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What To Expect From The Kentucky General Assembly In 2021

LRC Public Information

Kentucky Senate Republicans are deciding which priorities will receive top billing in the upcoming 2021 legislative session.

With only 30 working days, a one-year budget to craft, and the complications of COVID-19, Senate Republicans are aiming for a lean and focused session. Now with record-setting majorities in both chambers, the GOP is expected to rein in Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear's executive authority.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer said voters sent a message at the ballot box in November.

"They are very upset with a lot of decisions made by Gov. Beshear and they want to trim the sails, so to speak, of the executive branch," Thayer told reporters Wednesday.

Republican leaders say they want the General Assembly to have some say in discussions about when and how long a state of emergency can be declared. Senate President Robert Stivers stressed that the legislation is not about denying the reality of the pandemic.

"We may have different ideas about how we deal with it, but we do know it needs to be dealt with," the Manchester Republican said.

The legislature is also poised to take up liability shields for businesses, a ban on most no-knock warrants, at least two abortion-related bills, and a Constitutional Amendment that would allow the body to call itself into special session. 

Lawmakers are set to convene January 5th and adjourn at the end of March.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.
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