Bill Tracker

KFTC's legislative issues during the

2018 Kentucky General Assembly

If you’d like to take action on any of the bills listed in the tracker, you can contact your legislators at 1-800-372-7181. Operators can help you find your legislator and it’s very simple to leave a message.

To check the status of a bill, click on the bill number in the Summary column.

You can get additional resources for taking action by visiting KFTC's General Assembly page. Here you can find resources for talking with your legislator, reporting back what you learn, information on lobby days, and more.

Finally, please like us on Facebook. That’s where we will provide the quickest, latest updates on important bills that begin to move or need action.

KFTC Supports Tax Reform House Bill 29 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Jim Wayne + 11 cosponsors	Summary House Bill 29 will make Kentucky's tax system more fair, adequate and sustainable with a broad variety of reforms.	Additional Information KFTC's platform supports creating a just economy that sustains communities, families and individuals, and establishing an equitable, fair and progressive tax structure. KFTC's HB 29 Handout.
KFTC Supports Voting Rights House Bill 376 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. George Brown	Summary House Bill 376, the Restoration of Voting Rights Amendment, would allow voters statewide a chance to vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights to most former felons upon the completion of their sentence.	Additional Information KFTC’s platform calls for restoring voting rights to former felons. See our HB 376 handout.
KFTC Supports Clean Energy Opportunity Act House Bill 196 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Mary Lou Marzian + 3 cosponsors	Summary HB 196 would require utilities to use increasing amounts of renewable energy, take energy-efficiency measures and implement energy-efficiency programs.	Additional Information KFTC's platform supports the development of a clean energy economy in Kentucky. HB 196 could be an important step toward implementing the Empower Kentucky Plan. House Bill 196 handout
KFTC Supports Uniform Residential Landlord Tenant Act House Bill 550 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. McKenzie Cantrell	Summary House Bill 550 would apply statewide standards to encourage “landlords and tenants to maintain and improve the quality of housing.” These standards already exist with local governments having the option to adopt them.	Additional Information KFTC's platform recognizes that good health is determined by a wide range of social and economic factors, including housing. We support quality, affordable, accessible housing for all persons. We demand just housing policies that protect the rights of renters to be treated fairly and encourage resident involvement in decision-making processes. URLTA handout
KFTC Supports Pipeline re-purposing Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Rick Girdler	Summary Senate Resolution 254 expresses concerns about the proposed repurposing of an existing natural gas pipeline and expectations of due diligence by proponents and state and federal regulators should the project come to full re	Additional Information The KFTC platform oppose the construction of new pipelines, or the repurposing of existing pipelines, to carry oil, fracked gas or its by-products, tar sands oil or any toxic substances because of the proven vulnerability of pipelines to leaks and explosions that can adversely affect residents.
KFTC Supports Caps on utility profits House Bill 401 Senate Bill 147 Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Ray Jones, Rep. John Blanton	Summary Senate Bill 147 and House Bill 401 would cap the rate of return at 6% for utilities serving economically distressed areas and regulated by the Public
KFTC Supports RECLAIM Act Bill Sponsor(s): Reps. Angie Hatton & Chris Fugate	Summary House Resolution 154 urges Congress to pass the RECLAIM Act.	Additional Information KFTC's platform maintains that since clean air, water and land are every Kentuckian’s right, KFTC supports protecting and preserving a clean environment and protecting health and bio-diversity by working for stronger regulations and better enforcement.
KFTC Supports Statewide Fairness House Bill 195 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, Sen. Morgan McGarvey	Summary House Bill 195 and Senate Bill 190 would prohibit discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodations and financial transactions on the basi	Additional Information KFTC’s platform opposes and condemns discrimination.
KFTC Supports Minimum Wage Increase House Bill 303 Senate Bill 17 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, Sen. Reggie Thomas	Summary House Bill 303 would increase the minimum wage for many workers to $8.80 by August 2018, $10.35 by August 2019, to $11.90 by August 2020, and to $13.45 by August 2021 and $15 by August 2022; also prohibit wage discrimination. Senate Bill 17 would increase the minimum wage for many workers to $10.10 per hour by 2020, and for tipped workers to $4.90 per hour by 2021.	Additional Information KFTC's platform calls for a living wage for all Kentuckians. Here's more information about a minimum wage increase from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy.
