Kentucky Congressional Bills

in committee · Kentucky · House Jun 16, 2023

HR 4121: Right to Contraception Act

HR 4121, the Right to Contraception Act, establishes a federal statutory right for individuals to access contraceptives and contraception services without government restriction or coercion, directly affecting all people seeking reproductive care and health care providers. The bill prohibits state or federal laws that limit access to contraceptives (defined broadly to include devices, drugs, and fertility methods), prevent individuals from obtaining or using them, or allow providers to refuse services based on personal beliefs. It preempts conflicting state laws, requires any restrictions to be justified by "clear and convincing evidence" of advancing access with no less restrictive alternative, and allows private lawsuits to challenge violations. The Act applies nationwide to all health care providers and individuals, protecting access regardless of factors like race, income, or location.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Kathy E. Manning (D) · 208 co-sponsors

in committee · Kentucky · House Jun 16, 2023

HR 4079: Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Loan Repayment Program Reauthorization Act of 2023

This bill increases annual funding for the Substance Use Disorder Treatment Workforce Loan Repayment Program from $25 million to $40 million per year, covering fiscal years 2024 through 2028. It directly affects healthcare professionals working in substance use disorder treatment who have federal student loans, helping them repay those loans through federal reimbursement. The key provision is the funding increase, extending the program's support for this workforce without altering eligibility or new requirements. This change provides more consistent financial support for treatment providers, aiming to address staffing needs in a critical healthcare area.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Kentucky · House Jun 16, 2023

HR 3949: END CELLS in CELLS Act

This bill prohibits providing, facilitating, or possessing wireless devices (like cell phones) in U.S. detention facilities (e.g., prisons, jails) if such actions violate existing federal or state laws. It imposes civil fines up to $50,000 per violation (capped at $1 million total) or criminal fines up to $50,000 for intentional violations. The law explicitly excludes lawful law enforcement activities and state enforcement powers, and defines "detention facility" broadly to include all correctional and penal institutions. It applies to conduct occurring after enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✗ Technology

Gus M. Bilirakis (R) · 31 co-sponsors

in committee · Kentucky · House Jun 15, 2023

HRES 517: Expressing support for the designation of the third Sunday in June as "Father's Day".

This symbolic resolution (HRES 517) expresses congressional support for the existing tradition of observing the third Sunday in June as "Father's Day," which has been recognized since 1972. It acknowledges fathers' roles in families and society, citing statistics about fatherhood in the U.S. The resolution specifically urges support for policies like universal paid family leave, affordable childcare, and a permanent child tax credit - though these are framed as recommendations, not new laws. It does not create new legal requirements or change the Father's Day designation itself.

Jimmy Gomez (D) · 36 co-sponsors

in committee · Kentucky · Senate Jun 15, 2023

S 2027: Reverse Transfer Efficiency Act of 2023

This bill amends federal education privacy rules to make it easier for students to transfer credits between colleges toward completing a credential. It allows a student's previous college to receive their academic records (with the student's written consent) if they want to apply those credits toward a certificate or associate degree at their original school. The change directly affects students who transferred from one institution to another but later want to complete a credential they started at their first school. The key provision requires explicit student consent before records are shared, streamlining the "reverse transfer" process for credential completion.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Kentucky · House Jun 15, 2023

HR 4168: Mandatory Materiality Requirement Act of 2023

HR 4168, the Mandatory Materiality Requirement Act of 2023, requires the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to specify in new disclosure rules that public companies (issuers) must only disclose information they determine is "material" to investment decisions. It defines "material" as information a reasonable investor would consider significant to their decision-making. The bill applies to SEC rulemaking on disclosure obligations for public companies under both the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Exceptions allow the SEC to bypass this rule if it determines a change won't increase overall disclosure burdens on companies.

in committee · Kentucky · House Jun 15, 2023

HR 4172: Hate Crimes Commission Act of 2023

HR 4172, the Hate Crimes Commission Act of 2023, establishes a 12-member United States Commission on Hate Crimes to investigate trends and improve responses to hate crimes. The commission, appointed by Senate and House leaders plus the Attorney General and Secretary of Health and Human Services, will examine hate crime increases since 2015, factors driving them, and strategies to reduce underreporting to the FBI’s National Incident-Based Reporting System. It will also assess successful bias prevention efforts and online hate crime prevalence. Within one year of its formation, the commission must submit a report to Congress and the President with recommendations for federal agencies and community-based prevention programs. This bill directly affects local law enforcement agencies through reporting requirements and federal agencies through proposed policy changes.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Kentucky · House Jun 15, 2023

HR 16: American Dream and Promise Act of 2023

The American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 would create two pathways to permanent residency for certain immigrants. The "Dream Act" portion would provide conditional permanent resident status to individuals who entered the U.S. as children, have lived continuously in the U.S. since January 1, 2021, and meet educational requirements (such as completing high school, earning a degree, or enrolling in education programs). The "American Promise Act" portion would provide permanent residency to individuals eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) as of specific dates (January 1, 2017, or January 20, 2021). The bill includes provisions for background checks, fee exemptions for low-income applicants, and processes for removing conditional status after meeting specific criteria like completing higher education or earning income.

Topics ✓ Immigration

Sylvia R. Garcia (D) · 207 co-sponsors

in committee · Kentucky · House Jun 14, 2023

HJRES 73: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States giving Congress power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.

This proposed constitutional amendment would give Congress the authority to ban physical acts that desecrate the U.S. flag, such as burning or trampling. If ratified by 38 states (three-fourths of all states), it would allow federal laws prohibiting such acts. The amendment does not currently prohibit flag desecration but seeks to change the Constitution to permit it. It would directly affect individuals engaging in physical flag desecration. The bill is pending in the House Judiciary Committee and requires state ratification to become part of the Constitution.

in committee · Kentucky · House Jun 14, 2023

HRES 509: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives to support the rights of youth in the foster care system.

This non-binding resolution expresses the House's support for 10 specific rights of youth in foster care, directly affecting young people aged 18-21 navigating the system. It affirms their right to remain in original schools, access health services (including mental health), live free from abuse, maintain sibling contact, and receive adequate food and housing. The resolution does not create new legal obligations but calls for child welfare agencies to uphold these standards, based on documented challenges like high school graduation gaps and trauma exposure.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Emanuel Cleaver (D) · 36 co-sponsors

in committee · Kentucky · Senate Jun 14, 2023

S 1991: CAREER Act of 2023

This bill amends two existing federal grant programs to support individuals recovering from substance use disorders. It increases annual funding for treatment and workforce grants from $5 million to $36 million (2024-2028), with allocations based on a state's overdose death rate, unemployment rate, and labor force participation rate compared to national averages using 2018-2022 data. States with higher overdose deaths, unemployment, or lower workforce participation receive more funding. The bill also allows grant funds to cover transportation for participants traveling to work, job training, or recovery services, and extends the Recovery Housing Program through 2028.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Kentucky · House Jun 14, 2023

HR 4102: Recovery Housing Stability and Support Act of 2023

Recovery Housing Stability and Support Act of 2023 This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 the Recovery Housing Program, which is administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program supports the provision of transitional housing for those who are in recovery from a substance-use disorder for up to two years or until the individual finds permanent housing, whichever is earlier.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Housing

Kentucky Congressional Bills

Bill results