KYGA 2024 Week 2
In the second week of the 2024 Kentucky legislative session, multiple bills were introduced that tackled our top priorities. These included a proposed constitutional amendment for education freedom and several crucial bills focused on reforming Certificate of Need (CON) laws, which have long been overdue.
Below are some highlights: legislation that aligns with KYFREE’s policy principles is highlighted in green; legislation that contradicts our principles is highlighted in red.
Establishes a one-time pension COLA for state retirement employees
Allows universal recognition of occupational licenses and government certifications
Establishes limitations on use and sale of data captured by automated license plate readers
Allows homeschool students to receive KEES based on standardized scores
Defines "government" and "substantially burden” in terms of religious liberty; outlines relief that may be sought if government violates religious liberty
Expands parental rights in schools
Establishes the Tax Expenditure and Economic Development Incentive Review Board to evaluate tax expenditures and incentives awarded by the state
Constitutional amendment allowing the GA to reduce or eliminate property tax
Expands protections for students and teachers from being discriminated against for refusing to endorse a divisive concept
Allows homeschool students to receive KEES based on standardized scores
Raises minimum wage to $15/hr
Makes it easier for an individual to create a petition against a local property tax increase
Reestablishes the Certificate of Need Task Force
Exempts birthing centers from certificate of need laws
Exempts birthing centers from certificate of need laws
Modifies conditions under which a person is prohibited from taking actions without a certificate of need
Exempts various health facilities and services from certificate of need requirements
Requires that the Cabinet for Health and Family conduct public hearings on certificate of need applications
Constitutal amendment allow the GA to spend money outside the common schools system
Provides for referrals to treatment for persons charged with possession of controlled substances
Appropriates $95 million from the budget reserve trust fund to fund one-time supplemental payments to KRS retirees