Kentucky House Majority Caucus — Legislative Update

Week in Review: Judiciary, tobacco settlement, technology

Lawmakers continued the second week of the 2027 Interim Session with a meeting of the Interim Joint Committee (IJC) on Judiciary and several statutory committee meetings. Statutory committees play a key role in the legislative process by bringing together lawmakers, state agencies and stakeholders to evaluate ongoing programs, examine funding and regulatory issues, and gather input ahead of the upcoming legislative session. Throughout the week, members engaged with constituents, agency leaders and subject-matter experts as they begin shaping priorities and preparing for the next regular session.

While I hope you find these brief summaries informative, I invite you to visit our website for more information. The committees section of legislature.ky.gov has a page for each committee with meeting materials, membership and other information. Also, archived recordings of each meeting can be found by clicking the live coverage link on the website’s main page.

IJC on Judiciary: Members received an update from the attorney general on the work of his office, including efforts to responsibly steward resources provided by the General Assembly, enforce Kentucky law, defend the Constitution and protect Kentucky families. Through collaboration with the General Assembly, the Body Armor Grant Program has equipped more than 2,000 law enforcement officers across the commonwealth. Attorney General Coleman also discussed efforts to implement Kentucky’s death penalty in accordance with the rule of law. The committee also heard from the Kentucky State Police, which continues to work with local, state and federal partners to combat crime and protect public safety.

Administrative Regulation Review: Legislators conducted a comprehensive review of several proposed administrative regulations. Significant discussion centered on regulations related to Kentucky’s 1915(c) Community Health for Improved Lives and Development Waiver Program, which provides home- and community-based services for children with complex behavioral health or developmental needs. Following discussion, the proposed regulations were deferred. Members also reviewed regulations affecting state licensing boards and the Kentucky Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

Government Contract Review: Members reviewed funding requests and contracts from Kentucky agencies and organizations. Testimony was presented on contracts supporting juvenile treatment courts, health care consulting services and expanded funding for psychiatric facilities across the commonwealth. During the discussion, members examined contract cost increases, the availability of federal funding and the need for significant funding requests to ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively and responsibly.

Information Technology Oversight: Members of the Information Technology Oversight Committee received updates on the future of the KentuckyWired network, the Kentucky Communications Network Authority’s ongoing procurement efforts and broadband expansion initiatives across the commonwealth. Discussion focused on KentuckyWired governance and funding, the state’s strategy for expanding high-speed internet access, opportunities and challenges associated with federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding, and perspectives from technology leaders and internet service providers on meeting Kentucky’s growing connectivity needs.

Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight: Lawmakers received reports from the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy on projects recently considered for funding by the Agricultural Development Board, including investments supporting Kentucky agriculture, local infrastructure, value-added production and other initiatives intended to strengthen rural communities.

Legislative Oversight and Investigations: Members examined several issues impacting Kentucky taxpayers, state property management and veterans. Agenda items included a review of the state’s ability to monitor unused and underutilized state-owned properties and the Finance Cabinet’s response to prior committee findings; organ donor designation processes on Kentucky driver’s licenses; and a historical review of a problem-plagued HVAC replacement project at the Radcliff Veterans Center.

Next week’s agenda includes committee meetings on subjects like health services, veterans, economic development and issues facing Kentucky’s children. These meetings will be televised live on the YouTube channel.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.