MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
Several measures would have improved the economic climate of Kentucky.
Sadly, the many positive, pro-business measures below were not passed by the 2016 General Assembly.
RIGHT TO WORK
SB 3 would have given workers a choice regarding joining a union
and prevented the requirement that employees pay union dues as a
condition of employment.
PENSION TRANSPARENCY
SB 2 would have required more transparency and accountability for
the state pension systems.
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION FIX
SB 151/HB 311 would have allowed payments of temporary total
disability benefits to be offset by wages paid to an employee by an
employer for light duty or alternative duty work performed during a
period of disability.
LIFT-LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX
HB 2/HB 374 would have given local communities the option to
place an additional sales tax of up to one cent on the ballot for voter
approval for transformational community projects.
JUSTICE CODE MODERNIZATION
HB 412 would have revised Kentucky’s penal code to allow a new
classification gross misdemeanor for some non-violent, non-sexual
Class D felonies. The bill would have saved the state $23 million.
PREVAILING WAGE
SB 9 would have excluded educational facilities from prevailing
wage, and SB 94 would have allowed local entities to opt out of the
requirement.
SMOKE FREE WORKPLACES
HB 351 would have prohibited smoking in indoor public places.
MEDICAL REVIEW PANELS
SB 6 would have created a system of medical review panels to
address the escalating costs directly
attributed to Kentucky’s uncontrolled medical liability climate, an
issue of serious concern for Kentucky employers.
LIMITED LIABILITY ENTITY TAX
HB 292 would have expanded the definition of cost of goods sold
to match costs allowed by the Internal Revenue Code.
CIRCUIT COURT VENUES
SB 202 would have modified standards for venue and jurisdiction in
actions against the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
LEGISLATIVE PENSION TRANSPARENCY
SB 45 would have brought transparency to the legislative retirement
system and made information available to the public.
NUCLEAR POWER
HB 103/SB 89 would have lifted the ban on nuclear power facilities
in Kentucky (SB 89) by allowing for onsite storage of spent fuel. HB
103 would have lifted the ban on or within 50 miles of facility that
previously manufactured nuclear products.
AREA DEV. DISTRICTS TRANSPARENCY
HB 438 would have brought more oversight and transparency to
the state’s area development districts by establishing new hiring and
reporting procedures.
CHARTER SCHOOLS
The original provisions of SB 253/HB 589 would have made charter
schools a part of the state’s education system by permitting pilot
programs in Jefferson and Fayette Counties and creating a state
licensing authority.
BUSINESS VOICES
“The Kentucky Chamber listens to and is committed to its members. When
a member reached out regarding an adverse Supreme Court decision related to
workers’ compensation, the Chamber responded by fervently supporting Senate
Bill 151 during the very next legislative session. The Chamber recognizes the
significance of workers’ compensation insurance to Kentucky businesses and
fights to ensure Kentucky is a friendly environment for industry.”
Paige F. Mankovich, Esq.
Corporate Counsel for Compliance and Government Affairs
Kentucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance
Sen. Steve West and Chamber Vice President of Public Affairs spoke in favor of
SB 151, a workers’ compensation fix.