KFTC Supports Local mimimum wage House Bill 393 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. McKenzie Cantrell	Summary House Bill 393 would allow local governments to pass a local minimum wage higher than the state minimum wage.
KFTC Supports Death Penalty Abolition House Bill 155 Senate Bill 54 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Chad McCoy, Sen. Gerald Neal	Summary House Bill 155 and Senate Bill 54 would abolish the death penalty and create a sentence of life imprisonment without parole.	Additional Information KFTC's platform supports the abolition of the death penalty. Here's more information from the Kentucky Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.
KFTC Supports Ban the Box House Bill 28 Senate Bill 172 Bill Sponsor(s): Reps. George Brown, Sen. Gerald Neal	Summary House Bill 28 and Senate Bill 172 would make it unlawful to require a job applicant to disclose his or her criminal history prior to making an offer of employment.	Additional Information KFTC’s platform opposes discrimination based on current or former incarceration status.
KFTC Supports Expungement House Bill 377 Senate Bill 185 Bill Sponsor(s): Reps. George Brown, Darryl Owens; Sen. Gerald Neal	Summary House Bill 377 and Senate Bill 185 would make additional offenses eligible for expungement and reduce the filing fee for felony expungement from $500	Additional Information KFTC's platform supports working toward a more fair justice system, and programs that promote the positive re-entry of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated prisoners into our communities.
KFTC Supports Restore Prevailing Wage House Bill 233 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Mary Lou Marzian	Summary House Bill 233 would reinstitute prevailing wage requirement for all public projects.	Additional Information KFTC's platform supports the right to a living wage for all Kentuckians
KFTC Supports Workers' Rights House Bill 237 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. McKenzie Cantrell + 14 cosponsors	Summary House Bill 237 would repeal restrictions in state law allowing public employees to organize, bargain collectively and strike.	Additional Information KFTC's platform supports the right of workers to organize and the right to collective bargaining.
KFTC Supports Early Voting Senate Bill 14 Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Reggie Thomas	Summary Senate Bill 14 would set up in-person early voting period for three Saturdays prior to an election., and extend Election Day voting hours to 8 p.m.	Additional Information KFTC’s platform supports policies that facilitate full democratic participation.
KFTC Supports Medical Marijuana House Bill 166 Senate Bill 118 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. John Sims, Sen. Stephen West	Summary House Bill 166 and Senate Bill 118 would establish requirements for the cultivation, production, processing, distribution, and sale of medical cannab	Additional Information The KFTC platform supports the legalization of production, sale and consumption of cannabis and cannabis-based products for medical and recreational use, and amnesty of anyone currently experiencing legal ramifications of cannabis related charges. We support policies that restrict the monopolization of cannabis by corporate entities.
KFTC Supports Repeal "Blue Lives Matter" House Bill 181 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Attica Scott	Summary House Bill 181 would repeal the "Blue Lives Matter" legisalation passed by the 2017 General Assembly.	Additional Information KFTC's platform affirms that we will work toward a more fair justice system not mired in discrimination.
KFTC Supports Repeal Marriage Amendment House Bill 179 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Attica Scott	Summary House Bill 179 is a proposed constitutional amendment that, upon approval by voters, would repeal language added in 2994 restricting marriage.	Additional Information This is a basic civil rights issue and would make the state constitutional consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriages.
KFTC Supports Earned Income Tax Credit Senate Bill 180 Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Morgan McGarvey	Summary Senate Bill 180 would establish a state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) at 10% of the federal rate.
KFTC Supports Repeal charter schools House Bill 180 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Attica Scott, Rep. Rick Nelson	Summary House Bill 180 would repeal legislation passed in 2017 to establish charter schools. House Bill 205 also would repeal charter school legislation.	Additional Information KFTC's platform calls for a system of high-quality public education, including pre-school through higher education, that is accessible and affordable for all Kentuckians. Charter schools take resources from public education and do not serve all students.
KFTC Supports Campaign Contribution Limits Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Mary Lou Marzian	Summary House Resolution 98 urges Congress to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to allow Congress and the states to set reasonable limits on spending to influence elections.	Additional Information KFTC's platform supports campaign spending limits and public financing of elections to reduce the amount spent on elections and the power of big money contributors.
