LRC House Legislative Session Day 33 [Source] Translate

The meeting began with an invocation by Pastor Tom Troth and the Pledge of Allegiance. A roll call confirmed a quorum with 97 members present. The House excused absent members and suspended rules to allow co-sponsorship of bills and vote modifications. The Clerk of the Senate reported the passage of Senate Bills 52 and 124, seeking House concurrence. The journal from February 23, 2023, was approved. The Appropriations and Revenue Committee reported on several bills, including House Bill 1, which implements the Federal Education Opportunity Program in Kentucky, and House Bill 2, concerning Medicaid. Other committees reported on bills related to animal control, emergency services, post-secondary education, vehicle regulations, and machine gun conversion devices. House Bill 307 and House Bill 1 were sent to the Rules Committee for further action. The House recessed for caucuses, with the majority caucus meeting in the annex and the minority caucus in the parking lot. Upon reconvening, House Bill 568 was discussed and passed with 95 votes in favor and one against. This bill regulates public adjusters in Kentucky, prohibiting new licenses while allowing renewals and including consumer protection measures. House Bill 1 was also taken up for a third reading. It allows Kentucky to opt into the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program, providing scholarships for K-12 students without using state taxpayer dollars. The program aims to enhance educational opportunities, especially for low-income households. While proponents highlighted its benefits, concerns were raised about its impact on public education and potential favoritism towards wealthier individuals. A proposed scholarship program for public school students was discussed, covering various educational expenses. The implications of waiving the Commonwealth's 11th Amendment immunity were debated, particularly regarding lawsuits related to the bill. Concerns about the bill's rushed introduction and lack of public access to the committee substitute were voiced, with some members fearing it could lead to vouchers and charter schools. An amendment for enhanced oversight of the scholarship program was proposed but not passed. Further discussions included the implications for private schools and the oversight of the federal tax program. The meeting concluded with a vote on House Bill 1, which passed with 79 votes in favor and 17 against. House Bill 627, relating to insurance and personal injury protection laws, was also passed with 85 votes in favor and 9 against. House Bill 422, known as Logan's Law, aimed at reforming mandatory early release for violent offenders, passed with 93 votes in favor and 1 against. Announcements included a special meeting of the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee and the issuance of subpoenas to the executive branch. The meeting also featured legislative citations recognizing individuals and events, including a moment of silence for Logan James Dean Tipton. The introduction of new bills and resolutions was noted, covering various topics. The Committee on Committees and Rules Committee reported on bill referrals, and floor amendments to several House Bills were introduced. The meeting adjourned until 2 p.m. on February 25, 2026.