The 2014 session of the Kentucky General Assembly has ended with little signs of white flags surrendering by either party. While several bills died with the end of the legislative session, many bills were signed into law in the commonwealth.
With the passing of a new state budget by the General Assembly, lawmakers breathed a sigh of relief after much deliberation. The state budget covers the next two years of operating in Kentucky and is reconsidered in even numbered years by the General Assembly. The $20.3 billion state budget restored funding to K-12 education, which was lost in the recession years. The budget contained a 1.5 percent cut to Kentucky state universities and colleges.
Because of a new state law minors cannot buy electronic cigarettes in Kentucky. With the new law, minors caught buying e-cigarettes will face a $50 fine and 20 hours of community service. The penalties for commercial stores that sell to minors can stack up to $2,500. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, but do not contain tar and other chemicals present in regular cigarettes. The bill was signed into effect on April 14th by Governor Beshear.
A bill passed into law reforming the juvenile justice system. The approved legislation increases the education and training of some employees in the system.
Kentuckians are encouraged by lawmakers to contact their respective representative.
To find out who your state representative is in Frankfurt, click here.
To contact your state representative by email, click here.
You may also write to any legislator by sending a letter with the lawmaker’s name to: Capitol Annex, 702 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601.
