FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gender transition services, Medicaid and government spending. These are all subjects state lawmakers addressed through bill passed in the final hours before the start of the veto period on Friday, March 14.

What You Need To Know

  • This year’s legislative session is currently in the 10-day veto period

  • It is when the governor can block legislation passed by the General Assembly

  • Republicans control the state legislature and can override a veto 

  • The remaining days of the legislative session are March 27 and 28

Lawmakers worked until nearly midnight to pass all the bills they wanted to be protected from being vetoed.

What has passed so far:

  • House Bill 495 The bill blocks Medicaid dollars from funding gender transition care. The bill also overturns an executive order from 2024 banning conversion therapy on minors.
  • Senate Bill 2 This measure blocks transgender inmates from being prescribed gender transition services paid for by the state.
  • House Bill 208 This bill directs school districts to create a policy banning cellphone use during instruction time. It would also block social media sites on school internet networks.
  • Senate Bill 202 would further regulate hemp beverages. The bill would limit the amount of THC to five milligrams per 12 ounces and require stores to get a license to sell such products. Similar to how it works currently for alcohol.
  • Senate Bill 25 Among several other subjects, the final version of the bill includes language directing the executive branch to identify potential overspending or inefficiencies.
  • House Bill 399 This bill would of create a new crime for interference with a legislative proceeding. Someone would be guilty of this by “Knowingly engages in, conspires to engage in, or facilitates another person engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct in any legislative building.” Or “The conduct disrupts, impedes, or prevents the General Assembly from 25 conducting business.” Repeat offenders could face felony charges.

What has not passed:

  • Senate Bill 61 Originally focused on swimming pools, an amendment added to the House would bar cities from banning or capping the number of short-term rentals, like Airbnb or VRBO, which can operate. The current language would still allow for publicly viewable rental registries, something cities like Louisville currently have. 
  • Senate Bill 38 If passed, it would be for the installation of automated cameras on the outside of school busses, which would ticket cars who don’t stop when students are let off.
  • House Bill 465 While it does only have one reading in the Senate, there is still time for this measure to pass. It would create a statewide street racing statute that states impounded vehicles can be auctioned off or destroyed after a second violation. It also comes with heightened fine amounts.

Veto Period

Monday is the second of 10 veto days. This is the window where Democrat Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., can use his executive power to block bills he finds issue with. Though it is more of a ceremonial power these days as the Republican led legislature has enough votes to override him.

As of Monday morning, Beshear has yet to veto any bill.

More than 100 bills have been delivered to him for action. He has signed nearly 20 pieces of legislation so far.

Remainder of legislative session

Lawmakers will return to Frankfort for the final two days of the legislative session at the end of this month. They will gavel back in March 27.

Related Stories