KFTC Opposes Net metering House Bill 227 Bill Sponsor(s): Reps. Jim Gooch, Larry Brown, Matt Castlen, Sal Santoro, Jeff Greer, Brian Lender	Summary House Bill 227 redefines net metering and lowers compensation rates, undermining rooftop solar. HB 227 was approved by the House Natural Resources & Energy Committee on February 8, and by the full House on March 14, 49-44. The Senate Natural Resources & Energy Committee approved an amended (and still unacceptable) bill on March 29. See how committee members voted Watch the committee hearing See how the full House voted See how the Senate committee voted	Additional Information KFTC's platform calls for energy policies that promote the development of community-scale, locally owned renewable energy sources, create local jobs, and help low-wealth households, enterprises, and communities to access energy efficiency measures and clean energy solutions. This bill attempts to do just the opposite. HB 227 would effectively end net-metering as we know it, also hurting Kentucky's independent solar installers.
KFTC Opposes Bevin Budget House Bill 200 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Steve Rudy	Summary House Bill 200 is the governor's proposed budget. It makes deep cuts in almost all essential programs and services, eliminating state funding for 70 programs including textbooks, the Kentucky Commission on Women and many education programs. It fails to raise the new revenue needed to help Kentucky prosper.	Additional Information KFTC’s platform supports funding effective and efficient community services through an equitable, fair and progressive tax structure. HB 200 falls well short of this goal.
KFTC Opposes Public pension system Senate Bill 1 Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Joe Bowen	Summary Senate Bill 1 would make substantive changes to the type and amount of pension benefits that public employees receive. Read an analysis of Senate Bill 1 by the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. SB 1 passd the Senate State & Local Government Committee (see how committee members voted) but failed to get enough support for a vote on the Senate floor. Some of the provisions of SB 1 were added to Senate Bill 151, a bill originally about sewers, when SB 151 was in the House State Government Committee.	Additional Information On March 29, Republican House leaders re-wrote SB 151 into a 291-page pension bill. They rushed it through the House State Government Committee, a vote on the House floor (it passed 49-45) and finally a vote on the Senate floor (it passed 22-15) all in a matter of a few hours. Most legislators voted on the bill without having read it. See how legislators voted on the SB 151 after it became the pension bill.
KFTC Opposes "Bathroom Bill" House Bill 326 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. David Hale	Summary House Bill 326 would require the state to designate every multiple occupancy bathroom or changing facility to only be used by persons based on their biological sex.	Additional Information KFTC’s platform supports affirming people's gender identities and gender expressions and opposes discrimination.
KFTC Opposes Marriage discrimination House Bill 372 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Jason Petrie + 37 Republicans	Summary House Bill 372 bans enforcement of civil rights laws for same-sex couples if the violator claims a religious exemption. A significantly modified version of the bill, which will not weaken existing law, passed the House Judiciary Committee on March 14 and the full House, 85-2, on March 16. More infomation here.	Additional Information The KFTC platform condemns and opposes discrimination, oppression and harassment of all people by public or private individuals or institutions based on gender, gender identity, gender expression, familial status and other defining characteristics.
KFTC Opposes Call for a Federal Constitutional Convention Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Regina Huff, Rep. Scott Wells	Summary Passage of House Joint Resolution 81 would add Kentucky to the list of states to get to the 34 needed to open up the U.S. Constitution for change. These resolutions are directed at "fiscal restraint" and "limiting the powers and jurisdiction of the federal government" – which basically means that they could propose about any changes to our constitution. House Joint Resolution 119 similarly calls for a national convention to re-write the U.S. Constitution for the purpoe of adding a balanced budget amendment.	Additional Information KFTC's platform supports a healthy democracy. A Constitutional Convention would be a huge threat to our democracy. HJR 81/HJR 119 handout
KFTC Opposes Anti-sanctuary cities House Bill 240 Bill Sponsor(s): Reps. Lynn Bechler, Brandon Reed	Summary House Bill 240 would require local law enforcement agencies and KSP to enforce immigration laws; prohibit local governments from adopting sanctuary policies; withhold state funding; prohibit educational institutions from enrolling, employing, or contracting with undocumented folks; require post-secondary educational institutions to keep records of immigration status; withhold state funding.	Additional Information KFTC's platform supports the right of residents who are undocumented to be treated with the respect and dignity that all human beings are entitled to. We also support open pathways to citizenship for people who are undocumented.
