State Rep. Kevin Jackson discusses latest bills passed and vetoed in Kentucky

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Kentucky legislative session is coming to an end as Gov. Andy Beshear is working on signing and vetoing bills that have now passed the House and Senate.

Some of the new laws aim to make drivers’ lives a little bit easier.

House Bill 161 is one such bill. HB 161, which allows third-party businesses the opportunity to renew Kentucky driver’s licenses, was combined with Senate Bill 43, which establishes a medical review board to look at cases where drivers are denied licenses based off of medical or physical disabilities.

The new law not only helps local business by bringing new customers but also aims to shorten long wait times when renewing licenses.

There are some laws, though, that are cracking down on potential misuse and abuse of Kentucky drivers.

House Bill 783 cracks down on temporary tag misuse preventing car dealerships from continuously issuing temp tags to drivers or potentially face a punishment.

In total, the Kentucky legislator sent 128 bills to the governor’s office for his signature. However, not all are straightforward. House Bill 4 is one such case being vetoed by the governor.

Those who support the bill say the bill targets expensive DEA programs on college campuses while keeping important federally protected programs like Title IX and civil rights offices and creates safe and quality learning environments for students.

Supporters even use Western Kentucky University as an example for how students can receive good education or receiving equal opportunities.

Kevin Jackson, Kentucky state representative of District 20, says, “We spend millions of dollars I know in the state of Kentucky, some of the bigger university guys, we’re spending millions of dollars on the degree programs. I’m very proud of Western Kentucky University, my alma mater. They did not have a DEA program here. They have an office to deal with problems on campus. No matter what color you are, no matter rich, poor…”

HB 4 now heads back to the legislature, where the bill is likely to pass and become law without the governor’s signature.