Legislative Update from Sen. Danny Carroll

SENATOR DANNY CARROLL’S LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

As we approach the final days of the 2015 legislative session, we have been working diligently to complete our consideration of Senate bills, while also vetting legislation that has been passed by the House. We will begin considering several additional House bills next week, and on Monday the Senate plans to pass the first bill to receive the approval of both legislative Chambers.

A major focus for both chambers this week was the approach to combat heroin in the Commonwealth. The House’s measure was presented in the Senate Committee on Judiciary on Wednesday and our Senate Bill 5 was discussed in the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday, both informational hearings only.

It is imperative that we find common ground on this legislation and make an impact on the heroin epidemic that has plagued so many Kentuckians over the past few years. As the Senate President stated, this session will be judged on whether or not heroin legislation is passed. The fact that both chambers had informational hearings is a positive step in protecting Kentucky families.

While heroin continues to be the focal point, plenty of other significant bills passed this week. From technical changes and statutory updates, to legislation that was the fruition of years of work, the Senate continued to move bills with the intent of creating Kentucky jobs and strengthening Kentucky families.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill 110, which would create a new opportunity for Kentucky’s students by translating education into jobs. The bill enables Kentucky high school juniors and seniors who have performed at a high level and earned scholarship money through the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) program, to take up to six hours of dual credit courses from an accredited college or an industry recognized program offering certification or licensure in a skilled trade.

In order to improve awareness regarding child abuse, Senate Bill 119 was passed. This bill would ensure that educators and other certified staff are trained to recognize abuse and neglect and how these acts should be reported.

Curtailing illegal gambling sites that are popping up throughout Kentucky, the Senate passed Senate Bill 28. Internet cafes, which are masquerading as office-related or game playing establishments, are actually allowing patrons gamble and potentially win sweepstakes. Senate Bill 28 inserts language to clarify that these computers and gambling devices are illegal.

The Senate also passed measures to save money through efficient elections, and to create a debt-limit. Senate Bill 93 would move all elections of Kentucky’s statewide constitutional officers to even-numbered years along with federal elections. By doing this, state and local governments would save a great deal. Because the elections would coincide with federal elections, voter turnout also would likely increase. Statistics prove that more voters go to the polls for the federal elections.

The Senate Majority is resolved to keep debt reigned in and keep Government accountable to current and future taxpayers. Senate Bill 94 would address this in addition to working in favor of the Kentucky Employees Retirement System by limiting the issuance of general fund-supported debt, calculate the debt limitation savings, and transfer the savings to the nonhazardous employee unfunded liability trust fund.

I had three bills pass out of committee this week: Senate Bills 90, 102 and 184. Senate Bill 90 would lift the nuclear moratorium in Kentucky. Senate Bill 102, better known as “Conner’s Law,” would amend the first degree manslaughter law to include law to include intentional abuse that leads to death of the victim. Senate Bill 184 would address the “no jail-jailer” issue that has received much attention recently throughout the state. This legislation would bring accountability and transparency to the situation, while leaving decisions up to fiscal courts.

If you have any questions or comments about the issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181. You can also review additional bills passed by the Legislature online at www.lrc.ky.gov.

Senator Danny Carroll (R-Paducah) represents the 2nd District encompassing Ballard, Carlisle, Marshall and McCracken counties.