logo1This week was the first week back of the legislature after they took a month-long break during January. A lot happened on Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children priorities this week, and with this being a short session, we expect action to pick up quickly.

  • HB 145 to create a comprehensive, statewide indoor smoke-free law passed the House Health and Welfare Committee on Thursday, February 5 with testimony from a bipartisan group of legislators from the House and Senate. It will now move to the full House for a vote (hopefully next week). We need you to call YOUR House Representative and ask him/her to vote yes on HB 145. Click here to take action.
  • Two identical bills (HB 301 in the House and SB 119 in the Senate) were filed this week. The bills would ensure educators are trained on child abuse recognition and prevention to help address the 49 children on average per day who are abused in Kentucky. HB 301 sponsored by Representative Rita Smart was assigned to the House Education Committee, and SB 119 sponsored by Senator Julie Raque Adams is still waiting on a committee assignment. Click here to take action on HB 301 and here to take action on SB 119.
  • HB 8 sponsored by Representative John Tilley and Representative Joni Jenkins was filed this week, which would extend protective orders to people in dating relationships. It now awaits a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee. Click here to take action on HB 8.

Please check out our legislative updates page and action alerts page throughout the week to stay up to date on how the Blueprint bills are moving forward. As we heard from Senate President Stivers at the Children’s Advocacy Day rally, children are Kentucky’s greatest asset. We also heard from Lieutenant Governor Crit Luallen that our voice matters. Let’s take action this session to protect and support our children!

To learn more about the Blueprint for Kentucky’s Children initiative and priorities, visit www.blueprintky.org.