Legislative Update- March 4, 2015

Energy bill passes Senate committee

Just one day after the House passed HCR 168, the resolution was brought up and passed by Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy.  Sponsored by Representative Gooch, HCR 168 directs the Legislative Research Commission (LRC) to establish a task force to perform a one-time study which assesses the potential impacts of federal environmental regulations on the “affordability” and “reliability” of electricity generation in Kentucky. 

The “Federal Environmental Regulation Impact Assessment Task Force” is required to submit its findings and recommendations to the LRC by December 4, 2015.

Craft Academy legislation moves forward 

Legislation dealing with the creation of the Craft Academy on the campus of Morehead State University passed the Senate Education committee with unanimous support on Wednesday.

The legislation, sponsored by House Majority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins, would establish a dual-credit residential high school for exceptional Kentucky students. The Craft Academy, named for Kentucky Chamber board member Joe Craft, is expected to open in August 2015 and accept 60 students in its first class.

Many lawmakers have noted the success of the Gatton Academy at the campus of Western Kentucky University and expressed excitement that more students in the state will have the opportunity to receive education through this type of institution.