David W. Osborne

As the 2008 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly ended, state lawmakers began to reflect on the work we have done since the session convened on January 8. 

By the time we reconvened after our 12-day veto period, the Governor had issued 10 line item vetoes from $19 billion two-year state budget.  These vetoes included eliminating language regarding the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, language creating an economic development commission for the expansion of Fort Knox, and deleting funds for the ConnectKentucky program. 

Lawmakers also approved an additional $75 million in bonds for water and sewer projects for a total of $225 million for 118 counties.  

Other measures approved during session include: 

House Bill 2 which creates incentives for homeowners to use solar and wind energy, and to use other energy-efficient lights, windows, and insulation. The bill also requires state government and local schools to build and lease energy-efficient buildings, and establishes a low-interest loan program to help businesses and public agencies become more energy efficient.

House Bill 186 would require children ages three through six to have a dental exam before enrolling in public school or preschool beginning in the 2011 school year.  

House Bill 211 will broaden Kentucky’s child sex abuse laws while increasing penalties for abusers and those who fail to report abuse. The bill will include older children under state laws that protect minors from first-degree sexual abuse by raising the age of children covered by the law from 12 to 16, or 16 to 18, if the perpetrator is in a position of trust or authority.

House Bill 370 relating to elections will eliminate the requirement that runoff elections be held in gubernatorial primary races if no candidate receives at least 40 percent of the vote.

House Bill 484 will promote use of locally-grown produce and other food products by public postsecondary institutions. If colleges and universities use a vendor or food service, the legislation encourages them to use food produced in Kentucky.

Senate Bill 58 will increase penalties for those who torture dogs or cats.  Causing physical injury to a dog or cat as a result of torture would be a Class A misdemeanor that carriers up to a year in jail, while causing serious physical injury or death would be a Class D felony punishable by 1-5 years in prison. Currently, all torture cases involving a dog or cat are Class A misdemeanors for a first offense.

Senate Bill 64 will create incentives to help train those with math and sciences degrees who want to become certified to teach.  It also establishes a loan forgiveness program will be created to attract such individuals to the teaching field and teachers who are not certified in math or science would be given additional help to accelerate their certification in those subjects. 

Senate Bill 75 will allow students with 2.5 GPAs who are on track to graduate from college to keep their full KEES scholarship money each semester.  Currently, students with GPAs above 2.5 but below 3.0 only receive half of their award.

Senate Bill 96 will require health benefit plans to provide coverage for colorectal cancer screenings effective as of January 1, 2009.

SB 98 will provide Medicaid coverage for breast and cervical cancer treatments for uninsured women.

Senate Bill 203 will require owners of amusement park rides to complete an application for a business identification number and conduct pre-opening inspections of all amusement park rides.  

With the Governor still having veto power on the bills that were sent to him the last two days of the session, I will updating you later on the bills that were passed into law.  

In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide additional information on our work, to share your thoughts or regarding a state government matter.  I can be reached at home or through the toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181.  If you have internet access, I invite you to e-mail me at david.osborne@lrc.ky.gov