(WKYT) – Kentucky lawmakers are running out of time to pass key laws for this year’s session, with next Tuesday marking the last day before the veto period.
The budget plus high-profile bills remain unresolved.
Budget negotiations continue
The budget remains the biggest item for lawmakers, and a conference committee is working to get it passed before next week, likely so that if there’s any part of it vetoed, they can override that by April 15.
“Pre-K for all needs to be funded in the budget. We should not let another two or four years go by with half of our kids not being kindergarten-ready,” Gov. Andy Beshear said.
Legislative leaders have said they’re looking at other options instead of universal pre-school.
Anti-grooming bill advances
Each chamber has passed several hundred bills that await action in the other. House Bill 4, the anti-grooming law, passed the House unanimously and is now in the Senate.
“To make sure law enforcement had tools in their tool belts to step in and make sure predators are stopped before a child is victimized and traumatized for life,” said Rep. TJ Roberts, R-Ky, District 66.
Few bills signed
Out of more than 1,000 bills filed, only three have been signed by the governor. One of those deals with a residential safe room rebate program.
House Bill 1, which sets up a federal tax credit for donations into a scholarship granting organization, was vetoed but it was overridden.
That bill resulted in the debate over public versus private schools and some believe it’s a back door to fund vouchers.
“I believe that public dollars should only go to public schools. Our constitution doesn’t say only state dollars should go to public schools. It says public dollars,” Beshear said.
“The Governor did veto an opportunity to bring millions of dollars a year to Kentucky’s children without using any tax dollars,” Roberts said.
Still in the process is a bill to allow tow truck drivers to have green warning lights on them, a bill to outlaw hand held phone use while driving and one to set up more options to renew driver licenses.
The last day of the session is April 15.