|
We have reached the midpoint of the 2026 Legislative Session, and I want to provide a clear update on where things stand.
The Senate has worked with focus and discipline. Nine of the Senate Majority’s 10 priority bills have already passed the Senate. That progress reflects months of interim preparation, thorough committee review, and thoughtful debate on the floor. Our approach has been deliberate and responsible, with an emphasis on getting policy right.
As we enter the second half of the session, attention turns to the state budget.
I have heard from many of you regarding the House’s initial proposal. It is important to remember that the budget originates in the House, and the current version has not yet passed that chamber. It will likely change before reaching the Senate. No final decisions have been made.
When the budget comes to us, the Senate will conduct a careful and independent review. My focus will be on maintaining a structurally balanced budget, using one-time funds responsibly, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, particularly for the benefit of our rural communities.
There is still meaningful work ahead, and I will continue to keep you informed as the process moves forward.
The first bill to reach the governor’s desk this session was Senate Bill (SB) 172, legislation I sponsored to address sudden spikes in electric bills caused by fuel cost volatility. The bill passed both chambers unanimously and was signed into law this week. I’m pleased to announce it’s been signed into law.
SB 172 gives the Kentucky Public Service Commission a practical tool to help smooth out sharp fuel adjustment surcharges by allowing those costs, when requested by a utility, to be spread over several months rather than hitting consumers all at once. During extreme weather events, fuel prices can double or even triple, creating significant increases on monthly bills.
While this is not a silver bullet for the broader challenges facing our energy markets, it is a responsible step we can take at the state level to help provide stability and protect Kentucky families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small businesses from sudden rate spikes.
Several other important bills also passed the Senate this week:
SB 9 supports housing development by streamlining regulations and expanding financing tools to help local communities grow and increase access to affordable homes.
SB 47 expands state death benefits and tuition waivers to include search and rescue personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty.
SB 69 creates the Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund and allows voluntary tax refund contributions to support autism research and services.
SJR 74 directs the creation of a statewide fiscal map of substance use disorder programs to improve coordination and accountability.
SB 85 allows public pension benefits to be placed in a Special Needs Trust to help families protect long-term care while maintaining eligibility for support programs.
SB 104 establishes a safety zone around first responders and strengthens penalties for those who interfere or threaten them, while protecting constitutional rights.
SB 141 modernizes public notice laws to improve transparency, expand digital access, and help control costs.
SB 152 strengthens school leadership by affirming principals’ authority while maintaining input from teachers and parents.
SB 159 improves coordination in missing persons cases to help locate individuals more quickly and support families.
Each of these measures now moves to the House for consideration.
If you have questions or ideas, feel free to contact my office at 502-564-8100 or email me at Phillip.Wheeler@kylegislature.gov. You can learn more about bills, committees, and other updates from the Kentucky General Assembly at www.legislature.ky.gov
###
Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, represents Kentucky’s 31st Senate District, including Elliott, Johnson, Lawrence, Martin, and Pike Counties. Wheeler serves as chair of the Senate Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor Committee and vice chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He is also co-chair of the Capital Planning Advisory Board. Additionally, Wheeler is a member of the Senate Committees on Transportation, Natural Resources and Energy, and Licensing and Occupations.
|
