Representative Jonathan Dixon (R-Corydon) filed a KLC initiative on Thursday that would protect public resources during the local project bidding process and clarify rules for video teleconference meetings.

KLC collaborated with the Kentucky Press Association to craft House Bill 453. The measure provides local governments the same protection currently allowed for the state by permitting a committee or governing body to go into a closed session to select a successful bidder for a local contract. That provision protects the public resources that go into that project.

HB 453 also allows closed sessions when a governing body conducts a city manager’s performance evaluation, which could happen no more than twice per year.

The measure additionally clarifies rules for video teleconference meetings. It specifies that a public agency must provide information on how any member of the public or media can electronically view the meeting. In addition, officials must identify the meeting’s location and anywhere two or more members will attend the video teleconference together.

Also at the Capitol on Thursday, the House passed House Bill 69. Representative John Blanton (R-Salyersville) introduced the KLC-supported bill that extends the executive order related to temporary disability from occupational exposure to COVID-19. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Senate Bill 96 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration after senators passed that KLC-supported bill on Thursday. Senator Mike Wilson (R-Bowling Green) sponsored the measure to add the Bowling Green police chief to the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC).

The General Assembly will not convene on Friday, February 4, due to the winter storm. They will reconvene on Monday, February 7, for the 23rd day of the 60-day session.