Work continues in Frankfort during the 2024 session of the Kentucky General Assembly and local legislators are weighing and measuring each bill that comes before the legislative bodies.
That includes Senate Bill 20, which would charge teenagers as an adult for gun-related crimes, and Senator Whitney Westerfield of Christian County is adamantly opposed to the measure. He says the bill would eliminate factors judges can consider when making a determination about charging a teen as an adult, such as whether they were manipulated by an adult into the crime or if they have a mental disability.
He says there must be a better way to address concerns with youth and gun violence, and he says this bill would cause more harm than good.
Meanwhile in the House, a measure looking to establish a School of Veterinary Medicine at Murray State University passed the House, with Representative Walker Thomas calling it an exciting step for western Kentucky.
Then, the Senate is discussing the Horizons Act, which would designate $150-million to help sustain pay increases and keep childcare centers open. Representative Myron Dossett says he wants to make sure the bill isn’t hurting private daycares, but he knows the need for more, affordable childcare is very high.
It’s possible the House could see a Road Plan in the coming weeks, with hopes that projects concerning Lovers Lane and KY 115 make it into to the plan.