KFTC Opposes Workers' Compensation House Bill 2 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Adam Koenig	Summary House Bill 2 cuts short the amount of time certain workers can receive workers comp benefits for permanent partial disabilities. The bill targets disabled coal miners, among others.	Additional Information HB 2 was approved 15-7-1 by the House Economic Development and Workforce Investment Committee on February 15, and by the full house, 55-39, on February 21. See how House members voted. An amended HB 2 was passed by the Senate, 23-14, on March 22. The House concurred with the Senate changes by a 55-39 votes on March 27.
KFTC Opposes Wage Discrimination Senate Bill 35 Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. John Schickel	Summary Senate Bill 35 would take away the right to overtime pay for workers at certain amusement parks and seasonal operations.	Additional Information KFTC's platform supports the right to a living wage for all Kentuckians; we oppose wage discrimination. SB 35 was passed by the Senate on January 29 by a 19-16 vote. See how they voted.
KFTC Opposes Energy subsidies Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. John Blanton	Summary House Concurrent Resolution 115 would ask Congress to put a moratorium on closing coal-burning power plants and eliminate subsidies for renewable energy.	Additional Information The KFTC platform calls for energy policies that promote the development of community-scale, locally owned renewable energy sources, create local jobs and help low-wealth households, enterprises and communities to access energy efficiency measures and clean energy solutions.
KFTC Opposes Voter ID House Bill 215 Bill Sponsor(s): Reps. Jerry Tipton, Kim King	Summary House Bill 215 would require a voter to have a picture identification card issued by a governmental or educational entity to be presented to election officers if identity is not confirmed by personal acquaintance (Kentucky	Additional Information KFTC’s platform supports policies that facilitate full democratic participation.
KFTC Opposes Renters' rights House Bill 378 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Melinda Prunty	Summary House Bill 378 would allow landlords to terminate residential leases with only seven day's notice if there is not a written contract or local laws protecting the tenants. Current law requires one month's notice.
KFTC Opposes Plastic Bags Ban Senate Bill 82 Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Mike WIlson	Summary Senate Bill 82 would prohibit local governments from regulating containers.	Additional Information The city of Louisville has considered a local ban on plastic bags, and Sen. Wilson's bill intends to undermine that local authority.
KFTC Opposes State constitutional convention House Bill 76 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Phil Moffett	Summary HB 76 sets out a multi-year process for calling a convention for the purpose of revising the state constitution, to be decided by a popular vote.	Additional Information KFTC's platform supports a healthy democracy. A state constitutional convention would be a huge threat to Kentucky's democratic government.
KFTC Opposes Free Speech limits House Bill 53 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. C. Wesley Morgan	Summary House Bill 53 would make wearing a hood or a mask while publicly protesting a Class A misdemeanor. It also abolishes criminal or civil penalties for drivers who unintentionally injure or kill protester who have blocked traffic without a permit.
KFTC Opposes Youth Incarceration House Bill 169 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. R. Benvenuti, C. Morgan	Summary House Bill 169 would layer on the punishment against young people who are alleged to ever had a gang association. It would promote racial profiling and focuses on punishment rather than prevention. HB 169 was approved by the House Judiciary Committee on February 7, and by the full House, 71-17, on March 15. See how House members voted. An amended version of HB 169 was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 27.	Additional Information KFTC's platform supports a transition from our current punitive justice system to a more restorative system that honors the inherent dignity of all individuals. We oppose the inappropriate use of police powers, call for an immediate end to the mass incarceration of African Americans and other people of color, and the practices by which mass incarceration is currently implemented. Read – Fact Sheet: HB 169 'Gang' Bill is Not an Evidence-Based Approach
KFTC Opposes Bodily fluids House Bill 193 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Stan Lee	Summary House Bill 193 makes it a Class B misdemeanor to intentionally cause a peace officer to come in contact with bodily fluids or bodily waste, unless the fluids could transmit a communicable disease, in which case it would be
KFTC Opposes Confederate statues House Bill 54 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. C. Wesley Morgan	Summary House Bill 54 would prohibit removal of statues deemed "historical" and is a backlash to local efforts to remove or relocate confederate statues.

