Legislative Issues 2022

 

The KAS Education and Advocacy Committee is actively monitoring bills introduced during the Kentucky General Assembly's 2022 session and identifying those that are of interest or concern to the science community. Summaries of bills we think are worth watching are listed below. You can click on a bill number to see complete legislative info, including sponsors, amendments, vote history, and the full text of the legislation.

Please help us give science a voice at the State Capitol! Share your feedback on bills under consideration by emailing your lawmakers or calling the General Assembly's toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181.

 
Click to on subject to go to section of choice:
Education        Environment       Health and COVID-19        Medicinal Cannabis        State Budget/Revenue        State Symbols


Education

As the largest interdisciplinary science organization in the Commonwealth, The Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS) has been advocating for science and science education for over 100 years. Because Kentucky has an unprecedented budget surplus, we support strategic investments in K-12 education, higher education, public research funding, and Kentucky educators. KAS believes tuition should remain affordable, there should be a path to student loan forgiveness, and legislation that divides us (such as bills referencing “Critical Race Theory”) does more harm than good. With the right legislation, we can prepare Kentuckians for 21st century careers, create and retain jobs, and attract the best and brightest to Kentucky. We encourage our legislators to consider how Kentucky can be made a more welcoming environment to scientists and engineers.

Members of the Kentucky Academy of Science include educators at all levels, from K-12 to advanced degrees.  These members have experience with organizations such as the Kentucky Department of Education, which is charged by law to review academic standards. This review process involves the contributions of professionals, Advisory Panels, and Standards Review Committees. In light of the established process that provides multiple avenues of review and input regarding curricular matters, the Kentucky Academy of Science opposes efforts by the General Assembly to establish specific elements of the public education curriculum. 

SB 1 (Schickel) – Would allow superintendents rather than school councils to pick curriculum and school principals. Superintendent would have to consult with the council on those decisions, but the final decision would rest with a superintendent. Council members would be required to sign nondisclosure agreements to keep consultations regarding principal selection private. On 3/22, this legislation was amended by the House to include provisions of SB 138.
Latest action: 04/13/22: delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 196)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw  


HB 9 (McCoy) - Would fund charter schools.
Latest action: 04/14/22: delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 213)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw  


HB 14 (Fischer) - Requires boards of education to ensure that no public school or public charter school offers classroom instruction or discussion that incorporates designated concepts related to race, sex, and religion. Violating this prohibition would prompt disciplinary action. A school district could be penalized of $5,000 a day if the violation persists. Under the bill, no student enrolled at a public postsecondary education institution could be required to engage in mandatory gender or sexual diversity training or counseling.
Latest action: 01/04/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw  


HB 18 (Lockett) - Would require school boards to ensure that schools don’t offer classroom instruction or discussion that promotes designated concepts related to race, sex, and religion. A school employee that violates the prohibition would be subject to disciplinary action. The prohibition of classroom instruction or discussion on designated concepts related to race, sex, and religion would also apply to public postsecondary education institutions.
Latest action: 01/04/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


SB 138 (Wise) - Would require public schools to provide instruction consistent with concepts designated within the legislation related to race, sex, and religion.  The bill lists 24 “fundamental American documents” to be included in the state's academic standards.
Latest action: 03/25/22: floor amendments (4), (5) and (6-title) filed
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


SJR 158 (Thomas) Would direct the Kentucky Department of Education to create a task force to examine the equity and inclusivity of racial and demographic representation in education curriculum.
Latest action: 03/02/22: to Education (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 234 (Lawrence) - Would allow students to use Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarships (KEES) at trade and proprietary schools.
Latest action: 02/09/22: floor amendment (3) filed
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 250 (Tipton) - Would appropriate $23 million to Kentucky State University (KSU) to help stabilize the school's finances. The bill also appropriates $15 million to the Council on Postsecondary Education to distribute to KSU as goals and benchmarks are met in accordance with a management improvement plan.
Latest action: 04/08/22: signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 183)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 277 (Thomas) - Would establish an expedited teacher certification process.
Latest action:  04/08/22: signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 161)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 

HB 298 (Huff) - Would require school districts to provide full-day preschool.
Latest action: 01/13/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


