06/22/2026
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Ryan Bivens
Week In Review: Veterans, autism, public safety, and health
During the third week of the interim, members of the General Assembly continued their work across a wide range of policy areas through interim joint and statutory committee meetings. Lawmakers received updates on Kentucky’s economy and workforce development, rural health care transformation, autism services, public safety, workforce licensing pathways, tourism and cultural initiatives, veterans’ care, and major capital projects. Across committees, discussions focused on federal funding opportunities, state agency programs, and efforts to strengthen services and outcomes for Kentuckians in every region of the commonwealth.
IJC on Economic Development & Workforce Investment: Members heard information regarding homeland security and the potential impact of conflict in other countries on the Commonwealth’s economy. Members also met heard updates on the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership with the University of Louisville that aims to solve manufacturing problems in the Commonwealth.
IJC on Families & Children: Lawmakers received an overview of autism services available from early childhood through adulthood. Representatives from the Kentucky Department of Education, Cabinet for Health and Family Services, University of Kentucky, and other stakeholders highlighted efforts to expand support, improve access to services, and strengthen outcomes for individuals with autism and their families. The committee also approved the 2027 Social Services Block Grant Plan, which directs federal funding to programs including Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, and other services that support vulnerable Kentuckians and families.
IJC on Health Services: Lawmakers received an update from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services on Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Plan, which includes initiatives to strengthen oral health, EMS and trauma care, chronic disease prevention and management, behavioral health, and maternal health in the state’s rural counties, as well as implementation plans, initiative objectives, and key results. Members then discussed the state’s application for federal block grants that support community-based mental health and substance use prevention and treatment services, highlighting block grant requirements and funding, people served, and key outcomes.
IJC on Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations: Legislators first heard from the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology on its executive briefing, which detailed the board’s mission, key accomplishments since January 2025, challenges, goals, and future legislative considerations. Legislators then heard from the Kentucky Board of Barbering on the state of barbering in the Commonwealth and ways to strengthen the profession. Other presenters discussed expanding pathways into barbering by reducing unnecessary barriers to work, creating new apprenticeship opportunities, and allowing more Kentuckians to earn a living through supervised, skill-based training.
IJC on Tourism, Small Business, & Information Technology: Members heard from the Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Arts Council, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, and Lexington Parks and Recreation about events across the state planned to celebrate America 250. Programs and events discussed include performing arts events like musical reenactments of revolutionary stories told of the nation and History of the state. Lexington is holding numerous events with concerts, fairs, and a race being held downtown for the general public.
IJC on Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection: Legislators were briefed on the findings of a legislative report on Kentucky’s veterans nursing homes. The report focused on quality of care, staffing, and functional occupancy. The review also emphasized gaps in admissions, communication, and waitlists. Finally, the review shared recommendations focusing on single-occupancy transitions, better systems, staffing incentives, and modernization, while recognizing rising costs and emphasizing improved reporting and long-term planning.
Capital Projects & Bond Oversight: Members reviewed a variety of financial and capital project updates affecting state government, public universities, and local school districts. Discussions included construction projects, lease agreements, and public-private partnerships at Kentucky's postsecondary institutions, as well as project amendments and lease approvals across state agencies. Members also received updates on infrastructure loans, clean water grants, economic development funds, and state debt issuances. Finally, Jefferson County and Fayette County Public Schools briefed the committee on ongoing financial challenges facing their districts.
Commission on Race & Access to Opportunity: Members heard from a discussion on crime and community policing featuring Lexington Police Chief Lawrence B. Weathers, Louisville Police Chief Paul Humphrey, and Bowling Green Police Chief Michael Delaney. Chiefs shared perspectives on public safety trends in their communities and efforts to strengthen community policing strategies and partnerships across Kentucky.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at [email protected] and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
