2024 Legislative Session in Review

The 2024 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly saw a large number of bills enacted, including many of great interest and importance to CCK and the Catholic community. Here are a few of the major highlights.

On the positive side, HB 2 was passed, which will place on the general election ballot in November a proposed constitutional amendment to allow the legislature to enact educational choice programs in Kentucky. After a series of court decisions striking down education programs, this is the clearest way forward for expanding educational options and opportunities for all Kentucky families.

Also, SB 74 became the vehicle for what was originally HB 10, the “Momnibus” bill. HB 10 was the result of months of bipartisan and bicameral study and discussion around improving and supporting maternal and infant health. Among other things, SB 74 helps connect mothers with mental health services when needed, increases education for breastfeeding and safe sleep, creates special enrollment periods within health plans for pregnancy, and ensures health plans offer comprehensive maternal health care.

Unfortunately, a number of bills also passed that cause us significant concern.

The legislature took a sharp turn away from evidence-based approaches to criminal justice, returning instead to the long-term trend of punitive measures and mass incarceration. HB 5, the “Safer Kentucky Act,” was the most significant bill passed along these lines. It addresses the increasing homelessness crisis by creating a new crime of “unlawful camping” for sleeping outside, while making no requirements that law enforcement attempt to place individuals in shelters before arresting or charging them. HB 5 also creates two levels of sentences for vandalism depending on the defendant’s financial resources (paying damages can buy down the offense from a felony to a misdemeanor). There are various provisions that could also result in increased application of the death penalty.

SB 20 is a juvenile justice bill that takes judges’ discretion away when considering whether to transfer a juvenile to adult court in cases where a firearm was used. Previously, a judge would consider the use of a firearm and the seriousness of the offense, but also could take into account the maturity of the defendant and any significant developmental disabilities that might indicate the case would be best dealt with in juvenile court. SB 20 removes those factors from the judge’s consideration and leaves the decision solely in the hands of the prosecutor.

SB 299 is a sweeping reorganization of gaming regulation. It creates a new Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation, which will regulate all gaming activity except for the state lottery. Over our objection, the oversight of charitable gaming was including in this change. Going forward, the new Corporation’s Board, dominated by for-profit gaming representatives, will be the regulatory and licensing authority for all charitable gaming in Kentucky. We hope to have a positive relationship with the new Corporation, but a change this dramatic does put the long-term viability of charitable gaming in doubt.

Throughout this session, we issued several action alerts and received a very strong response. Your voice does truly make a difference. Our work in Frankfort would have very little effect if legislators did not hear from their own constituents on these and other issues we talk about with them. Thank you for your commitment to Faithful Citizenship.