HB 5, the anti-crime bill, was opposed by a broad political spectrum with conservative and progressive groups saying the legislation needs more fiscal analysis.
Legislation to amend the Kentucky Open Records Act cleared a Senate committee despite bipartisan criticism that it would undermine government transparency, though a controversial part of the bill was rejected.
The bill would create the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation to replace the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and Department of Charitable Gaming — both of which are currently under the Public Protection Cabinet.
THe funds would go to rehabilitate the Breathitt Area Technology Center and rebuild a fire station, police station and the city hall in Mayfield, as well as the Graves County administration building.
The bill would require the state to publish a list of compliant products in a directory, which would allow manufacturers, distributors and retailers to know exactly which products could be sold in Kentucky.
House Bill 367, which is currently stalled in the Kentucky Senate, would make it harder for residents to qualify for SNAP benefits. An opponent says it could affect farmers’ businesses and livelihoods.
