General Assembly has productive third week

It was a productive third week of the 2019 Regular Session, as the General Assembly remained hard at work in Frankfort.

Working with our colleagues across the aisle, we forged ahead in committee meetings in which we heard testimony, discussed policy, and advanced bills for a floor vote. Friday, we reached the filing deadline for new bills in the Senate. Moreover, we are pleased with the consequential legislation that is before us this session.

The Senate Majority made notable progress on our legislative agenda successfully passing nine bills over the course of the week. This legislation will now move to the other chamber to be deliberated by the State House of Representatives. Prominently among those passed were bills concerning 2nd Amendment rights and pro-life measures.

Always a passionate topic, the Senate addressed abortion this week. After much consideration, we passed a “Fetal Heartbeat Bill.” Senate Bill 9 would ban the ability to receive an abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat with the exception of a medical emergency to which the mother’s life is at risk. This pro-life legislation is just one of the many pro-life related bills the General Assembly will consider this year. I will remain steadfast by voting to protect life, as I was a co-sponsor of this bill.

Senate Bill 150, would allow someone to carry a concealed firearm without a license. The measure states that people 21 or older who are able to lawfully possess a firearm may carry a concealed weapon without a license in the same locations as people with valid state-issued licenses. Another provision states no one would be allowed to carry or possess any deadly weapon where it is already prohibited by federal law. I cast a “yes” vote on this bill.

Every day, I am mindful of the primary obligation we have as legislators: To represent those who entrusted us with this responsibility. The Regular Session is a pivotal time to statutorily address the needs and concerns of our district in the capitol. I remain humbled to serve as your State Senator as we continue to work towards developing policy that is best for all Kentuckians.

For ambitious students who want to be a part of this year’s legislative process, the Senate offers page opportunities for all ages. Students interested should contact my office at (502) 564-8100 to make a formal request. Full-time page opportunities are also available. More information regarding both page programs can be found at www.legisature.ky.gov.

If you have any questions or comments about these issues or any other public policy issue, please call the toll-free line at 1-800-372-7181 or email me at Max.Wise@LRC.ky.gov. You can also review the Legislature’s work online at www.lrc.ky.gov.# # #

Note: Senator Max Wise (R-Campbellsville) represents the 16th District which encompasses Adair, Clinton, Cumberland, McCreary, Russell, Taylor, and Wayne Counties. He is chairman of the Enrollment Committee and the Government Nonprofit Contracting Task Force; Vice Chair of the Education Committee; co-chair of the Government Contract Review Committee; as well as a member of the Appropriations and Revenue Committee; the Economic Development, Tourism and Labor Committee; the Health and Welfare Committee; and the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee. He is the Chair of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation and a member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development and Tourism, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. He is also a member of the Education and Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee, the Tourism Development Subcommittee.