by Kentucky Senator

Sara Beth Gregory – 16th Senatorial District

Exciting events at

the Capitol last week

By Sara Beth Gregory, 16th District Senator

[Editor’s note: Due to an editor’s oversight, this column was omitted from last week’s Clinton County News (02-06-14). Since we consider the events in Kentucky’s General Assembly to be of utmost importance to our readers, we are publishing last week’s column from Senator Gregory, along with her updated column for this week. The NEWS apologizes for the omission.]

This was a busy week in Frankfort both on and off the floor of the Senate Chambers. Among the many events held in the Capitol Rotunda this week were the Right to Life Rally, 874K Coalition Rally, and an event sponsored by the Kentucky Non-Profit Network. It is always inspiring to see engaged citizens taking time and making their voices heard here in the capital, and it is a reminder of how blessed we are to live in a country that allows us the freedom to express our beliefs and opinions.

On Thursday, I spoke before a large crowd at the Right to Life Rally, along with President Robert Stivers and other legislators, as many gathered to express their voice in support of the pro-life cause. As the primary sponsor on Senate Bill 3, I am proud to stand for this issue and work to preserve the sanctity of life for all. As I stated at the Rally, the greatest privilege of serving as a legislator in the General Assembly is having the opportunity to speak on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.

Another large rally was held by the 874K Coalition, which seeks to bring together and strengthen the voices of the growing number of Kentuckians (874,000 plus) who are identified as having a disability that interferes with activities of daily living. The 874K Coalition is comprised of organizations representing individuals with disabilities, their family members, advocates, providers and concerned citizens. Many of those in attendance also advocated in favor of Senate Bill 98, which is legislation I filed that would establish an adult protection registry to prevent abusive caregivers from leaving one employer and continuing to work in the same field with other vulnerable individuals.

Finally, at the Kentucky Non-Profit Day at the Capitol, I was honored to receive a Non-Profit Advocacy Partner award for my work with the Prichard Committee and others, to pass legislation to strengthen and protect the HANDS program during last year’s legislative session. The HANDS home visiting program provides training to new mothers and is proven to be effective in leading to healthier infants and children who are more prepared to being school.

As for legislative activity, several important bills were heard in committee meetings. Senate Bill 1 is a priority of our caucus and was reported favorably out of the State and Local Government Committee this week. This legislation would place a stronger check on the ability of the executive branch to push through regulations that do not comport with the legislative intent. Currently, the executive branch can enforce regulations even if they are found deficient by the reviewing legislative committee. Senate Bill 1 would put a constitutional amendment on the ballot to give the legislature a mechanism to halt these types of regulations.

Other bills passed this by the full Senate include: Senate Bill 99, which will promote more private investment in broadband and internet technology but includes important protections to ensure land line service continues to be available in rural areas; Senate Bill 45, which would allow search warrants to be delivered electronically; and Senate Bill 41, which expands the ability of Physicians Assistants to treat patients, still under physician supervision, and will improve access to healthcare throughout the state.

I value and appreciate your input on issues that arise during the session. I invite you to contact me about any legislative issues of interest to you. Please call my office in Frankfort at 502-564-8100, or toll-free at 800-372-7181, or by e-mail at sara.gregory@lrc.ky.gov. More information about the work of the Legislature is available on the Legislative Research Commission website, www.lrc.ky.gov. You may also follow our caucus on twitter at @kysenategop.

Legislative session is one-third complete

By Sara Beth Gregory, 16th District Senator

The work of the legislature continued this week in spite of the snow and ice that blanketed Frankfort and much of the state.

The first third of this session is now complete, and we saw the first bill receive final passage. Senate Bill 7 is an important bill to increase access to quality healthcare by allowing experienced nurse practitioners to independently prescribe routine, non-narcotic medications.

Other key bills passed the Senate this week addressing pro-life issues, education, and legislative independence.

I co-sponsor Senate Bill 8, which would require an ultrasound for patients seeking an abortion to ensure fully informed consent. Like the face-to-face informed consent that I sponsor, Senate Bill 3, this bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support by a vote of 33-5. Both of these pro-life measures now await consideration by the House.

Senate Bill 1, which I also co-sponsor, places a constitutional amendment on the ballot to ensure checks and balances on regulatory authority by empowering the General Assembly to stop the enactment Executive Branch regulations that are found deficient. Currently, the Governor may approve regulations even if the reviewing legislative committee votes to find them deficient. The bill passed with a vote along party lines.

Senate Bill 87, passed on Wednesday, would allow high school juniors and seniors to use KEES money to pay for up to six dual-credit hours at colleges and universities in the state and would also allow these students to use the scholarship money to begin career or technical education programs while in high school.

Another proposed constitutional amendment, Senate Bill 58 would abolish the Office of State Treasurer and save the Commonwealth at least $1.4 million in the first year, and $750,000 in subsequent years by merging the duties of that office with the Finance Cabinet and State Auditor’s office.

One of my bills passed as well. Senate Bill 64 was suggested by a group of constituents and would slightly ease the helmet laws for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Currently, ATV riders are not required to wear helmets on private property or when engaged in farming or business activities. This bill would allow riders to cross two-lane public roadways with a speed limit of 55 or less without a helmet being required to cross the road.

Another bill that I sponsor was unanimously approved this week by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senate Bill 98 would create an Adult Protection Registry, which is needed to prevent caregivers who have abused elderly or disabled adults from continuing to work with other vulnerable individuals. The bill would also establish due process protections for alleged perpetrators. That bill now awaits consideration by the full Senate.

As always, I appreciate your input on legislative issues that arise during the session. I invite you to contact me with feedback or concerns about issues of interest to you. You may contact me in Frankfort at 502-564-8100, toll-free at 800-372-7181, or by e-mail at sara.gregory@lrc.ky.gov. More information about the work of the Legislature is available on the Legislative Research Commission website, www.lrc.ky.gov, and you may also watch legislative proceedings live online at www.ket.org.