Free speech advocates say wealthy companies and individuals use what’s called a strategic lawsuit against public participation, or SLAPP, to retaliate against people or organizations that criticize them.
Although the exact dollar benefit to Kentucky through the infrastructure bill is not clear, Deputy Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock noted it would help speed up construction.
The administration has blamed the problems on understaffing, antiquated software and security issues that have led to delays in overhauling the system.
Kentucky State Police and the Administrative Office of the Courts will have final say on what goes into the system and who has access to it. The project is being funded with federal coronavirus relief money, which requires it to be completed by the end of the year
The commission, which will meet monthly and hear from experts focusing on racial disparities, is tasked with making recommendations for potential legislative action.
The Department of Corrections made at least $3.2 million last year off of incarcerated people’s phone calls, financial records obtained by the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting have revealed.
Kentucky joined 19 other states that have passed legislation allowing students athletes to be paid for their name, image and likeness — and became the first state to enact the policy by executive order.
It is especially significant considering that as of 2018, Kentucky had the third-highest rate in the nation of children who have experienced the incarceration of a parent.
The Kentucky Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday over the legislature’s attempt to limit Gov. Andy Beshear’s emergency powers, a day before the governor scheduled coronavirus restrictions are set to expire.
