Government

Advocates are optimistic medical marijuana could pass this year because more conservative leaders have been open to the idea.

A drag performer quoted scripture and told legislators that the bill threatens the ability of performers to earn a living.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer said, “It’s time to blow up that board and start over.”

“The hair that God gave you ought to be the hair that you get to wear,” said bill sponsor Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Fruit Hill.

Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates, called the bill an “important effort to keep more kids safe.” 

Rocco D’Ascenzo of Duke Energy Kentucky told lawmakers the bill would impose an “impossible hurdle."

Some senators are calling the proposal a book banning mechanism while proponents said it brings issues of inappropriate material to light.

The proposal is the third abortion-related bill filed by Republicans so far this session, but the first to introduce new exceptions to current abortion restrictions.