FRANKFORT Ky. — Republican members of Kentucky’s State Senate returned to Frankfort Wednesday to talk priorities for the upcoming legislative session. 

What You Need To Know

  • Republicans returned to Frankfort to issue plans for legislative session

  • Priorities include limiting the governor's powers, police reform, and business protection.

  • Democrats say Republicans are "obsessed with the governor" and have no plans to help Kentuckians recover

  • The session begins Jan. 5

They include limiting the governor’s emergency powers, liability reform to help protect businesses, and police reform in relation to no-knock warrants in certain circumstances.

They also hope to pass what’s called the “Born Alive Infant Protection Act.” It was vetoed during the last session by Governor Andy Beshear (D).

Because of the uncertainties related to COVID-19, lawmakers will only have 30 days to pass bills during the 2021 session.

Lawmakers say they are gearing up for a busy legislative session.

Senator Damon Thayer (R) tells Spectrum News 1, "I think the election was a cry for help from people around this Commonwealth and I think we have a mandate to act, to act boldly, and to act quickly.  So I would suggest you guys have your stamina shoes on starting January 5th."

Senate President Robert Stivers adds, “We’re going to have rule changes that we better control this process in the way of what gets referred to committee and what gets referred to the floor so we can take big issues and make big decisions and move the state forward."

The Kentucky Senate Democratic Leadership released the following statement:

“This afternoon, the Senate Republicans laid out their legislative priorities and proved two things: (1) they are obsessed with the Governor, and (2) they have no plan to help Kentucky recover in the post-COVID economy. Absent from the Republicans’ rollout was any plan to help Kentucky families and businesses during this unprecedented time of need. We are still in a crisis and should be looking through the windshield at what’s coming next, not focusing on the rearview mirror.  That’s why the Senate Democrats are fighting for better wages, quality childcare, investment in education at every level, affordable housing, ending systemic racism, and creating jobs and an economy that will keep Kentucky moving forward.”

The 2021 legislative session begins January 5 and adjourns on March 30. 

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