Kentucky Bills

This resolution honors Blake Burnett, a Bell County High School senior, for receiving the 2026 Wallace "Wah Wah" Jones Award. The award recognizes high school athletes who excel in multiple sports, academics, and community involvement. The Senate formally congratulates Burnett on his achievements in football, basketball, baseball, and academics, and directs the Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Senator Scott Madon for presentation to Burnett. This is a ceremonial recognition without any new laws or funding.

This Senate Resolution honors University of Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart upon his retirement after 24 years of service. The bill recognizes his achievements, including six NCAA championships and numerous conference titles across various sports, and acknowledges his leadership values of character, integrity, and competitiveness. It directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Barnhart and formally adjourns the Senate session in his honor. This is a commemorative measure with no regulatory or policy changes, serving solely to recognize Barnhart's contributions to UK Athletics.

This Senate resolution expresses Kentucky's support for the federal Ohio River Restoration Program Act, which aims to improve water quality, protect wildlife habitats, and boost economic opportunities along the Ohio River. The bill directly affects Kentucky communities by seeking to address pollution, enhance flood resilience, and expand recreational access to the river that forms the state's northern border. Key provisions include funding for water treatment improvements, invasive species control, and infrastructure upgrades to benefit drinking water systems, agriculture, and tourism industries. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send this endorsement to Kentucky's congressional delegation to encourage federal action on the Ohio River Basin restoration.

This Senate resolution honors the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education on its 50th anniversary and recognizes the organization's contributions to environmental education in the state. The bill acknowledges KAEE's volunteer history, partnerships with educational institutions, and role in developing environmental literacy programs like Kentucky Green Schools. It also encourages future collaboration between KAEE, state agencies, and community partners to expand environmental education opportunities. The resolution formally commends KAEE's leadership and staff for five decades of service and promotes participation in the upcoming 2026 annual conference.

Urge the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet to work together to enhance economic development and tourism for Kentucky through the state park system; request the cabinets to present recommendation to the Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development and Workforce Investment.

This resolution honors Shawnee Chief Nonhelema Hokolesqua as part of Women's History Month. It recognizes her historical significance as a leader who served as a chief, diplomat, and warrior among the Shawnee people during the 18th century. The Senate adopted this measure by voice vote to formally acknowledge her contributions and legacy.

This resolution honors Geraldine "Bubby" Litvin Shaffer on her 100th birthday by formally recognizing her life achievements and contributions to her family and community. The bill directs the Kentucky Senate to acknowledge her centennial milestone and adjourn in her honor, while also having the Senate clerk send a copy of the resolution to Senator Karen Berg for presentation. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial tribute to an individual who has lived a century of service, faith, and family dedication.

Encourage Kentucky policymakers to study, develop, and implement economic development policies to incentivize biopharmaceutical investment and innovation in the Commonwealth.

This bill is a Senate resolution honoring the George Rogers Clark High School Cardinals basketball team for winning the 2026 Kentucky High School Athletic Association Boys' Sweet Sixteen Championship. The resolution formally congratulates the team, coaches, and players on their achievement and directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Senator Greg Elkins for presentation to the team. It recognizes the team's historic accomplishment of winning both boys' and girls' state titles in the same year and celebrates their specific championship performance and season record. The bill does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of the team's success.

Urge the Congress of the United States and the relevant federal agencies to expand opportunities for states to seek flexibility, waivers, or demonstration authority under federal public assistance programs for the purpose of reducing barriers to work and supporting earned income advancement.

This Senate Resolution recognizes April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Kentucky to promote awareness of child abuse prevention efforts. The bill formally acknowledges Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky as a statewide leader in these efforts and encourages General Assembly members to wear blue on April 1, 2026, to highlight their role in prevention. It also directs the Senate Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Senator Brandon Storm. This is a commemorative resolution that does not create new laws or change existing policies.

This resolution directs the Kentucky Senate to adjourn in honor and loving memory of Jessica Patton Rudy, a woman who passed away on March 18, 2026. The bill formally acknowledges her life and service through a ceremonial adjournment rather than implementing new laws or policies. It extends condolences to her surviving family members and authorizes the Senate Clerk to send a copy of the resolution to Senator Danny Carroll for delivery to the family. This is a commemorative measure that recognizes Rudy's contributions and expresses the Senate's respect for her memory.