Page 41 - Robert Stivers News Today

FRANKFORT Although it was much less than they had hoped, affordable-housing advocates in Kentucky are applauding the legislature’s decision to put $20 million into a new Rural Housing Trust Fund.

"I wish I could blame both political parties for this cataclysm but I cannot. Every anti-gay/trans bill this session was introduced by a Republican."

Senate Bill 47 to legalize medical marijuana passed the Senate by a 26-11 vote, the first time it has ever received a vote in the chamber.

A bill that would legalize medical cannabis in Kentucky passed the Senate Thursday evening. It was the first time the measure made it to the Senate and received votes from lawmakers who were previously opposed to it.

A House committee waited just six minutes between calling for a surprise lunchtime vote and starting the meeting.

The final pre-veto day of the 2023 legislative session proved to be an emotional roller-coaster – with the Kentucky Senate handing a long-awaited win to medical marijuana supporters while dealing a stinging defeat to trans youth advocates.

House members joined senators in calling for a comprehensive review of Kentucky’s public postsecondary education system, but added provisions from a separate resolution that releases $180 million to the Kentucky State Fair Board for capital construction. 

While presenting the bill, its sponsor said medical marijuana is “a very complex issue” and the legislation would be a “work in progress” if passed.

Republican lawmakers in Kentucky are struggling to wrap up a bill restricting gender-affirming care for minors

The measure makes it easier for parents to request certain books, events and instructional materials be banned from schools. Opponents say it seeks to erase LGTBQ identities from classrooms.