Local legislators talk side-by-sides, Medicaid, vetoes as we near the end of 2025 session

Representative Myron Dossett is looking forward to returning to Frankfort for the final two days of the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly after the veto recess—so the Republican super-majority can override the governor’s veto of Dossett’s bill, House Bill 216.

House Bill 216 would allow for employees of the Kentucky Office of Ag. Policy to apply for and receive funds administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. The governor feels it’s an ethical violation, but Dossett contends that many people working in other cabinets apply for benefits often with no issues.

Several locals will be pleased to know that the general assembly passed legislation that would make side-by-side vehicles legal on area road ways—up to a certain point. Representative Walker Thomas says those side-by-side type vehicles would be able to travel approximately 20 miles on a road with center line pavement markings. It heads to the governor’s desk for signing and Thomas says he thinks it will be a real boon for tourism, particularly near the lakes.

The session was not without controversy, and that includes House Bill 695, which just barely made it through both chambers before the veto recess began and would add a mandatory work requirement for able-bodied adults without dependents that are on Medicaid currently.

Senator Craig Richardson assures that those who are disabled and unable to work will not lose their coverage—but he says the rampant spending happening for Medicaid has to be reined in.

While it’s likely that Governor Andy Beshear will veto that bill, the republican super-majority can easily override that veto when they return for the final two days of session.