State Government

Legislation mandates annual reports on “intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity,” and bars any spending on diversity programs

The record is noteworthy because Kentucky lawmakers convened for only a short legislative session of 30 days in 2023.

Thel bill to compensate people who were incarcerated for crimes they did not commit unanimously passed out of the House Judiciary committee.

Rep. Jason Petrie, R-Elkton, who chairs House Appropriations and Revenue, said the plan invests taxpayer resources with the goal of getting a return on each investment that will further benefit Kentuckians.

Republican House Speaker David Osborne said he expects the budget will remain austere, emphasizing that it will focus on “needs not wants.”

Senate Majority Whip Mike Wilson, wants to discourage diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies that he says “divide instead of unite people” in higher education.

Beshear and Republicans have long quibbled over who deserves credit for the state’s successes, but in Wednesday night’s speech Beshear extended an olive branch, acknowledging the legislature’s role in supporting economic development.

The bill helping pregnant, young Kentuckians is "50 years too late," Westerfield said.

Ahead of this year’s regular session, which began Tuesday, some GOP House members had called for changes to the rules.

The 60-day session will see the Republican-led General Assembly consider bills dealing with charter schools, abortion and firearms, as well as pass a two-year state spending plan.