Legislative leaders plan to work independently on the issue after Beshear suggested the GOP and Democratic caucuses collaborate in figuring out how to use $400 million in federal relief money.
Five lawmakers are sponsoring BR 45, which would update the Kentucky civil right acts to include sexual orientation and gender identity among the protected classes, prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in the areas of housing, employment and public accommodation.
The legislature’s Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary discussed the proposal during a meeting on Thursday as lawmakers consider what to take up in the next legislative session, which begins in January.
Juvenile Justice Commissioner Vicki Reed, who was appointed to the position in August, said the department is working to correct the issues, but defended staff using holds to defend themselves or control kids.
The Kentucky Department of Education has been holding roundtables to discuss mental health issues in recent weeks, with students also reporting heightened depression and anxiety.
During a legislative hearing on Monday, a University of Louisville professor said bumping up the tax on historical racing machines — like those at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming and Hotel — wouldn’t be the financial windfall some have hoped for.
Republicans who control the legislature, and a few Democratic lawmakers, have said they trust local school officials to make the right decisions, but Beshear countered that school districts across the country have not done that.
