Legislative Update - Week 5, 2024
In the Kentucky Senate, our role is unique, particularly during the 60-day budget session. The Constitution of Kentucky clearly outlines any revenue-raising measures, and traditionally appropriation measures, to originate with the state House of Representatives. Also, traditionally, before the House submits a two-year state budget proposal, the executive branch provides its recommendations. After these initial proposals, the Senate prepares and releases its budget. I am currently engaged with members of the Senate on ideas we may offer in our version of the biennial budget proposal. My philosophy as Senate Budget chair remains the same: discipline.
McDaniel Remarks on Senate Bill (SB) 126.
The budget process is beneficial as it allows the Senate to analyze previous proposals thoroughly. Crucially, it will enable us to define our priorities and establish a clear vision for allocating taxpayer dollars. This approach ensures the Senate remains focused on a disciplined and well-informed assessment. You can expect a thoughtful and sound approach from my colleagues and me as we craft our version of the commonwealth's two-year state budget, road plan, and other related appropriation and revenue bills.
I'm continuing efforts on legislative measures important to me. I connected with Fox 19 News in week five to discuss my Senate Bill 126, which would place reasonable restrictions on gubernatorial pardons and ensure a governor is accountable to voters for their actions. This is desperately needed following the disgusting actions of former Governor Matt Bevin. Under my constitutional amendment proposal, a governor would maintain the ability to issue pardons throughout the year but not within 30 days of an election or until the next inauguration. I explained that I felt compelled to refile these efforts again upon reading reports of potential parole of Gregory Wilson, who kidnapped, raped, and murdered Deborah Pooley. Fortunately, Wilson was not granted parole recently, but without Bevin's actions, he would have never been afforded the opportunity. I will continue conversations on this effort and others I have filed and will keep you abreast of any developments.
This week, the Senate passed various bills covering elections, bourbon industry regulations, and more. The following bills were approved and now move to the House for consideration:
SB 50 - Bourbon Industry Regulations: Implements changes to strengthen Kentucky's bourbon industry, addressing retail sales, private events, and distribution of distilled spirits. Notably, it allows distillers with a Class B license to sell and deliver up to 5,000 gallons annually to licensed retailers.
SB 80 - Election Integrity: Strengthens election integrity by refining Kentucky's voter ID laws. The bill removes student or employee IDs and credit or debit cards as identification options, aligning with previous legislation focused on reasonable voter access.
SB 81 - Higher Education Boards Alteration: Alters the makeup of KHEAA and KHESLC to meet out-of-state regulations, ensuring continued support for student loans. The bill addresses fingerprinting and financial disclosure requirements for board members, preventing ex officio members from meeting stringent out-of-state security requirements.
Thank you for your continued engagement in the 2024 Regular Session. It is a privilege to represent you in Frankfort. Find the status of legislation by calling 866-840-2835, legislative meeting information at 800-633-9650, or leaving a message for lawmakers at 800-372-7181. You can watch and follow legislative activity at KET/org/legislature and Legislature.ky.gov. You can learn more about these bills and others by visiting www.legislature.ky.gov. Thank you for staying engaged in the legislative process. It is an honor to serve you in Frankfort.