The 2024 Regular Session is off to a fast-paced start. The work that all the legislators did throughout the Interim period is shown in the amount of legislation proposed. In the first two weeks of the Regular Session more than 200 bills have been filed with the clerk. Many of these will be moved to committee in the next few weeks for consideration of their passage. This week, I wanted to share summaries of a few bills that stood out to me after they were filed.
Child Support for Pregnant Women (HB 243): This week, I filed HB 243. The measure would allow pregnant women to file for child support after conception rather than birth. HB 243 builds on the work we are doing to strengthen families. Additionally, it would help mothers prepare for their child’s birth.
The Safer Kentucky Act (HB 5): As you may have seen on the news by now, HB 5 was filed this week and aims to make Kentucky a safer place to live, work, and play. The Safer Kentucky Act represents the next step in the House Majority’s commitment to addressing the crime epidemic in the Commonwealth. HB 5 includes over 20 policy provisions such as a new “Three Strikes Law” targeting experienced and persistent violent felony offenders, “Madelynn’s Law” regulating bail funding organizations, creating a Kentucky statute for carjacking, removing early release for criminals using guns in crimes, enhancing the penalty for the murder of a first responder, hardening sentences for adults using juveniles as criminal accomplices, cracking down on those involved in drive by shootings, improving protocol for involuntary confinement of the mentally ill, increasing penalties for attempted murder, and “Jake’s Law ” toughening sentencing for those who flee the police.
Preventing Veteran Suicide (HB 30): With veteran suicide rates on an upward trend through the last decade, taking steps to further protect those who dedicated their lives to protecting us is a priority to both myself and the legislature. HB 30would create the Kentucky Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Suicide Prevention Program within the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. The program would be dedicated to raising awareness of the issue and making resources available to those who might consider taking their own life. HB 30 would require the new program to work with community partners, nonprofits and state and federal programs to reduce barriers to mental and physical health services.
Notification of Drivers License Expiration (HB 218): There are few things worse than realizing your drivers license is expired when you need to use it. HB 218 would require the Transportation Cabinet to give notice of expiration to individuals that have drivers licenses nearing their expiration. This policy would help the people of Kentucky keep their identity documents up to date, and give people a reasonable amount of time to plan for a license renewal.
Expanding Drivers Licensing Services (HB 213): Several years ago, the Transportation Cabinet began shifting drivers licensing from circuit court clerks’ offices to regional drivers licensing facilities. This shifted driver’s license renewal to a model comprised of 32 facilities across the state, forcing many Kentuckians to travel an hour or more to renew their licenses in person. HB 213 directs the Transportation Cabinet to reestablish drivers licensing offices in all counties. This modification would simplify the driver’s license renewal process, and prevent Kentuckians from having to travel outside of their county to renew their license.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail atAmy.Neighbors@lrc.ky.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
