Sen. Jimmy Higdon

Propose to create a new section of the Constitution of Kentucky to exempt homeowners who are 65 years of age or older from any increase in the valuation of their permanent residence that is assessed after the later of the year the homeowner turned 65 or the year the homeowner acquired the property; require the exemption to be in addition to the exemption provided in Section 170 of the Constitution of Kentucky and notwithstanding Sections 171, 172, and 174 of the Constitution of Kentucky; apply the exemption to increases in valuation that occur after the date the amendment is ratified by the voters; provide ballot language; submit to voters for ratification or rejection.

Amend KRS 281.600 to require the Department of Vehicle Registration to enforce federal standards for motor carriers contained in Title 49 of the United States Code and the ensuing federal regulations, unless otherwise exempted; eliminate existing exemptions from certain federal regulations for fertilizer wagons.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific 2-mile stretch of KY 84 in Marion County (from KY 527/Broadway Street to Sallie Ray Pike) as the "Lt. Brian Hatt Memorial Highway" to honor a volunteer firefighter who died in the line of duty on August 25, 2025. The Transportation Cabinet is directed to install appropriate highway signs within 30 days of the resolution taking effect. The resolution commemorates Lt. Hatt's service and sacrifice, following a request from the Marion County Fiscal Court. This is a purely ceremonial designation with no new policy or funding requirements.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 186 to require the Department of Kentucky State Police, in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education, to operate a pilot project from September 1, 2027, to June 30, 2029, to provide instruction permit testing in 1 public high school in each congressional district in the Commonwealth; set requirements for the pilot project; require that the state police report to the Legislative Research Commission by October 31, 2027, and annually thereafter as long as the pilot project continues, to provide data and the pilot project's effect on existing testing efforts.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 58) is a ceremonial tribute by the Kentucky Senate honoring Garland A. Davis, a Casey County resident who passed away on September 10, 2025. It directs the Senate to adjourn for the day in his memory, expressing condolences to his family, including his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended relatives. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely a formal gesture of remembrance with no legal effect or direct impact on any group or policy. It follows standard practice for honoring deceased community members in legislative bodies.

Amend KRS 189.340 to restrict travel in the leftmost lane of any multilane highway at a speed lower than the posted speed limit; provide exceptions; amend KRS 189.990 to set penalties.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 164 to require the Council on Postsecondary Education to promulgate administrative regulations to prohibit the use of public funds towards a degree in a low-earning outcome program; require the council to provide an annual report on the implementation of the prohibition to the Legislative Research Commission.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 118) honoring Joseph H. Mattingly, Jr., a Marion County, Kentucky, community member who served as county coroner, operated a funeral home, and was a U.S. Army veteran. The Senate formally adjourned on February 26, 2026, in his memory, expressing sympathy to his family and directing the Clerk to deliver a copy to his family. It has no policy impact beyond this ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summarySB 244 amends Kentucky transportation statutes (KRS 186.230 and 186.120) to replace gendered pronouns like "his" and "he" with gender-neutral language. The bill updates procedural language in county clerk responsibilities and vehicle refund processes without changing any fees, deadlines, or operational requirements. It directly affects county clerks who enforce vehicle registration and tax collection under these statutes. The change ensures consistency with modern inclusive language standards in state law.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 57) is a ceremonial honor for Father Patrick McDowell following his 2025 priesthood ordination. It commemorates his service, noting his childhood ties to Bardstown, Kentucky, his education at local schools, and his ordination at Louisville's Cathedral of the Assumption. The resolution has no policy impact or binding requirements; it simply expresses the Kentucky Senate's recognition of his ordination and upcoming role as associate pastor at St. James Catholic Church in Elizabethtown. As a procedural resolution, it does not affect any laws, regulations, or individuals beyond this symbolic gesture.