SB 320 (Neal)  - Would prohibit censorship of history curriculum and permit schools to offer equity, diversity, and inclusion curricula and programs
Latest action: 03/07/22: to Education (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 410 (Banta) -  Would prevent the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) from imposing any professional development or training requirements that are not required by state or federal law. It would also remove KDE’s authority over professional development coordinator and give the authority to school boards. The bill would allow schools to use up for four days of the school calendar for professional development. It would also delete a number of training requirements on matters including suicide prevention, active shooter, child abuse neglect and prevention, and seizure disorders.
Latest action: 02/01/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 452 (Lawrence) - Would prohibit the Council on Postsecondary Education from raising tuition for a postsecondary education institution more than 5% a year for resident students and 7% a year for nonresident students. It would also provide a four-year tuition freeze for an enrolled resident students and make changes to the makeup of university boards of trustees.
Latest action: 02/03/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


HB 487 (Lockett) would prohibit classroom instruction, discussion, or instructional materials that promote bigotry, revisionist history, or critical social justice. The bill states this should not be interpreted as prohibiting instruction on the historical existence of bigotry or revisionist views of history or to regulate the conduct or speech of students. HB 487 also would require superintendents to determine curricula, textbooks, and instructional materials.
Latest action: 02/11/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 503 (Tipton) - Would establish the Commonwealth Education Continuum to support collaboration and increased achievement at all levels, from pre-K through postsecondary education.
Latest action: 02/16/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 527 (Timoney) - Would establish a student loan forgiveness program for educators at public high schools in a federally designated promise zone.
Latest action: 02/17/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 601 (Timoney) - Would require teachers be compensated for noninstructional planning time within their school day during which they are required to supervise or instruct students.
Latest action: 02/25/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 623 (Bojanowski) - Would require teachers be compensated for noninstructional planning time within their school day during which they are required to supervise or instruct students. The bill would also expand the program eligibility of the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship Program to include a program that leads to a bachelor's degree in education in a critical shortage area.
Latest action: 02/28/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 704 (Lewis) - Would establish the Teacher Recruitment Student Loan Forgiveness Program to assist individuals becoming certified teachers.
Latest action: 03/01/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 



HB 706 (Decker) - Would prohibit trainings that promote critical social justice.
Latest action: 03/01/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 



Environment

KAS statement on energy and climate change: Kentucky Academy of Science recognizes that scientific evidence on climate change is clear. As stated by NASA: “Direct observations made on and above Earth’s surface show the planet’s climate is significantly changing. Human activities are the primary driver of those changes.” Kentucky has witnessed the dramatic impacts of those changes in the form of highly destructive tornadoes and floods and unpredictable growing seasons.  Kentucky Academy of Science supports peer-reviewed facts that suggest reducing human-caused greenhouse gas emissions will reduce the likelihood of long-term, negative impacts on our planet and its climate. See here for a policy brief about how climate change will impact Kentucky. 

KAS statement on plastic waste reduction: The Kentucky Academy of Science acknowledges that current published estimates suggest that plastics are from 15% to 22% of landfill wastes. Discarded plastics that never make it to the landfill may interfere with stormwater management and obstruct wastewater treatment systems. Plastic items in the environment deteriorate into microplastics or microfibers found in soil, surface water, and river sediments. These microplastics have potential negative impacts on human health. Kentucky Academy of Science supports raising awareness through education, and plastic  waste reduction efforts.  We support waste reduction initiatives and initiatives to develop a circular economy. 


KAS statement on environmental quality: The Kentucky Academy of Science urges all citizens of the Commonwealth to learn about the complex interactions of our land, air, and water and to support policies and laws that are based on reliable scientific research to set performance standards for environmental conservation and protection. 

SB 41 (Harper Angel) –  Like HB 189, this bill would curb the use of single-use plastics by prohibiting the release of more than 25 plastic balloons, banning plastic carryout bags by July 1, 2027, and preventing restaurants from providing single-use plastic straws and Styrofoam containers by July 1, 2025.
Latest action: 01/08/22: to Natural Resources & Energy (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 45 (Bowling) - Would help lure “advanced recycling” facilities to Kentucky that convert post-use plastic into basic raw materials, feedstocks, chemicals and other products. HB 45 would allow advanced recycling facilities to be regulated as manufacturing facilities rather than solid waste disposal facilities.
Latest action: 03/31/22: signed by Governor
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


SCR 171 (Carroll) - Would request an examination of funding sources and research institutions capable of conducting a feasibility study of advanced nuclear energy technology for electric power generation.
Latest action: 03/22/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 



