Sen. Matt Deneen

Propose to amend Section 77 of the Constitution of Kentucky to prohibit the Governor's ability to grant pardons or commute sentences beginning 60 days prior to a gubernatorial election and ending at that gubernatorial inauguration; amend Section 240 of the Constitution of Kentucky to conform; provide ballot language; submit to voters for ratification or rejection.

Amend KRS 164.786 to define "eligible high school apprentice" and "eligible registered teacher apprenticeship program"; include eligible registered teacher apprenticeship programs in the dual credit scholarship program; establish student and school district eligibility and participation requirements in the eligible registered teacher apprenticeship scholarship program.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commemorates July 4, 2026, as the 250th anniversary of the United States founding and encourages Kentucky residents to participate in related events. It directs the Senate Clerk to send copies to two senators and calls on schools to improve civics education about federalism and government principles. The bill does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal recognition of historical significance within Kentucky.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Shriners Children's Lexington for 100 years of providing pediatric healthcare to children and families in Kentucky and the surrounding region. It recognizes the facility's century-long history of offering specialty care regardless of a family's ability to pay, noting its top 50 ranking for pediatric orthopedic care and its efforts to create a child-friendly environment. The Senate formally acknowledges this milestone through a voice vote, with the resolution text to be delivered to Senator Reginald Thomas. This is a commemorative measure that does not change laws or policies but serves to recognize the organization's contributions.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Kentucky Senate's support for the Ohio River Restoration Program Act, a federal bill aimed at improving water quality and ecological health in the Ohio River Basin. The legislation would establish a restoration program to address pollution, enhance flood resilience, protect wildlife habitats, and expand recreational opportunities along the river. Kentucky is directly affected because the Ohio River forms its northern border, serves as a primary drinking water source for hundreds of thousands of residents, and supports significant economic activity including agriculture, industry, and tourism. The resolution directs the Senate Clerk to send the document to Kentucky's congressional delegation to encourage federal passage of the bill.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 86) honors Bella Gaudette and her border collie Piper for winning Best of Breed in the conformation category at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. It formally recognizes their achievement, noting Piper's win as a reflection of both the dog's qualities and Gaudette's decades of dedication to dog showing. The resolution, introduced by the Kentucky Senate, directs the Senate Clerk to present a copy of the resolution to Gaudette. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.

Amend KRS 156.153 to permit schools to use non-school bus passenger vehicles designed for 10, instead of 9, or fewer passengers; limit statewide driver qualification, training, and drug testing requirements to drivers of non-school bus passenger vehicles along regular bus routes and permit local school boards to adopt district policies on the use of those vehicles to and from approved school activities; exclude parents transporting students to and from school pursuant to a compensation agreement from the requirements of the section; amend KRS 160.380 to conform; EMERGENCY.

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 158 to define "agricultural product" and "Kentucky-grown agricultural product"; allow a local school board or local school district participating in any of the United States Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Programs to purchase Kentucky-grown agricultural products in accordance with federal law.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution honors the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) on its 50th anniversary and recognizes the organization's contributions to environmental education in the state. The bill acknowledges KAEE's leadership, partnerships with educational institutions, and role in developing environmental literacy programs for teachers and students. It encourages continued collaboration between KAEE, state agencies, and community partners to expand environmental education opportunities. The resolution also commends KAEE's leadership team for five decades of service and promotes participation in the organization's upcoming 2026 conference in Lexington.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (known as "the Six Triple Eight"), an all-female African American unit in the Women's Army Corps that served overseas during World War II. The resolution recognizes their critical role in clearing a massive mail backlog for U.S. troops in Europe under challenging conditions, including racism and poor facilities, which boosted troop morale. It specifically commends the unit's service, acknowledges 18 Kentucky women who served in the battalion, and formally expresses gratitude for their contributions to military history, racial equality, and women's roles in the armed forces.