LRC House Legislative Session Day 30 [Source] Translate

The meeting began with an invocation by Reverend Jerry Morton DeWitt and the Pledge of Allegiance. A quorum was confirmed with 95 members present. The House excused absent members and suspended rules for co-sponsoring bills and vote modifications. The Senate clerk reported the passage of Senate Bills 47, 85, and 159, seeking House concurrence. The journal from February 18, 2026, was approved. The second reading included House Bills 111 (on-farm animal health), 141 (type 1 diabetes), 185 (employment), 455 (artificial intelligence), and 627 (insurance). Committee reports recommended passing House Bills 534 (elections), 510 (organ donation safety), and 220 (pension spiking), while House Bill 168 (boating under the influence) was sent to the Rules Committee. House Bill 485, concerning mental illness care, was discussed. Representative Nemes explained the bill, which amends civil commitment laws to extend review periods and introduce new treatment options. House Floor Amendment 2 was adopted to tighten treatment order language, emphasizing community-based outpatient treatment. House Floor Amendment 1 was also adopted, requiring reports on community mental health programs. House Bill 485, as amended, passed with 95 votes in favor. House Bill 43, regarding deputy coroner training, was introduced, allowing a 180-day grace period for training completion. The bill passed unanimously with 96 votes in favor. House Bill 139, related to elections and declaring an emergency, was introduced. A committee substitute was adopted, and an amendment stipulating non-disclosure of votes for candidates who withdraw, die, or are disqualified was also adopted. The bill passed with 92 votes in favor and one against. House Bill 414, concerning booking procedures in local jails, was discussed. It allows DNA collection upon felony arrest and passed with 73 votes in favor and 18 against. House Bill 297, securing eligibility for Kentucky State Fair Board police under the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council, passed unanimously with 96 votes in favor. The meeting included various announcements, including an invitation to breakfast with Kentucky State Police Troopers and a celebration of Louisville night at the Foundry. Citations were presented to Dr. Hannah Huffman and Valerie Greenhill. A historical reflection on Phillis Wheatley was shared, emphasizing the importance of recognizing contributions to American history. A member from Jefferson withdrew House Bill 207, and introduced her legislative intern, Om Le Kung. The meeting continued with announcements about the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee meeting and recognition of special guests. New bills and resolutions were introduced, covering education, budget, health data, tourism, and controlled substances. A recess was called for committee meetings, and upon reconvening, the Committee on Committees reported on bill referrals, while the Rules Committee posted several bills for future consideration. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn until 9 a.m. on February 20, 2026, which was approved without objection.