LRC Senate Legislative Session Day 33 [Source] Translate

The meeting commenced with Mr. Sargent at arms requesting non-privileged individuals to leave the chamber, followed by an invocation by Pastor Clint Elliott, who prayed for wisdom and unity among Senate members. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and a roll call confirmed a quorum with 37 members present. The first order of business was to excuse an absent senator, which was approved without objection, and the journal from the previous meeting was also approved. The Senator from Taylor welcomed viewers watching via KET and live stream, noting it was day 33 of the legislative session. The Clerk of the House reported that several House bills had passed and requested Senate concurrence. The Agriculture Committee reported favorably on Senate Bill 37 and Senate Bill 214, while the Banking and Insurance Committee reported favorably on Senate Bill 157 and Senate Bill 189 with a committee substitute. The Families and Children's Committee reported favorably on Senate Joint Resolution 54 with a committee substitute. All bills and resolutions received their first reading and were placed on the calendar. New bills introduced included Senate Bill 226, concerning pre-need burial contracts, and Senate Resolution 113, honoring Robert Conley Young. The Senate moved to the Orders of the Day, where Senate Bill 101 was taken from the calendar for a third reading. Senator Nunn explained that the bill mandates a 12-month expulsion for students in grades six through twelve who assault a school employee, with exceptions for students with disabilities or if the assault was provoked. The bill also establishes a mandatory reporting requirement for assaults against school employees, citing 25,000 reported instances since 2021. Senator Nunn shared a personal story from a teacher about classroom violence, emphasizing the need for the bill to protect teachers and improve school safety. Senate Committee Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 101 was adopted. Senator Maffei opposed the bill, expressing concerns about the harshness of mandatory expulsion for young students and advocating for discretion for school principals. A question about the number of students who would be expelled under the new law was raised, with Senator Nunn noting the difficulty in determining this due to exemptions for students with IEPs. Discussion continued regarding the implications of the bill, particularly the 25,000 students expelled over recent years, many of whom have IEPs and would be exempt from expulsion under federal law. Senators debated the potential impact on young children and the importance of providing second chances. Some senators highlighted that many expulsions involved repeat offenders, while others expressed concern about the bill disproportionately affecting students facing difficult circumstances. Supporters of the bill emphasized the need for accountability and discipline in schools, arguing that current measures are insufficient to protect teachers and students. The meeting included various votes, with some senators supporting the bill as a necessary step for school safety, while others voiced reservations about its consequences for vulnerable students. The meeting concluded with a roll call vote on the bill, which passed with 27 votes in favor and 10 against. Senate Bill 129, concerning unemployment insurance, was discussed next. The senator from Bullitt explained that the bill aims to lower unemployment insurance rates for businesses contributing to a fund for upgrading the unemployment system. An amendment was adopted, and the bill passed with 37 votes in favor. Senate Bill 162, addressing issues related to children and education, was introduced. The senator from Bourbon explained that the bill seeks to eliminate ineffective family accountability interventions and response teams, aiming to expedite services for students beyond school control while maintaining safety. The bill passed with 38 votes in favor and 7 against. Senate Bill 170, focused on status offenses and truancy, was also discussed. The senator from Laurel highlighted the importance of early intervention and family engagement, establishing a truancy prevention pilot program and strengthening diversion agreements. The bill passed with unanimous support after amendments were adopted. The meeting reflected a collaborative effort to address youth-related issues through legislative measures, emphasizing supportive interventions over punitive measures. Discussions included the challenges faced by youth in the juvenile justice system and the need for adequate resources to support families, particularly during the diversion stage. The speaker urged consideration of financial allocations for community programs and improved data sharing among systems to better support youth and families. The meeting also included discussions on a joint resolution aimed at improving healthcare access in underserved areas, directing Kentucky's major universities to report on strategies for enhancing healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. A senator addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of military support and alliances, and the strategic significance of U.S. support for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. Several resolutions were adopted, including those honoring individuals and organizations for their contributions to the community. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn until 2 p.m. on February 25, 2026.