Senate moves resolution extending certain executive orders through January 15

As its first action of the special session, the Kentucky Senate passed a joint resolution extending some of Gov. Andy Beshear’s executive orders and administrative actions until January 15, 2022, when the General Assembly will be back in regular session.

In a meeting of the Senate Local Government Committee Tuesday, Senate President Pro Tem David Givens introduced the resolution, which extends 28 executive orders and 29 administrative actions dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Givens noted these are being extended either in full or in part, and that any executive orders or administrative actions not listed in the language are not being extended and are no longer enforceable.

Measures extending the state of emergency declaration, encouraging social distancing, allowing alternative formats for various services (including mail, telephone, and digital), requiring health insurers to waive the costs for COVID-19 screenings, testing and immunizations, and measures to prevent price gouging are among the many items being extended.

The resolution now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

The committee also discussed and passed Senate Bill (SB) 4, which addresses legislator pay during a special session. Sponsored by Senator Mike Wilson, SB 4 would prohibit lawmakers from receiving compensation during any necessary veto days of a special session.

Stay tuned to The Bottom Line for more updates throughout the special session.