7 topics to watch on Friday in Frankfort

By Ryan Alessi – ralessi@herald-leader.com

Friday is a crucial day in Frankfort.

It marks the 28th day of the 30-day General Assembly session and is lawmakers’ last chance to pass bills in which they can override any vetoes by the governor when they return for the final two days on March 26 and 27.

Heading into the day, a slew of bills remain up in the air. Last minute deals will mean some live, some die and some are loaded up like Christmas trees with projects or semi-related provisions.

Here are seven topics to watch:

■ Economic development incentives: House Bill 229 is being pushed by Gov. Steve Beshear’s administration and would revamp the state’s main incentive programs to attract businesses. Another bill, HB 521, is aimed at luring a NASCAR Sprint Cup race to the Kentucky Speedway. Both are in the Senate.

■ Student testing: House and Senate negotiators say they’re close to a deal to replace the current school testing scheme with Senate Bill. 1.

■ Gas tax: The Senate passed a bill Thursday outlining planned road projects, but didn’t approve a companion funding bill. HB 374 stops the state gas tax from dropping 4 cents to help pay for those projects.

■ Projects and budget “clean-up”: HB 433 contains tens of millions of dollars in new school and construction projects, as well as $4.7 million for public defenders and the same amount for prosecutors. It is awaiting action by a Senate committee.

■ Campaign finance: Senate Bill 62 would increase candidate’s fund-raising disclosure, while Senate Bill 53 requires independent groups that get involved in political campaigns to report their donations. Both are pending in the House.

■ Nuclear energy: Senate Bill 13 would lift a moratorium on nuclear power plant construction in Kentucky. It is pending in a House committee.

■ Cyber safety: HB 315, pushed by Attorney General Jack Conway, would make online stalking a crime. It awaits action by the full Senate.

Filed Under: Featured • KY General Assembly