With the bill filing deadlines now past, we are in a countdown to Sine Die and anticipate some big movement on key pieces of legislation. This week also includes GLI Advocacy Day in Frankfort (our favorite day of session!) and we look forward to having investors in Frankfort for the day. Until then, here are some updates from the Capitol.

Legislative Updates:

Local Taxes:

Rep. Jonathan Dixon filed HB 14 last week, proposing a constitutional amendment to change Kentucky’s local tax structure. Through a multistep process that includes passing this legislation to put language on the ballot this November for voters to consider, and then allowing the legislature to set new parameters in future sessions, we have the opportunity to make Greater Louisville’s local tax code more competitive. This bill is awaiting committee assignment in the House. Local tax reform has been a top priority of GLI for many years and we applaud the legislature’s new approach to make Kentucky more competitive.

Certified Child Care Community Designation Program:

The House passed HB 561 which establishes operations and requirements of a Certified Child Care Community Designation Program to be administered by the Cabinet for Economic Development. This bill, filed by Rep. Samara Heavrin, details a program that will create new opportunities for local governments to help increase the supply of child care and early childhood education services in their communities through voluntary actions related to zoning reform and programming at the local level. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Workplace Violence Protections:

Last week Rep. Adam Bowling filed HB 739, an act relating to workplace violence. This bill would allow Kentucky employers to petition a court for a workplace violence protective order against an individual threatening the employer’s workplace and/or employees. 14 other states allow employers to obtain these types of protective orders, including Indiana and Tennessee. This bill is awaiting committee assignment in the House.