by Kentucky Senator

Sara Beth Gregory

16th Senatorial District

Senate Bill 7 signed into law

By Sara Beth Gregory, 16th District Senator

It was another busy week on and off of the floor of the Senate. On Wednesday, I joined Senate President Robert Stivers and other legislators at the Capitol as Governor Beshear signed Senate Bill 7, which I co-sponsored, into law. Senate Bill 7 expands the ability of nurse practitioners to prescribe routine medications that are not narcotic substances.

In order to qualify, the nurse practitioner must have worked for four years with a collaborative prescribing agreement with a physician. This measure expands access to primary health care, which is especially important in rural areas.

Also on Wednesday, I enjoyed spending time with Lindsey Wilson College Republicans, who visited Frankfort to see government in action. The group had the opportunity to tour the Capitol, attend a committee meeting, meet with legislative leaders, and attend the Senate Bill 7 signing ceremony. It is always a pleasure to welcome groups of students and other visitors to our State Capitol.

The Senate considered several bills this week that would update and improve policies, laws, and services in the Commonwealth. These bills don’t generally get much attention, but are important to keep state running smoothly. We passed bills dealing with state retirement spiking, employee classification, and “house-keeping” bills that re-organize certain governmental offices to improve efficiency.

The Senate also passed SCR 44 to name Kentucky as the “Houseboat Capital of the World.” Representatives of several houseboat manufacturers were in Frankfort for the day, as we recognized the significance of this industry to our regional and state economy.

Much work has also been happening behind the scenes as I, and other Senate members of the Appropriations and Revenue Committee, have been following the House’s work on the budget, meeting with state budget officials, and preparing for when the budget legislation will be delivered to our chamber.

In committee this week, I presented Senate Bill 100, which would allow CCDW applications and renewals to be submitted and processed electronically. The legislation will significantly reduce the time it takes for individuals to obtain their concealed carry permit. The Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee unanimously voted in favor of the bill, which is supported by the Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association, and National Rifle Association. It now goes to the Senate floor for consideration.

Another related bill is Senate Bill 106, which was also approved in committee and would allow a person protected by an EPO or DVO to receive a provisional concealed carry license for 90 days upon passing a criminal background check. That license could then be converted into a regular CCDW permit upon completion of the required training course.

As always, I invite you to contact me with feedback or concerns about legislative issues that interest 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.