Ky. Zip Line Legislation Close to Passage

by Stu Johnson, WEKU NEWS –  The Kentucky Senate Agriculture Committee has passed a House approved bill that would regulate zip lines across the Commonwealth.  The measure aims to help ensure consistency in construction, training, and rider safety. Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer cast a no vote in committee, citing concerns about over-regulation.  “Do we have to regulate…

Bill would give legislature power to restore voting rights

by Adam Beam, Associated Press –  FRANKFORT, KY. — Convicted felons can’t vote in Kentucky unless the governor allows it, but a bill moving through the Republican-controlled state Senate would let lawmakers make the decision instead. Kentucky’s constitution bans all convicted felons from voting in elections, even if they have completed their sentence and been released from prison.…

Minton: House budget ‘catastrophic’ to courts

by Tom Loftus, @TomLoftus_CJ – FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr. said Wednesday the judicial budget as approved by the House budget committee on Tuesday would have a “catastrophic” impact on Kentucky’s court system. Minton complained last month about what he said were inadequate funds set aside for the judicial branch in Gov. Matt…

Lawmakers’ pension info still secret in Ky.

by Adam Beam, Associated Press – FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky state Sen. Chris McDaniel’s constituents know that he’s contributed $5,575.79 to his state retirement account, that it has collected $104.38 in interest and that it has a balance of $5,680.17. But that’s only because McDaniel requested a copy of his statement and posted it to his Facebook…

Ky House Democrats confident, turn eyes to fall

by Joseph Gerth, @Joe_Gerth – FRANKFORT, Ky. – A day after increasing their majority in the Kentucky House, Democrats were confident they could continue to hang on to the chamber when the general election rolls around in November. That’s despite the presidential election presenting Republicans with federal issues that are expected to be more friendly to them…