HB 189 (Marzian) – Like SB 14, this bill would curb the use of single-use plastics by prohibiting the release of more than 25 plastic balloons, banning plastic carryout bags by July 1, 2027, and preventing restaurants from providing single-use plastic straws and Styrofoam containers by July 1, 2025.
Latest action: 01/04/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


SB 205 (Mills) - Would require the state to keep a list of financial companies that boycott fossil-fuel energy companies. Such financial companies would be warned, if the state owns holding in them, that they will become subject to divestment of the state's holdings unless they "clarify their actions" or cease the boycott.
Latest action: 04/08/22: signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 120)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


SB 218 (Webb) - Would allow the Department of Fish and Wildlife to make acquisitions for compensatory mitigation projects for wetlands. It would also allow for procurement of credits from an existing mitigation bank, with restrictions.
Latest action: 01/06/22: to Natural Resources and Energy (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


SB 225 (Thomas) - Would help increase the use of renewable energy sources, especially solar, by establishing a renewable energy portfolio for Kentucky. Kentucky is currently one of 13 states that does not have one.
Latest action: 03/01/22: to Natural Resources and Energy (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


HB 235 (Kulkarni) – Would establish a Healthy Soils Program and a Healthy Soils Program fund in the Department for Natural Resources, Division of Conservation. The department would be required to provide technical advice and assistance and to assist with soil health assessments and soil health plans. HB 235 would also call on the department commissioner to approve applications for grants and other types of financial assistance under the Healthy Soils Program.
Latest action: 01/06/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 295 (Wilner) – Would create a beverage container refundable deposit fee and give the containers a minimum refundable value of 10 cents each.
Latest action: 01/13/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


SB 301 (Higdon) - Would call upon state to develop regulations on biosolids from wastewater treatment at a publicly owned treatment works.
Latest action: 03/16/22: WITHDRAWN


SB 315 (Mills) - Much like HB 669, this bill would change statutory language in a way that helps ensure that Kentucky gets the full amount of federal funding available to plug abandoned and orphaned gas and oil wells.
Latest action: 004/08/22: signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 118)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 338 (Kulkarni) - Would define “PFAS chemicals” and set limits on regarding their release to protect public health. PFAS are widely used chemicals that break down extremely slowly. The EPA reports their use is so widespread that they can be detected in the blood of humans and animals throughout the world, as well as in our food, water, and air. Studies have shown PFAS may be linked to harmful health effects. HB 338 would require the state to establish maximum PFAS chemical limits and monitoring requirements for drinking water. There would also be limits and monitoring requirements regarding the discharge of PFAS chemicals into waterways.
Latest action: 01/20/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


SB 343 (Wheeler) - Would establish a water management assistance fund to provide assistance for expenses of governmental entities that provide public drinking water and wastewater services.
Latest action: 03/23/22: recommitted to State & Local Government (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


SB 347 (Higdon) - Would require the state to develop an electric vehicle infrastructure development plan to describe how Kentucky will administer the National Electric Vehicle infrastructure Formula Program funds.
Latest action:03/30/22: floor amendments (3) and (4-title) filed
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 
*SB 347 was amended in the House. The amended version of the legislation was not taken up by the Senate before the session ended.

HB 471 (Raymond) - Would let voters decide on adding this proposed amendment to the state constitution: "Every person has a right to a healthy environment including a right to clean air, pure water, and ecologically healthy habitats. The Commonwealth's natural resources, among them its air, water, flora, fauna, climate, and public lands, are the common property of all people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of the environment and its natural resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all people."
Latest action: 02/09/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 647 (McCool) - Would require UK's Center for Applied Energy Research to establish a research, development, and demonstration program for carbon engineering solutions to enable new uses for coal-derived carbon
Latest action: 02/28/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 669 (Gooch) - Much like SB 315, this bill would change language in statutes in a way that ensures that Kentucky gets the full amount of federal funding available to plug abandoned and orphaned gas and oil wells.
Latest action: 04/08/22: signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 173)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 717 (Dotson) -  Would prohibit operators of facilities permitted as air contaminant sources from using trichloroethylene (TCE) subject to exceptions and time extensions for small businesses. Tricholoroethylene is used to make refrigerants and as a degreasing solvent and is found in some household products. Prolonged or repeated exposure has been linked to cancer.
Latest action: 03/01/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 



Health and COVID-19
 
See a statement on COVID-19 here.


