Before I provide an update on the closing week of the 2025 Legislative Session, I want to express my prayers for those negatively impacted by the latest round of flooding.
In the final two days of session, Republican supermajorities in both chambers took decisive action to override every veto issued by Governor Beshear. From strengthening transparency and oversight to reaffirming Kentucky’s values in education, health care, and economic development, we remained focused on responsible governance and protecting Kentuckians’ freedoms.
This Governor has repeatedly used his veto pen to chip away at legislative authority. Kentuckians deserve an executive branch that respects the Constitution—not one driven by political ambition. In contrast, the Senate has advanced thoughtful, balanced legislation and shown the resolve to override vetoes when necessary.
It is now the Governor’s duty to faithfully execute all laws duly enacted by the legislature—not just the ones he agrees with.
Senate Veto Overrides
Senate Bill (SB) 25 creates a new Medicaid Oversight Board, strengthens the powers of the state auditor and ombudsman, and enhances transparency in broadband infrastructure. The Governor’s line-item vetoes attempted to limit this oversight, but we stood firm.
SB 84 rejects the doctrine of Chevron deference, restoring the separation of powers by allowing Kentucky courts—not agencies—to interpret the law.
SB 207 allows struggling school districts to pursue innovative education models with oversight from the Kentucky Board of Education.
SB 19 protects religious liberty by providing students with a moment of silence for prayer or reflection at the start of each school day.
Final Passage and Additional Overrides:
SB 2 prohibits the use of taxpayer funds for gender-transition surgeries or hormone treatments in Kentucky correctional facilities.
SB 9 addresses long-term pension sustainability in the Teachers’ Retirement System by standardizing sick leave, increasing maternity leave, mandating transparency, and correcting administrative disparities.
SB 28 reorganizes the Department of Agriculture and creates a new fund to boost rural innovation, job growth, and community health.
SB 181 requires school systems to implement traceable communication systems between staff and students and mandates reporting violations to the EPSB.
SJR 55 directs public universities to combat rising antisemitism by adopting clear policies, educating students on civil rights, and reporting data to the Council on Postsecondary Education.
House Bill (HB) 2 allows taxpayers to sue the Department of Revenue over the illegal collection of taxes on gold and silver, following last year’s repeal.
HB 4 eliminates public university funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, while protecting support for veterans, Pell Grant recipients, first-generation students, and those with disabilities.
HB 48 reduces red tape in public schools by updating evaluation timelines, streamlining training requirements, and improving induction programs for first-year teachers.
HB 90 clarifies that doctors can legally provide care in cases of miscarriage or life-threatening pregnancy complications.
HB 190 mandates that academically exceptional high school students be automatically enrolled in advanced courses unless parents opt out, helping challenge and engage high-achieving students.
HB 240 introduces reading assessments in kindergarten and first grade, and requires retention for first graders who don’t meet reading benchmarks.
HB 305 expands health care training scholarships to include physician assistants, dietitians, and nutritionists, and lifts employment restrictions on aides in state-registered programs.
HB 421 expands insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screening by aligning with national guidelines.
HB 495 overturns an executive order banning state funding for conversion therapy and blocks Medicaid from covering transgender treatments—restoring legislative authority over controversial mandates.
HB 694 redirects employer contributions for retiree health in the TRS to reduce the pension system’s unfunded liability once the retiree health fund reaches full funding.
HB 695 improves Medicaid oversight by requiring legislative approval for major changes, limiting the number of managed care organizations, increasing transparency in pharmacy and behavioral health spending, and implementing a work/community engagement requirement for able-bodied adults.
House Joint Resolution 15 restores the granite Ten Commandments monument to the Capitol grounds for permanent display.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you in the Kentucky Senate. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 502-564-2450 or Max.Wise@kylegislature.gov.
(Dustin R. Isaacs – Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise)