Update on KY legislation

Key bills awaiting resolution as session comes to an end
Lexington Herald-Leader, March 3, 2007, pg. B2.

With only eight legislative days to go, none of the 795 bills filed by lawmakers has found its way to Gov. Ernie Fletcher's desk to be signed into law.

Only one resolution, which would rename Interstate 65 in Jefferson County after Martin Luther King Jr., has been approved by both chambers and sent to the governor. Here's a look at some of the key issues still to be resolved before the 30-day session concludes.

House Bills
Child booster seats HB 53 Requires certain children to use booster seats in vehicles Approved by House; awaiting action by Senate

Felon voting rights HB 70 A Constitutional amendment that would restore voting rights for most felons Approved by House; awaiting action by Senate

Ford incentives HB 536 Provides tax incentives and a $10 million grant to Ford Approved by House; awaiting action by Senate

Human papillomavirus vaccination HB 59 Requires HPV vaccination for school-aged girls Approved by House; awaiting action by Senate

Loss of consortium HB 403 Allows a spouse whose loved one has died in an accident to sue for loss of companionship Approved by House; awaiting action by Senate

Mine safety HB 207 Increases safety inspections for underground coal mines Approved by House committee; awaiting action by full House

Minimum wage HB 305 Raises minimum wage to $7.25 an hour over two years Approved by House; awaiting action by Senate

Pardon reform HB 3 A Constitutional amendment that limits a governor's pardoning power Approved by House; awaiting action by Senate

Runoff repeal/funding HB 224/ HB 476 HB 224 would repeal runoff provision in gubernatorial election/

HB 476 would have the state pay the costs of a runoff. Both bills approved by House committee; awaiting action by full House

Social worker safety HB 362 Safety measures for social workers and funding to hire more social workers Approved by House; awaiting action by Senate

State budget amendment HB 327 Determines how the state's projected $401 million surplus is appropriated Approved by House committee; awaiting action by full House

Senate Bills
Topic Bill No. Description Action

Abortion consultation SB 179 Requires face-to-face consultation with a doctor 24 hours before abortion Approved by Senate; awaiting action by House

Adoption reform SB 141 Provides protections for parents whose children have been taken by the state Awaiting action in Senate Judiciary Committee

Campaign finance reform SB 159 Increases frequency of campaign finance reports Approved by Senate and House committee; awaiting action by full House

Domestic-partner benefits SB 152 Bans government entities from offering domestic-partner health benefits Approved by Senate; awaiting action by House

Teacher pay SB 1/ SB 2 Provides financial incentives to certain science and math teachers Approved by Senate; awaiting action by House

Speed limit increase SB 83 Increases speed limit to 70 mph on rural portions of interstates and parkways Versions approved by both chambers; must reconcile differences