LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky lawmakers return to the Capitol for the second part of the legislative session Tuesday.
After meeting for just a few days in January, they have 26 days left to discuss and pass bills.
"It’s a smaller scope. We don’t have the budget to deal with and we’re able to focus a little more in depth on a narrower range of issues," said Sen. David Givens, R-Greensburg.
Among Republicans' priorities is House Bill 1, which would lower the state income tax from 4.5% to 4% at the start of next year.
It passed the House in January, despite objections from Democrats.
The measure is now awaiting discussion in the Senate.
Legislators also plan to focus on reforms to Kentucky’s juvenile justice system, following reports of violence at state facilities.
Rep. Kevin Bratche, R-Louisville, is planning a bill to call for nearly $9 million to open a Louisville youth detention center.
"We’re looking for a detention center in Louisville that would be close to the child’s parents, guardians and clergy," he said Thursday. "That is what many clergy and leaders in Louisville are asking for."
A bipartisan Senate bill to legalize medical cannabis has not yet been assigned to a committee, but there is still time for it to advance.
Rep. Al Gentry, D-Louisville and Rep. Michael Meredith, R-Oakland, plan to file a bill to legalize sports betting, Gentry said.
Kentucky is one of 14 states that doesn’t allow sports betting.
“People are literally going across the border, parking, making their wagers on a telephone and those tax revenues are going out of this state to other states,” Gentry told Spectrum News 1 last month.
Similar measures on medical cannabis and sports betting stalled last year after passing the House.
Last week, the Coalition to Sustain the Education Profession shared its recommendations to the General Assembly to address a teacher shortage.
The House Education Committee is expected to discuss ideas for teacher retention and recruitment Tuesday.