HB 21 (Reed) - Would prohibit governmental bodies, businesses, and schools (including universities) from requiring vaccine passports to enter their premises or obtain services.
Latest action: 01/04/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 
 
HB 28 (Maddox) - Would prohibit public employers from requiring employees and applicants to disclose their immunization status. It would also prohibit postsecondary schools from requiring a student, staff, or faculty member to disclose immunization status. Businesses also would be prohibited from requiring customers to disclose immunization status as a condition for service or entry. HB 28 would also prohibit a public entity from creating standardized documentation for the purpose of certifying vaccination status. The bill, which would also allow object to immunization based on conscientiously held beliefs, states it would make discrimination on the basis of "immunization status" an unlawful practice.
 Latest action: 03/25/22: returned to Health & Welfare (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 51 (Bechler) - Would prevent public schools and universities from have effective mask policies in response to COVID-19. The legislation would allow parents to opt children out of mask policies at schools without providing a reason. COVID-19 mask policies would be prohibited at public universities.
  • KAS comment: Face masks have proven to be effective at slowing the spread of COVID-19.  School boards should be able to consider scientific data including COVID-19 caseloads, positivity rates, and vaccination rates to create effective mask policies. A number of school districts and universities have already dropped mask mandates after seeing declines in local COVID-19 positivity rates. Maintaining the option to return to an effective mask policy could be vital if a more deadly COVID-19 variant emerges.
Latest action: 03/10/22: to Health & Welfare (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw 


HB 52 (Bechler) – Would prohibit employers from requiring immunization as a condition of employment.
Latest action: 01/04/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


HB 57 (Hart) – Would prohibit a public postsecondary educational institution from requiring a student to receive certain vaccinations unless the student is participating in an educational program that involves the delivery of health care services.
Latest action: 01/04/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


SJR 80 (Alvarado)- Would require the state to recognize a positive COVID-19 antibody test as equivalent to having been vaccinated against COVID-19.
Latest action: 02/15/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


HB 84 (Gooch) - Would eliminate certain liability protections if an owner requires employees to receive a vaccination against COVID-19 and the employee suffers a severe adverse reaction as a result.
Latest action: 01/04/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


SB 84 (Mills) - Would prohibit providing gender transition procedures to minors.
Latest action: 01/13/22: to Health & Welfare (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


HB 99 (Wesley) - Would exempt places of worship and religiously-affiliated schools and day care centers from vaccine and face covering requirements.
Latest action: 01/04/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


HB 112 (Baker) – Would prohibit “required or coerced” COVID-19 vaccination of a child without consent of all parents, custodians, and guardians. The bill states a child who isn’t vaccinated against COVID-19 shall not be subject to: civil or criminal penalty, disciplinary action, additional requirements concerning COVID-19 testing, face coverings, limitations on participation in activities, or reductions in health care plan benefits.
Latest action: 01/04/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


HCR 112 (Moser) - Would establish a task force to complete a study to identify strategies for maintaining an adequate supply of healthcare workers in the Commonwealth.
Latest action: 04/13/22: to Health & Welfare (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


SB 130 (Alvarado) - Would direct $81,000,000 of American Rescue Plan Act State Fiscal Recovery funds in fiscal year 2022-2023 to address the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting need for retaining and recruiting nurses, nurse's aides, respiratory therapists, emergency medical personnel, and other critical medical staff in acute care hospitals and nursing homes.
Latest action: 02/07/22: to Appropriations & Revenue (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


SB 137 (Kerr) - Would prohibit mental health professionals from engaging in sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts for a minor. SB 137 would also prohibit public funds from being used for sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts. The Department for Public Health would be required to develop, produce, and disseminate educational materials regarding sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts. The measure is known as the "Youth Mental Health Protection Act.”
Latest action: 02/14/22: to Health & Welfare (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


SJR 150 (Douglas) - Would move up the termination date of the state of emergency associated with COVID-19 from April 15 to March 7, two years after it began.
Latest action: 03/16/22: to Rules (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamber*Passed both chambers 
*SJR 150 was vetoed, but that veto was overriden. This resolution, which has the force of law, is now in effect.


