On January 3, state legislators returned to Frankfort to begin the 2017 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly. The initial five days of the 30-day (short) session were marked by unprecedented activity, such as the swearing-in of a new Republican majority in the State House of Representatives and the passage of seven pieces of legislation. Most notably for Commerce Lexington Inc. members was the passage of HB 1, making Kentucky a Right-to-Work (RTW) state, and HB 3, repealing the state's prevailing wage laws.
For the first time in Kentucky's history, the GOP holds the Governor's office and super-majorities in the State House (64-36) and State Senate (27-11). Republican leaders, including Governor Matt Bevin, newly-elected House Speaker Jeff Hoover (R-Jamestown) and Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester), wasted no time in advancing policy priorities efficiently through the legislative process. It takes a minimum of five days for a bill to become law. The legislature met in a Saturday session for a 5th day to ensure these bills made it to the Governor for signature as quickly as possible.
For the first time in Kentucky's history, the GOP holds the Governor's office and super-majorities in the State House (64-36) and State Senate (27-11). Republican leaders, including Governor Matt Bevin, newly-elected House Speaker Jeff Hoover (R-Jamestown) and Senate President Robert Stivers (R-Manchester), wasted no time in advancing policy priorities efficiently through the legislative process. It takes a minimum of five days for a bill to become law. The legislature met in a Saturday session for a 5th day to ensure these bills made it to the Governor for signature as quickly as possible.