Several new Kentucky laws take effect Friday

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) – Several new laws will take effect on June 27th.
During the short session, about 140 bills were passed by lawmakers.
House Bill 4 prevents colleges and universities from spending money on Diversity Equity & Inclusion initiatives. The measure also states that schools must eliminate all DEI offices and positions.
Senate Bill 22 allows mobile barbershops and salons to operate in the state. They will be licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Board of Barbering. It also allows for retakes of exams and removes limits on how many times exams can be retaken. It applies to barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians and nail techs.
Senate Bill 19 requires K-12 Schools to observe a moment of silence at the start of each school day.
House Bill 398 prohibits the state from adopting or enforcing any workforce regulations that are stricter than federal standards.
House Bill 399– interfering with a legislative proceeding is now a Class A misdemeanor on first offense and a Class D Felony for third or subsequent offense. Includes rotunda or outdoor areas of the Capitol Ground.
Senate Bill 181 requires local school boards to establish a traceable communication system for messaging between educators/coaches with students and parents.
Senate Bill 73 creates tougher penalties for sextortion, more severe charges when it involves a minor. Schools will have to create education and awareness initiatives to help prevent sextortion.
House Bill 191 expands eligibility in Kentucky state veterans’ cemeteries. National Guard and reserve service members, along with their families, will be eligible for burial.
House Bill 520 gives law enforcement agencies the power to deny open records requests if the release “could harm the agency or investigation.” It strikes the word “would” from the law and replaces it with “could” pose a risk or harm.
House Bill 208 requires school boards to create policies that prohibit the use of cell phones in classrooms.
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