08/11/2026
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Samara Heavrin, 18th District
Week in Review: Education, budget, natural resources
The first week of August provided an opportunity for several committees to meet, including a statutory committee, interim joint committees (IJC), and the legislature’s budget review (BR) committees. These panels heard testimony on a variety of issues, but more importantly asked questions and gathered information that will be used to shape legislation for the upcoming 2027 session.
Committee topics included:
Education Assessment and Accountability Review Subcommittee: Members discussed updates from the Education Professional Standards Board and reviewed district data profiles for the 2025 school year. The discussion included educator preparation and certification, legal and policy updates affecting the education profession, and an overview of district-level data compiled by the Office of Education Accountability. Members also examined school financial information and performance metrics to better understand trends across Kentucky's school districts and support future policy decisions.
IJC on Education: Members heard from a variety of stakeholders in primary and secondary education. The committee heard from Kentucky First Robotics, a program designed to help prepare students with career-ready technical, team-work, and problem-solving skills. Next, Warren County Public Schools presented on the benefits of kindergarten transition and allowing students additional time to develop socially, grow emotionally, and prepare academically. The district also testified about their efforts to increase postsecondary readiness through the Impact Center for Leadership and Innovation. Finally, the committee heard from the Kentucky Department of Education on Kentucky’s reading and math improvements and overall test scores.
IJC on Transportation: Members discussed the growing use of personal delivery devices, such as small autonomous robots that transport goods over short distances, and received a closeout report on the state's Road Fund for fiscal year 2026. They also reviewed implementation of House Bill 571, including new restrictions on highway lighting near agricultural land, received an update on progress of the Interstate 65 improvement project, and considered an administrative regulation related to peer-to-peer vehicle-sharing services.
BR on Justice and Judiciary: Legislators heard from the Department of Corrections regarding its inmate food service contract and offender work programs. Officials said they have contracted for food services since 2005, with Aramark serving as the awarded vendor. The contract provides meals at a cost of $4.39 a day per inmate for approximately 12,000 inmates in state correctional institutions. Offenders also participate in 13 prison industries and farm operations at three correctional institutions, employing up to 40 inmates and generating approximately $550,000 in annual profits, although the department does not currently operate any food production facilities.
BR on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement: Members heard an update on veterans nursing homes operated by the state. Committee staff presented data on capacity, the cost of care and facility management, the process for veterans accessing care, and recommendations for improvements made to the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs. Facility capacity was a key issue discussed. Transitioning rooms at the centers from double occupancy to single occupancy is one reason for the decrease in capacity, but improves the quality of life for residents. Statewide capacity will increase with the opening of the Bowling Green Veterans Center and the completion of the new HVAC installation at the Radcliff Veterans Center.
BR on Transportation: Members received updates on planned highway construction projects scheduled to be awarded during fiscal year 2027, along with expected construction spending over the current two-year budget cycle. They also reviewed the status of federal transportation grants, including funding opportunities and ongoing projects, and received the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's annual year-end report on the Road Fund and the state's transportation finances.
IJC on Appropriations and Revenue: Legislators heard from Kentucky State University on its continued progress toward becoming Kentucky's polytechnic institution following the passage of SB 185 during the 2026 Regular Session. University officials highlighted the comprehensive academic program review now underway. Members also discussed the fiscal year 2026 budget closeout with the Office of the State Budget Director. General Fund revenues exceeded the enacted estimate by $476.6 million, representing a 1.7% increase, driven by strong growth in income tax, sales and use tax, major business taxes, lottery receipts, and coal severance revenues.
IJC on Judiciary: Members received an update on the Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel, including its efforts to examine child fatalities and near fatalities to identify trends, improve coordination among agencies, and strengthen child safety. They also heard a presentation on a law enforcement tool designed to help officers safely control and de-escalate dangerous situations without using deadly force. Finally, members discussed the use of a real-time crime index to provide more timely crime data, improve public safety analysis, and support informed policymaking.
IJC on Natural Resources and Energy: Lawmakers reviewed the recent purchase of land by The Nature Conservancy in Bell and Whitley counties. The recent purchase of land is part of continued conservation efforts in the Appalachian region. The land known as the Thacker Tract connects other protected areas, Mountain River Farms and Cumberland Forest, to expand conservation work between them. Members also heard a quarterly report from the Public Service Commission on fulfilment of requests for utility pole attachments for broadband access across the state.
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.