Bills to Watch
Wage Discrimination Senate Bill 99 Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Morgan McGarvey	Summary Senate Bill 99 prohibits wage discrimination by employeers and prohibits employers from discriminating against employees for discussing wages.	Additional Information KFTC's platform opposes wage discrimination based on gender, race, ability, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, immigration status, or any other defining characteristic.
Limit Death Penalty Senate Bill 107 Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Julie Raque Adams	Summary Senate Bill 107 prohibits application of the death penalty if the accused has a diagnosis of serious mental illness.	Additional Information KFTC supports the abolition of the death penalty. SB 107 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 1 but appears to have been stopped by Senate leaders.
Paid sick leave House Bill 182 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. McKenzie Cantrell	Summary House Bill 182 would require employers to provide earned paid sick leave to employees.
Paid maternity leave House Bill 197 Bill Sponsor(s): Reps. James Kay and others	Summary House Bill 197 would requires employer with 50 or more employees to provide six weeks of paid leave for maternity leave for an employee who has been employed for at least one year.
Voting Hours Senate Bill 47 Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Julie Raque Adams	Summary Senate Bill 47 would extend voting hours on Election Day to 8 p.m.	Additional Information KFTC’s platform supports policies that facilitate full democratic participation.
Constitutional Convention House Bill 282 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Scott Wells	Summary House Bill 282 sets parameters for any possible Article V convention of states.
Pay Equity House Bill 297 Bill Sponsor(s): Reps. Jim Wayne, Mary Lou Marzian	Summary House Bill 297 would require reports on pay equity within state government.
Tuition tax credits House Bill 134 Senate Bill 36 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. John Carney, Sen. Ralph Alvarado	Summary House Bill 134 and Senate Bill 36 would grant public tax credits for contributions for tuition assistance at private schools and institutions.	Additional Information KFTC's platform calls for a system of high-quality public education, including pre-school through higher education, that is accessible and affordable for all Kentuckians.
Sex Education Senate Bill 71 Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Stephen Meredith	Summary Senate Bill 71 would require the teaching of abstinence as the preferred method for avoiding pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.	Additional Information SB 71 passed the Senate, 32-5, on January 25. See how senators voted.
Pregnant Workers' Rights House Bill 320 Senate Bill 38 Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Alice Forgy Kerr, Rep. Chris Harris	Summary Senate Bill 38 and House Bill 320, the Kentucky Pregnant Workers’ Rights Act, would ensure that pregnant workers are given fair treatment on the job a	Additional Information SB 38 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 8. See how committee members voted.
Medical billing Senate Bill 79 Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Ralph Alvarado	Summary Senate Bill 79 would limit patients' financial liability for uninteneded out-of-network medical care.
Class D felonies House Bill 126 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Attica Scott	Summary House Bill 126 would raise the threashold for what is classified as a Class D felony in select cases.
Three Strikes House Bill 60 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Gerald Watkins	Summary House Bill 60 would create a mandatory sentence of life in prison without the possiblity of parole for offenders with three or more independent convictions for Class A or B felonies.	Additional Information KFTC’s platform supports a transition from our current punitive justice system to a more restorative system that honors the inherent dignity of all individuals.
Drug testing House Bill 35 Bill Sponsor(s): Reps. C. Wesley Morgan	Summary House Bill 35 requires substance abuse screening for adults receiving or seeking to receive public assistance, food stamps, and state medical assistance.
Terrorism Senate Bill 57 Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Max Wise	Summary Senate Bill 57 establishes a crime of terrorism as a capital offense which shall be punished by imprisonment for life without probation or parole; state that a person convicted of terrorism shall not be released early.	Additional Information SB 57 passed the Senate 38-0 on February 1.
Gun safety House Bill 31 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Jim Wayne	Summary House Bill 31 would require gun owners to store firearms so they are inaccessible to minors.	Additional Information KFTC's platform calls for responsible gun ownership to address the problem of gun violence.
Conceal Carry House Bill 36 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. C. Wesley Morgan	Summary House Bill 36 would permit folks to carry a concealed lethal weapons without a license in places where concealed carry is presently permitted for licensed carriers.	Additional Information KFTC's platform calls for responsible gun ownership to address the problem of gun violence.
Conversion therapy House Bill 258 Bill Sponsor(s): Reps Jim Wayne & Mary Lou Marzian	Summary House Bill 258 would prohibit medical practitioners from engaging in conversion therapy, including the compensation and advertisement for conversion therapy.
Guns on campus House Bill 210 Bill Sponsor(s): Reps. Tim Moore, C. Wesley Morgan	Summary House Bill 210 would allow firearms on public university campuses and buildings controlled by state and local governments by those with a concealed carry permit.
Payday lending House Bill 317 Bill Sponsor(s): Rep. Myron Dossett	Summary House Bill 317 would affect the information payday lending services have to gather about their clients

Sign Up for Our List:

Search form

Bill Tracker