2023 Legislative Action on Education - Legislating is a team sport, and I voted "yes" these bills with my colleagues:
Addressing classified school employee shortage, Rep. Kevin Jackson - HB32 eliminates the requirement that an individual must have a high school diploma or equivalent to work as classified staff in a school and requires school districts provide employees with an opportunity to
earn a GED or equivalent.
Addressing the teacher shortage, Rep. James Tipton – HB319 adopts the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact, allowing educators who hold a license in any eligible state to be granted an equivalent license in Kentucky.
Ensuring access to life-saving AEDs, Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo - HB331 requires automated
external defibrillators (AEDs) be readily accessible in every high school and middle school
building; requires cardiac medical emergencies to be included in the emergency action plan
provided to all school staff; and establishes a schedule for specified athletic staff and volunteers
to undergo training in the use of AEDs.
Addressing chronic misbehavior in students, Rep. Timmy Truett - HB538 addresses
classroom disruption by providing a framework for local school districts and school
administrators. This includes provisions for students to be placed into an alternative setting, such
as a resource room, a classroom where the disruption did not occur, or even virtual instruction.
HB 538 allows a school board to delegate authority to an appeals committee for alternative
placement options. HB 538 also includes guidelines to protect due process of the student and
takes into consideration students with disabilities and special education.
Protecting First Amendment rights in schools, Rep. Chris Fugate - HB 547 ensures school
faculty have the right to express their faith, such as sponsoring faith-based organizations,
wearing religious clothing, decorating their personal space, and engaging in religious expression
during noninstructional time.
Expanding the use of KEES money, Sen. Jared Carpenter – SB 54 allows KEES funds to be
used at a qualified proprietary school program and includes students who attend out-of-state high
schools or Department of Defense schools due to a parent's military transfer eligible for a KEES
award.
Improving literacy through evidence-based learning, Sen. Stephen West - SB 156
establishes a statewide reading research center and requires KDE to make annual goals and
performance objectives. The measure also requires superintendents to adopt a common
comprehensive reading program that is determined by the KDE to be reliable, valid, and aligned
to required reading and writing standards.
Providing consistency for our most vulnerable students - Sen. David Givens - SB 247 would
allow K-3 grade students who qualify for free or reduced lunch the option to remain in the same
school when changing their residence. School districts will be required to provide transportation
from a new district unless the superintendent determines the travel time or distance makes it
impracticable.
Good Education Bills that did not get to a final vote, will try again in 2024:
HB 18 – Dual Credit Scholarships – never called to Committee
HB 27 – Protection of “learning pods” - never called to Committee
HB 50 – Revealing party affiliation of School Board candidates on the ballot - never called to Committee
HB 60 – Moment of silence at school - never called to Committee
HB 92 – Opt out of medical treatments for school children - never called to Committee
HB 101 - No Covid Vax mandate for school attendance – never called in Sentate
HB 139 – Campus Free Speech - never called to Committee
HB 174 – Constitutional Amendment for School Choice – Passed education committee - will be a top priority in 2024
