Sen. Gerald Neal

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill), passed by the Kentucky Senate to honor Myra Friend-Ellis, a longtime community leader in West Louisville known for her work in social services, politics, and mentoring. The resolution directs the Senate to adjourn in her memory, expresses condolences to her family, and recognizes her dedication to community service and leadership. It has no policy impact or effect on laws, citizens, or government operations - its sole purpose is symbolic remembrance. The Senate adopted it unanimously on January 9, 2026.

Create new sections of KRS Chapter 200 to define terms; establish the Kentucky Diaper Access Board and its functions related to the development of a state plan for the distribution of funds from the Kentucky diaper access trust fund; establish the Kentucky diaper access trust fund and the purposes for which funds are disbursed to diaper access programs in the Commonwealth.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 205 to require Medicaid coverage for palliative care services; establish eligibility criteria and service requirements; require the Department for Medicaid Services to promulgate administrative regulations; require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department for Medicaid Services to seek federal approval if it is determined that such approval is necessary; provide authorization from the General Assembly to make changes to the Medicaid program as required under KRS 205.5372(1).

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 216B to require each hospital licensed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to establish policies and procedures to improve care for sickle cell disease patients, develop programs to prevent and address addiction risks for sickle cell disease patients, and provide patients with education and resources by January 1, 2027.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 61 to define "full-time position" and "qualifying employee"; permit a qualifying employee paid leave of absence of up to 30 days for the birth of a child; require leave of more than 1 child during a singular pregnancy to be taken concurrently; require the employee to use the leave within 1 year of the child's birth; require the employee to use the leave as a continuous 30-day block or as a 20-day block with the remainder to be used intermittently as full days; require the employee to request advance approval before using the leave; require the employee to use the paid leave before other types of accrued leave; require compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act; specify that any other type of leave not specified does not qualify for paid maternity leave; prohibit an employee from converting the unused balance of paid maternity leave to other types of paid leave, benefits, or compensation; require any administrative regulation in conflict with this Act to be amended, withdrawn, or repealed within 90 days of the effective date of the Act.

Create new sections of KRS Chapter 309 to define terms; establish a licensing board for professional music therapists; require 3 members of the board to have engaged in the practice or teaching of music therapy for at least 3 years; prohibit any persons not licensed by the board from holding himself or herself out as a licensed professional music therapist; authorize the board to promulgate administrative regulations; authorize the board to issue a license to practice music therapy; establish the process for license renewal, suspension, and revocation; establish fees for licensure; establish fee limitations; authorize the board to implement disciplinary actions; require a licensed professional music therapist to collaborate with a client's physician or other professional involved in the treatment of the client; require a licensed professional music therapist to collaborate with a client's mental health or substance use disorder professional involved in the treatment of the client; prohibit a licensed professional music therapist from replacing services provided by an audiologist or a speech-language pathologist; create the Kentucky Board of Licensure for Professional Music Therapists fund; establish a fine for violations; provide for initial board appointments.

Amend KRS 337.010 to increase the applicable threshold of employees of retail stores and service industries from $95,000 to $500,000 average annual gross volume of sales for the employer; amend KRS 337.275 to incrementally raise minimum wage for employers to $15.00 an hour; include anti-preemption language permitting local governments to establish minimum wage ordinances in excess of the state minimum wage.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 138) formally commemorates the 50th anniversary of the State Government Affairs Council (SGAC), a professional organization supporting government affairs professionals in Kentucky. It recognizes SGAC's 50 years of fostering relationships between government, businesses, and communities, promoting diversity, and advancing policy communication. The resolution has no policy changes or direct effects on constituents - it is a ceremonial acknowledgment by the Kentucky Senate. The Senate adopted it on March 28, 2025, directing the Clerk to deliver a copy to SGAC.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 235) is a ceremonial Senate adjournment honoring Ulysses Lee "Junior" Bridgeman, a former University of Louisville basketball player, NBA star with the Milwaukee Bucks, and Louisville community leader. The Senate formally expresses sympathy for his passing, recognizes his athletic achievements, business success, and community service, and directs the Senate to adjourn in his memory. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is purely a commemorative gesture. The resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally honors Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. by designating March 13, 2025, as "Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Day" at the Kentucky State Capitol. It recognizes the sorority's 117-year history of community service, leadership, and its 16 chapters across Kentucky. The resolution specifically welcomes members of Kentucky's chapters to visit the Capitol on that date and acknowledges their global service mission. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or impact any policies - only serving as a ceremonial recognition.