The definition of “adult cabaret” now describes a venue which “predominantly”, rather than “regularly”, features explicit performances. The sub also removed the ability of a citizen to bring legal action against businesses in violation of the regulations, limiting the responsibility to a Commonwealth's attorney or county attorney. It also allows for the grandfathering in of businesses already operating within the bill’s one-city-block-distance of a church, school, or community center.
Tichenor said the Commonwealth of Kentucky has long set regulations around different industries to protect its citizens.
"We regulate and monitor insurance, horse racing, financial advising, real estate, alcohol... The list is long," said Tichenor. "The intent of this bill is to set regulations around an unchecked industry to ensure we are protecting communities and minors within those communities."
Notably absent from Tichenor's introduction was any mention of drag, a contentious issue surrounding SB 147. While earlier versions of the bill broadly categorized performances involving gender nonconformity as explicit, the current version distinguishes between adult-oriented and non-adult-oriented drag.
Former House Representative of the 33rd district Bob Heleringer attended the meeting to speak in opposition to the bill. He introduced himself as a Louisville attorney and Republican representing the Fairness Campaign, and said the bill directly targets LGBTQ Kentuckians.
"Of course, no one would ever say that explicitly," said Heleringer. "They're for protecting children, and so I always want to know, well, where are the childrens' advocacy groups? Where are the mayors, the county judges, the PTAs? Where are these groups that will come here and say 'this is the kind of law we need.'"
Despite Tichenor’s assurance that SB 147 no longer restricts non-explicit drag in public spaces, some Republican house members, including Representative Chris Fugate, continued to pair their support of the bill with an opposition to expressions of gender nonconformity.
"Freedom is the ability to act within the boundaries that are set for society - the boundaries that we all have to live inside," said Fugate. "How can we be for someone dressing up like a lady, or like a woman, and reading books to our kids? What in the world are we thinking? I'll vote proudly for this bill."