State Government Archives

Kentucky legislature advances expansive anti-trans bill

by Sarah Ladd
March 14, 2023

An addition to the bill states, "Students in grade five and below will not receive instruction about human sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases. Students in sixth grade and above must have a parent’s consent to receive such instruction."

House committee OKs 2024 vote on school choice constitutional amendment

by McKenna Horsley
March 14, 2023

An opponent said the amendment would nullify four sections of the Kentucky constitution that relate to the legislature’s “obligations to the public schools.”

House panel advances bill mandating process for parents to challenge books, programs in Kentucky schools

by Liam Niemeyer
March 13, 2023

Opponents of the legislation say it is a slippery slope to banning books.

Ky. Senate advances bill criminalizing ‘sexually explicit’ drag shows around children

by Sarah Ladd
March 10, 2023

Those who violate the rules in the bill would be subject to misdemeanors the first two violations and felonies on the third and thereafter.

Sports betting legalization, ban on ‘gray machines’ advance in Kentucky house

by Liam Niemeyer
March 9, 2023

"Gray machines,” or slot-style machines common in many bars and gas stations in Kentucky, derive their name from their murky legal status.

Ban on Ky. college ‘gun free zones’ added to unrelated bill advances

by Ryland Barton
March 7, 2023

The bill is unanimously opposed by the presidents of Kentucky’s state universities and all campus police chiefs.

Kentucky lawmakers filed 8 medical marijuana bills in current session

by Divya Karthikeyan
March 6, 2023

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

Ky. lawmaker says drag show bill is pro-children, not anti-LGBTQ

by Sarah Ladd
March 6, 2023

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

State commission disciplines Christian Circuit Judge John Atkins with a public reprimand

by Jennifer P. Brown
March 2, 2023

One complaint stemmed from Atkins' conduct during a trial for a defendant charged in connection with child abuse at the First United Methodist Church daycare.

Senate Republicans take aim at Beshear in bill to ‘blow up’ KET board

by Liam Niemeyer
March 2, 2023

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

CROWN Act stalls in Kentucky legislature

by McKenna Horsley
March 1, 2023

“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.

Bill to ensure proper reporting of child abuse in Kentucky advances

by Sarah Ladd
March 1, 2023

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