just under 30 legislative days remaining, we recommit ourselves to the crucial tasks that lie ahead.
Throughout the session, we’ve had the privilege of hosting various student groups and esteemed guests within the halls of our Capitol. Their presence has infused our deliberations with fresh perspectives, reminding us of the importance of civic engagement and the responsibility we bear to mentor and empower the next generation of leaders in the commonwealth.
In the words of John Quincy Adams: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”
As we navigate the complexities of governance, this quote reminds us that true leadership is marked by its ability to inspire others to reach their fullest potential.
As we approach Presidents’ Day, it’s fitting to pay homage to the exemplary leadership and selfless sacrifices of those who have held our nation’s highest office. Much like John Quincy Adams, our past presidents have steered the course of history with their visionary leadership, guiding us through moments of adversity and transformation.
The pace of activity picked up in the Senate last week as we passed several bills, including:
SB 6: Protects individuals at public postsecondary institutions from facing repercussions for not supporting discriminatory ideas, while also preventing preferential treatment based on political or social beliefs. It mandates fair course content and allocates resources to support Pell grant students. The attorney general can enforce the act, and institutions must provide course information online.
SB 11: Improves school safety by ensuring prompt notification to schools when juveniles are charged with certain crimes, facilitating proactive measures to safeguard students.
SB 16: Enhances protection for critical infrastructure, such as food manufacturing and animal facilities, by criminalizing trespassing with unmanned aircraft or recording devices without consent. Exclusions apply to utility companies for legitimate purposes.
SB 20: Expands the definition of violent offenders to include those involved in specific crimes and mandates that convicted violent offenders serve at least half of their sentence before being eligible for early release. Additionally, it requires trying individuals aged 15-18 charged with violent crimes as adults.
SB 23: Offers property tax relief to homeowners aged 65 and older through a constitutional amendment.
SB 29: Regulates insurance claims for motor vehicle glass repair, requiring repair shops to obtain consent or confirmation before proceeding, and advising on calibration needs for vehicles with advanced systems. It also addresses underinsured motorist liability.
SB 89: Mandates Medicaid coverage for certified professional midwifery services and requires seeking federal approval if necessary, ensuring broader access to these services.
SB 139: Allows private fund advisers to operate in Kentucky without an investment adviser license, provided they meet certain criteria and fulfill reporting obligations to the Department of Financial Institutions.
SB 143: Seeks to prevent non-citizens from voting in Kentucky by proposing a constitutional amendment, subject to legislative approval and voter endorsement.
SB 158: Streamlines the process for financial institutions to open accounts or issue annuities for minors involved in settlements, eliminating the need for court orders, and saving time and resources.
In observance of Presidents’ Day, the General Assembly will not convene on Monday, February 19.
It is a privilege to represent you in Frankfort. Please feel free to share your thoughts and stay connected throughout the session by reaching out to my office at (502)-564-8100 or via email at Stephen.Meredith@lrc.ky.gov. Additionally, you can stay informed and follow legislative activities through live broadcasts on www.KET.org/legislature and by visiting www.Legislature.ky.gov.
Sen. Steve Meredith, R-Leitchfield
