FRANKFORT, Ky. — Four task forces that will meet monthly during the the 2024 Interim, to support policy topics and provide information to the wider General Assembly, have been established. 

Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, announced their members, which were recently created and established by the Legislative Research Commission. 

Here's a look at each one, including members and the issues they'll explore. 

Workforce Attraction and Retention Task Force

• Identify issues Kentucky employers face in attracting and retaining skilled workers
• Explore successful marketing strategies for workforce attraction from other states and local communities
• Collaborate with the Cabinet for Economic Development and hire a consulting firm to devise recommendations
• Develop a marketing program and grant fund program for workforce attraction and retention
• Evaluate existing education and workforce development programs
• Analyze economic and labor force data and demographic trends
• Engage with employers, industry representatives and economic development professionals

Members include Sens. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville; Greg Elkins, R-Winchester; Jason Howell, R-Murray and Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria 

Kentucky Housing Task Force

• Conduct a demographic analysis considering housing costs, population demographics and employment opportunities
• Examine state and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to housing
• Analyze the availability and accessibility of housing, including housing costs, utility expenses and access to health care services
• Evaluate land use practices, zoning regulations, infrastructure development and community planning
• Review initiatives and policy changes from other states to increase housing supply and promote homeownership

Members include Senate Majority Caucus Chair Julie Raque Adams, R-Louisville and Sens. Robby Mills, R-Henderson; Jimmy Higdon, R-Lebanon and Steve West, R-Paris 

Efficient and Effective School District Governance Task Force

• Review Kentucky school districts with student enrollment exceeding 75,000
• Compare governance and administrative models to similar-sized districts in other states
• Assess the functionality, duties, structure, independence, effectiveness and efficiency of local boards of education
• Examine existing literature and reports on school governance and district size efficiency
• Gather testimony from education experts and input from parents regarding academic offerings and district policies
• Review past performance audits and strategies adopted by other states regarding school district creation and school board expansion

Members include Sens. Mike Nemes, R-Shepherdsville and Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield 

Artificial Intelligence Task Force 

• Analyze strategies implemented by other states to assess and monitor AI systems
• Study AI systems employed within government operations across various states
• Identify Kentucky agencies leveraging AI systems and examine their functionalities
• Gather information on AI systems used by Kentucky businesses and the federal government
• Formulate recommendations for integrating AI systems into Kentucky government operations
• Address legislative initiatives for consumer protection in AI implementation 

Members include Sens. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington; Brandon Storm, R-London; Steve Meredith, R-Leitchfield and Gex Williams, R-Verona 

The LRC said each task force will meet monthly during the 2024 Interim and submit its findings and recommendations to the LRC by Dec. 1. The 2024 Interim begins June 4.