Sen. Karen Berg

Create new sections of KRS Chapter 237 to define "safe storage depository" and require an owner or custodian of a firearm to store the firearm in a safe storage depository or render the firearm incapable of being fired using a gun-locking device; require an owner or other person lawfully in possession of a firearm or any person who sells ammunition to report the loss or theft of the firearm or ammunition to a law enforcement agency; amend KRS 237.990 to establish penalties for violations.

Amend KRS 158.1415 to remove provisions related to parental rights and courses, curriculums, or programs on human sexuality; provide for a process for parents to opt out of their child receiving instruction on the subject of human sexuality; amend KRS 158.191 to remove language limiting Kentucky Board of Education or Department of Education policies regarding student confidential information and the use of pronouns; require a local school district to use pronouns for students upon a request from a parent along with a note from a medical provider diagnosing the child with gender dysphoria; remove language concerning parental consent for well-being questionnaires or assessments or a health screening; amend KRS 158.189 to make findings about children and young adults desiring individual privacy; require a school to provide an accommodation to any student who requests an area of individual privacy in restrooms, locker rooms, and shower rooms, regardless of biological sex or gender identity; require school officials to provide an accommodation for individual privacy for children whose gender is different from his or her biological sex and who have a note from a medical provider diagnosing the child with gender dysphoria; permit alternate accommodations upon the parent's request; amend KRS 311.372 to prohibit surgical or medical treatment of a child under the age of 18 years for gender dysphoria, and any nonsurgical medical treatment without the consent of the child's parent or legal guardian; require that the provision of nonsurgical medical treatment to a child under the age of 18 years apply only to a child with a medical diagnosis from a mental health care provider and by a trained and experienced health care provider in collaboration with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist using only appropriate nonsurgical medical treatments approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for adolescents and that meet evidence-based medical standards.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 216 to define terms; direct the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (cabinet) to prohibit the direct or indirect use of state and federal funds for the practice of conversion therapy on minors; require state agencies to report providers engaged in conversion therapy efforts with a minor to the appropriate professional certification or licensing board; require the cabinet to update relevant policies and procedures to reflect the prohibition of conversion therapy on minors and to convey the dangers of conversion therapy to minors; require state agencies that regulate or pay for medical and mental health services to explore actions they can take to protect minors from conversion therapy; allow professional certification and licensing boards to discipline practitioners that engage in or refer minors for conversion therapy.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 532 to abolish the death penalty and replace it with life imprisonment without parole for inmates presently sentenced to death; amend KRS 532.030 to remove the death penalty; amend KRS 640.040 to prohibit life imprisonment without benefit of parole for a juvenile offender convicted of a capital offense; amend KRS 640.010 to define "serious intellectual disability" and "significant subaverage general intellectual functioning"; amend KRS 422.285, 532.050, 532.100, and 533.010 to conform; repeal KRS 431.213, 431.2135, 431.218, 431.220, 431.223, 431.224, 431.240, 431.250, 431.260, 431.270, 507A.060, 532.025, 532.075, 532.130, 532.135, 532.140, 532.300, 532.305, and 532.309.

Maddy summarySB 91 requires all Kentucky law enforcement officers undergoing basic training to receive at least eight hours of suicide prevention and intervention education, including crisis response and de-escalation techniques. This training directly affects new and existing peace officers by mandating it as part of their foundational law enforcement curriculum. The bill amends Kentucky law to explicitly add suicide prevention as a required training component, alongside existing topics like domestic violence and sexual assault response, without altering other provisions.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 15 to require law enforcement agencies to transmit information to national law enforcement databases about firearms collected during criminal investigations.

Amend KRS 16.220 to permit the destruction of confiscated firearms; require destruction if the firearm was used in the commission of a violent offense; amend KRS 500.090 and 500.093 to conform.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 22) is a ceremonial gesture by the Kentucky Senate to honor former President Jimmy Carter following his passing. It directs the Senate to adjourn for the day in his memory, recognizing his service as a Georgia governor, U.S. president, humanitarian, and Nobel Peace Prize winner. The resolution does not create new policies or affect any individuals or groups; it is solely a moment of remembrance. It was introduced and adopted by the Senate on January 9, 2025, with no further legislative action required.

Amend KRS 525.125 to define "animal fight" and remove the definition of "dog fight"; provide that a person is guilty of cruelty to animals in the first degree when he or she knowingly causes an animal to engage in an animal fight, participates in the organization or operation of an animal fight, is present at an animal fight, or allows a minor to attend an animal fight; provide that falconry authorized by a valid permit and hunting license shall not constitute a violation of this section; provide that cruelty to animals in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor if a person is present at an animal fight or allows a minor to attend an animal fight; require the court to forfeit the animal that is the subject of the violation, terminate or limit a person's ability possess animals, and transfer the animal to the original owner or the county animal control officer; allow restitution to be ordered for the cost and care of an animal transferred to the original owner or the county animal control officer; amend KRS 525.130 and 436.610 to conform and make technical corrections.

Recognize March 2024 as Kentucky Women's History Month in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.