Three more KLC initiatives now head to Governor Andy Beshear while a fourth awaits its final vote in the Senate. Legislators met late into the evening on Day 57 of the 60-day 2022 Regular Session. Senators and representatives can override possible vetoes of bills passed by adjournment on Wednesday when they return on April 13.
The House concurred on Tuesday with Senate changes to House Bill 565 and sent the measure to the governor. Representative Kimberly Moser (R-Taylor Mill) sponsored the bill that the House voted 72-19 to give final passage. House Bill 565 creates some online training options at the Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT).
The House voted 87-7 to concur with the Senate’s changes to House Bill 777, sending that KLC initiative to the governor. Representative Ken Fleming (R-Louisville) sponsored the measure that addresses several emergency medical services (EMS) topics, including the certificate of need (CON) process. The bill provides options for local governments and hospitals to obtain a CON if, after a public hearing, the local government determines that an imperative need exists. The measure also establishes the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS) within the General Services Cabinet and removes it from the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS).
House Bill 777 also creates an Emergency Medical Services Task Force to review EMS and medical transportation needs in Kentucky including response times, patient needs, licensing processes, and education.
The House of Representatives voted 91-1 to concur with Senate changes to House Bill 297, sending it to the governor. Representative Jerry Miller (R-Louisville) sponsored the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA) measure. Representative Russell Webber (R-Shepherdsville) added language that sunsets how long the County Employees Retirement System (CERS) will pay expenses attributed to 2020 separation language (HB 484) to ensure KPPA does not continue to bill various Kentucky Retirement Systems (KRS) expenses to CERS. Senator Robby Mills (R-Henderson) carried the bill in the Senate.
Senators could give final passage to Senate Bill 124 when they return on Wednesday. The House of Representatives approved the measure 80-14. Senator Phillip Wheeler (R-Pikeville) sponsored the bill that includes language by Senator Mike Nemes (R-Shepherdsville) that provides options for municipalities to protect city streets from overweight vehicles. Representative Myron Dossett (R-Pembroke) carried the measure in the House.
Both chambers reconvene Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. EDT for the final day of the session before the 10-day veto period.