SB 246 (Southworth) - Would allow exemptions if a postsecondary school, long-term care facility, or health facility requires an immunization. The bill also specifies information that must be provided before a drug that has only been approved for emergency use is given and states that no Kentuckian can be forced to receive administration of such a drug.
Latest action: 03/01/22: to Health & Welfare (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


HB  253 (Maddox) - Would prohibit the provision of or referral for gender transition procedures to any child under the age of 18 years. A violation would be considered unprofessional conduct and acting recklessly for purposes of tort claims.
Latest action: 01/08/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


SB 336 (Southworth) - Would require anyone who administers drug that has only been approved for emergency to offer information, such as the potential benefits and risks of use. It would also prohibited anyone from being required to have such a drug administered.
Latest action: 03/11/22: to Health & Welfare (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


SB 351 (Wise) - Would require a school district's COVID-19 masking policy to allow parents to opt out for any reason.
Latest action: 03/07/22: to Education (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


HB 352 (Maddox) - Would prohibit action against medical professionals for a recommendation of medical treatment for COVID-19 including a prescription for a drug not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for COVID-19. The measure would prohibit pharmacists from blocking a patient’s access to a drug on the basis that the drug hasn’t been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for COVID-19. HB 352 would also prohibit action against the license of a pharmacist for dispensing a prescribed drug for the treatment of COVID-19 that has not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for COVID-19.
Latest action: 01/24/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw



HB 361 (Hart) - Would make water fluoridation programs optional for governing bodies of water systems regulated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Latest action: 01/25/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


HB 373 (Banta) - Would establish a 9-8-8 mental health crisis and suicide prevention hotline. A service charge on mobile funds would support hotline operations.
Latest action: 03/14/22: returned to Appropriations & Revenue (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


HB 729 (Raymond) - Would require anyone selling a house to test for lead to ensure it is safe. Landlords would also have to test units for lead and report results. The bill would also create a lead mitigation and control fund.
Latest action: 03/01/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


Medicinal Cannabis 

The Kentucky Academy of Science supports the scientific evaluation of Cannabis for its therapeutic benefits as well as the potential risks or side effects.

KAS recognizes the need to create a multi-institutional cannabis research and innovation consortium. The center would conduct and fund research related to Cannabis including pharmaceutical development and the efficacy of Cannabis for treatment of certain medical conditions.

We urge all Kentuckians to learn about the complex interactions of botanical medicine and to support policies and laws based on reliable research, pharmaceutical developments, clinical studies, and clinical trials to set performance standards for a healthy lifestyle and sustainable economic outcomes for the Commonwealth.


HCR 14 (Bentley) - Would urge federal policymakers to expedite research regarding the safety and efficacy of the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
Latest action: 01/05/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


HB 604 (Moser) - Create a Center for Cannabis Research at UK to study the use of cannabis and cannabis derivatives to treat medical conditions and diseases.
Latest action: 04/26/22: line items vetoed (Acts Ch. 239)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw



HB 136 (Nemes) - Would allow medicinal cannabis use for certain health conditions and would set up a medicinal cannabis program in Kentucky.
Latest action: 03/29/22: to Health & Welfare (S)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


Budget and Revenue

Because the Commonwealth of Kentucky has an unprecedented surplus, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest in education and STE(A)M initiatives. The KAS recommends redirecting focus to funding education and research, particularly STEAM-based programs that will attract students and professionals from all over the world.  Instead, focus has been on tax cuts that would likely negatively impact our public services. We are concerned that these tax cuts would threaten necessary public investments in education and research.  We also support a $10m investment in the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund for conservation, recreation, education, and research, and a $10m investment in the Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement program. 


HB 1 (Petrie) - This is the two-year state spending plan for the executive branch that the House majority introduced and advanced as a preferred alternative to the governor’s budget proposal.
Latest action: 04/13/22: delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 199)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamber*Passed both chambersLaw


HB 285 (Osborne) – This is the governor’s two-year state budget proposal which stalled upon its introduction to the General Assembly as House members instead advanced a spending plan proposed by the House majority.
Latest action: 01/13/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw


State Symbols

The state mineral is a rock and the state rock is a mineral. This is an unfortunate error that the science community has recognized since the legislation was enacted in 2000. 2022 HB 511 was filed to correct this error. Under this legislation, coal (currently designated the state mineral) would become the official rock of Kentucky and Kentucky [chalcedony] agate (currently the state rock) would become the official mineral of Kentucky. KAS strongly supports this legislation. 


HB 511 (Gentry) - Would allow a couple state symbols to swap places for the sake of accuracy. Coal (currently designated the state mineral) would become the official rock of Kentucky and Kentucky agate (currently the state rock) would become the official mineral of Kentucky.
Latest action: 02/16/22: to Committee on Committees (H)
Introduced  Referred to committeeAwaiting vote in first chamberDelivered to second chamberReferred to committeeAwaiting vote in second chamberPassed both chambersLaw