SB66 is currently on the back burner until SB1 is worked out. This bill phases in the large increases in pension costs for libraries, school districts, health departments and other workers who fall under CERS (County Employees Retirement System). If the Kentucky legislature does a complete overhaul of the pension systems, this would provide relief on pensions to those in CERS. SB66 places a 12 percent cap for the next decade on increases in pension contributions for these public employers.

HB227 Net Metering bill passed the Kentucky House this week by a narrow vote of 49-45. This bill has been highly controversial, but sponsor Rep. Gooch (R-Providence) says the newest version reflects a compromise based on extensive work with many stakeholders: “We’ve done everything we could to try to satisfy. We don’t think this bill will put solar operators out of business. As a matter of fact, the utilities still have to buy back your excess power.” In this version, the KY Public Service Commission is authorized to establish pricing rates for the solar energy customers put back into the power grid. As evidenced by the vote, strong opposition still remains.

HB604 In wake of the Marshall County shooting, Rep. Coursey introduced legislation that requires mental health professionals to be in each district. For every 1,500 students there would be one mental health professional. Another segment of the bill requires schools to be “trauma-informed.” Under the direction of the mental health professional, schools will build ‘trauma teams’ that would “provide training, guidance, and assistance” to school and staff and help students in need.