Appearing on this week’s Legislative Update program to air on WHOP Sunday, local lawmakers say they are working on far more than just pension reform and the biennial budget.
Eighth District state Representative Walker Thomas of Hopkinsville says he’s advocating to get money in the road plan for beginning phases of reconstruction of the Pennyrile Parkway/Interstate 169 interchange with the Martin Luther King Bypass.
Senator Whitney Westerfield of Hopkinsville notes that House Bill 92 has passed both chambers and heads to the governor’s desk. It broadens the parameters of what county jails can use its canteen funds for and Westerfield says that will allow jailers to make their facilities safer.
Courtney’s Law, sponsored by Representative Lynn Bechler of Marion, is also on the governor’s desk. Bechler says coroners and medical examiners in Kentucky will be required to check the organ donor registry to see if victims of accidents wanted to be a donor.
Representative Jason Petrie of Elkton is sponsoring a bill protecting religious organizations that oppose same sex marriage.
A House resolution asking the federal government to remove hemp from the definition of marijuana passed on a 93-2 vote. Representative Myron Dossett of Pembroke says hemp has medical and industrial uses without the THC content that can make people intoxicated.
Hear all five local lawmakers discuss these topics, in addition to pensions and the budget, at 9 a.m. Sunday on Lite Rock 98.7 and online at lite987whop.com.