The second week of the legislative session marked the real start of legislative work here in Frankfort. Committee meetings got underway, bills are moving through the process, and floor debate has officially begun.
One of the first major bills to pass the Senate was Senate Bill (SB) 7, which I was proud to co-sponsor. In fact, nearly every member of the Senate signed on in support. It’s rare for a bill to get so many cosponsors. It has considerable momentum, and I hope our House colleagues will take it up promptly and send it to the governor’s desk.
SB 7 gives counties without a regional licensing office the option to offer driver’s license renewal services locally again. These services could be handled by elected officials, such as the clerk, sheriff, judge/executive, or circuit clerk. The goal is simple: give people in Kentucky’s rural areas, where the nearest regional office is hours away, a more accessible, accountable path to license renewal. We’ve seen the executive branch’s inefficiencies and the concerning reports of licenses being sold under the table. This local option will allow local officials you know and trust to take on this service. I was proud to support this effort that puts people first.
We also saw movement on SB 51, which cleared the Senate State and Local Government Committee and now qualifies for a full Senate vote. It would give voters the chance to approve a constitutional amendment freezing the taxable value of a senior’s home starting at age 65 or when they purchase the property. This is about protecting Kentuckians on fixed incomes from rising property taxes so they can stay in the homes they’ve worked hard to keep. The bill has now advanced out of committee and will be debated on the Senate floor.
As Senate majority floor leader, I help guide these and other bills through the legislative process.
This week, several other bills cleared committee and are moving closer to a full vote in the Senate. They include measures to address the teacher workforce shortage, disaster preparedness, and distracted driving.
We still have a long session ahead, but we’ve started strong, with real work, real results, and a shared focus on serving the people of Kentucky.
I look forward to keeping you updated as we move through the coming weeks. If you have questions or want to share your thoughts on legislation, feel free to reach out.
You may reach my office with comments or questions by calling 502-564-8100 or emailing me at Max.Wise@kylegislature.gov.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
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Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, represents the 16th Senate District, including Adair, Allen, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Taylor Counties and eastern Warren County. Wise serves as Senate majority floor leader. He is a member of the Senate Committees on Education, and Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor. As part of Senate leadership, Wise also serves on the Legislative Research Commission, the Rules Committee, and the Committee on Committees.
(Dustin R. Isaacs – Office of Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise)