LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Marianne Proctor
May 12, 2026
Primary Election Day: Vote, volunteer, participate
In just a few days, Kentuckians will have a chance to make their voices heard and take part in shaping the future of their communities. The 2026 Primary Election Day is Tuesday, May 19, while in-person, excused absentee voting is open May 6-8 and 11-13, and anyone can vote early May 14-16.
I think it is important to note that, while national elections for congress and the U.S. Senate often dominate headlines and television coverage, many of the decisions shaping our daily lives are made much closer to home. For example, county judge executives are essentially the chief executive officers, while our commissioners act as the legislative branch. They work together to oversee the roads we drive on, emergency services we rely on, local budgets, economic development, and countless day-to-day functions that directly affect our families and communities. In many ways, local leadership has a far greater impact on the quality of life Kentuckians experience every single day. Just because they do not have the advertising and media coverage of bigger regional or statewide races does not mean they are any less important.
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, we have a rare opportunity to reflect not just on where America has been, but on what has sustained it. By that I mean the steady, often unglamorous work of citizens showing up. Not just in moments of crisis or celebration, but in the routine rhythms of civic life: voting, volunteering, and participating in elections that shape our communities and our future.
It is easy to think of patriotism in grand terms. But patriotism, at its core, is participation. It is the act of taking ownership in a government that depends entirely on the consent and involvement of the governed. And, there are few expressions of that principle more direct than casting a ballot.
Voting is the most accessible way most Americans engage with their government, but it is not the only way. Our elections depend on thousands of citizens who give their time to make the process work: the poll workers who arrive before dawn and stay well past closing, the volunteers who ensure voters are checked in and ballots are counted, and the everyday people who step forward to help campaigns or advocate for causes they believe in. We owe these folks a tremendous debt of gratitude.
These roles matter. They are the thread that runs between our ideals and our institutions.
Our own history underscores that truth. In the early 20th century, amid a wave of reforms aimed at making government more responsive and accountable, the Commonwealth took a significant step toward expanding democratic participation. An act approved by the legislature on March 5, 1912, established that “all candidates for elective offices to be voted for at any general election shall be nominated” through primary elections conducted under the law.
It was a structural change, but more importantly, it was a philosophical one. It shifted power away from party insiders and toward voters themselves, acknowledging that democracy works best when more people have a voice in choosing their leaders.
Participation takes many forms. Serving as a poll worker is one of the most direct ways to contribute. It is also one of the most underappreciated. These individuals are entrusted with safeguarding the integrity of the process and ensuring that every eligible voter can cast a ballot and that every vote is handled with care. In an era when confidence in institutions can feel fragile, their work is essential.
Even small actions matter. Encouraging a neighbor to vote. Helping someone understand what’s on the ballot. Taking the time to learn about the issues rather than tuning them out. These are the building blocks of a healthy republic.
As we look toward America’s 250th birthday, it is worth remembering that the country was not built solely by those whose names appear in textbooks. It was built and sustained by generations of citizens who chose to engage. Who believed their voice mattered, and acted on that belief.
That responsibility now rests with us. The future of our communities, our state, and our nation will not be decided by abstract forces. It will be shaped by the choices of individuals who show up and take the time to be involved.
So vote. Volunteer. Participate. Be part of the process in whatever way you can. Democracy is not a spectator sport. And at 250 years, America’s story is still being written by all of us.
Whether you need to check your registration, find your polling location, or learn more about what’s on the ballot, the Secretary of State’s office has made it easy to get informed. Voters can access reliable, up-to-date information at the official GoVoteKY portal: https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/govoteky/.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181.
You can also contact me via email at Marianne.Proctor@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Marianne Proctor
May 7, 2026
Lawmakers move to protect property owners with eminent domain changes
Private property rights have long been a cornerstone of Kentucky’s identity, shaping not only our economy, but our culture and way of life. In fact, the first settlers to blaze a trail and build a life here did so because they wanted to own property and be able to build a life. From family farms passed down through generations to land preserved through conservation efforts, property ownership represents both livelihood and legacy. That is why an update we passed into law strengthening protections for landowners in eminent domain cases is so significant.
The concept of eminent domain itself is not new. Rooted in English common law and later embedded in the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the principle allows government entities to take private property for public use, so long as “just compensation” is provided.
The practice is necessary and has benefitted all of us. After all, this authority has been used to build roads, schools, utilities, and major infrastructure projects that benefit the broader public. However, over time, legislators and courts – those who make and interpret the law – have wrestled with how to balance those public needs against the rights of individual property owners, particularly when land holds deep personal, agricultural, or historical value.
In Kentucky, that balance has taken an important step forward with the passage of House Bill 542. The new law strengthens safeguards for property owners, especially those whose land falls within agricultural districts or is protected by conservation easements. These are often central to the state’s farming heritage and environmental stewardship.
At its core, the law reinforces a simple but critical idea: taking private property should be a last resort, not a first option. In cases involving protected farmland or conservation land, entities seeking to use eminent domain must now provide a sworn, detailed written report to the court demonstrating that no feasible alternative locations exist. If they cannot meet that standard, the court has the authority to dismiss the condemnation action altogether.
The legislation also addresses how negotiations are conducted. It explicitly prohibits false, misleading, or intimidating tactics and ensures that property owners have time to fully understand the value of what may be taken. Landowners are given the opportunity to obtain an independent appraisal—60 days in most cases—and condemnors are barred from filing a condemnation action during that period. If those protections are violated, courts may dismiss the case, require payment of attorney’s fees, and even prohibit future condemnation attempts related to the same action.
Transparency is another key focus. The law sets clearer standards for notice of entry onto property, requires that landowners be informed of any material changes to a project, and mandates that survey results be shared within a defined timeframe. It also ensures that any compensation reflects not just raw land value, but existing structures and agricultural improvements—an important distinction in a state where working farms are both businesses and homes.
In addition, property owners are given a stronger voice in the process. They may petition for a public meeting in the county where a project is proposed, creating a formal opportunity for community input. Even during project work, entities must take reasonable steps to preserve access to portions of property not being taken—recognizing that many farms and rural properties continue operating even when partially affected.
These changes do not eliminate the use of eminent domain in Kentucky, nor do they prevent necessary infrastructure from moving forward. What they do is raise the standard—ensuring that when private land is taken, it is done with greater care, clearer justification, and stronger respect for the people who own it.
In a state where agriculture remains a defining industry and family land often carries generations of history, that balance matters. House Bill 542 reflects a continued effort to protect both progress and property—ensuring that Kentucky can grow without losing sight of the rights and traditions that have long sustained it.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181.
You can also contact me via email at Marianne.Proctor@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Marianne Proctor
April 28, 2026
Voters to decide fate of constitutional amendment
Are you in favor of limiting a Governor’s ability to grant pardons or commute sentences by prohibiting him or her from granting pardons or commuting sentences during the time period beginning 60 days prior to the general election at which the Governor is elected, and ending when the Governor is sworn in for that term by amending the Constitution of Kentucky as stated below?
These words will appear on the November General Election ballot for all voters in Kentucky to decide the fate of a proposed amendment to our state’s constitution. This proposal was placed on the ballot after lawmakers passed Senate Bill 10 earlier this month.
The proposal did not come out of nowhere. It follows public outcry over the more than 400 pardons and commutations issued by former Governor Matt Bevin in the final days of his term. Still, controversy over pardons is nothing new in Kentucky. In 2003, then-Governor Paul E. Patton pardoned four men facing campaign finance charges tied to the 1995 governor’s race, and Governor Steve Beshear later issued more than 200 pardons of his own. In fact, they go back even farther. Kentucky’s early constitutions in 1792, 1799, and 1849 all allowed governors to grant pardons but did not require any public explanation. Concerns about abuse led constitutional convention delegates to add language to the current Kentucky constitution that requires governors to put their reasons in writing and make those records available for public inspection.
Let me begin by stressing that placing any amendment on the ballot is not necessarily an endorsement of it, but rather a reflection of its importance as an issue and the need for voters to weigh in directly. Similarly, this column is intended to inform, not to persuade either for or against its passage. In our republic, constitutional amendments are among the most significant questions citizens are asked to consider, and they deserve careful, thoughtful explanation rooted in context and clarity.
Kentucky is currently operating under its fourth constitution, adopted in 1891. That alone offers important perspective as the world of 1891 looked very different from the one Kentuckians live in today. There are other differences. For example, the U.S. Constitution is relatively short and broad, providing an outline of general principles and leaving many specifics to the legislative and judicial branches. Kentucky’s Constitution is much longer and far more detailed. It includes specific rules about things like taxes, education, local offices, and even procedural requirements that the federal document leaves open. That level of detail can provide clarity and guardrails, but it also means that the document can require updates over time to remain relevant and responsive to changing conditions.
It is also important to recognize that amending Kentucky’s constitution is not the same as amending the United States Constitution. At the federal level, constitutional changes are rare and require an extraordinarily high threshold. In Kentucky, the process is more accessible. Proposed amendments must pass both chambers of the General Assembly, after which they are placed on the ballot for voters to decide.
This year, the Kentucky General Assembly approved such a proposal. Through Senate Bill 10, lawmakers voted to place a constitutional amendment before voters that would modify the governor’s pardon powers.
Under the current constitution, the governor has broad authority to grant pardons and commute sentences. This authority is a longstanding feature of executive power, designed to serve as part of checks-and-balances, checking the power of the justice system. It preserves the ability to extend mercy in rare cases and offers a safeguard when the legal system does not fully account for all circumstances.
The proposed amendment would place a temporary limitation on that authority during the final portion of a governor’s term. Specifically, it would prohibit a governor from issuing pardons during the 60 days leading up to a gubernatorial election and continuing through the inauguration of the next governor.
In November 2026, Kentucky voters will have the final say. Between now and then, there will be opportunities to review the language of the amendment, hear from various perspectives, and consider what the change might mean in practice.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181.
You can also contact me via email at Marianne.Proctor@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Marianne Proctor
April 21, 2026
State budget become law: Responsible spending, making state government better at serving Kentuckians
The 2026 General Assembly has now concluded, marking the end of a busy legislative session in Frankfort. During this year’s 60-day legislative session, lawmakers filed a total of 1,291 bills and, as of April 15, 171 have become law. Lawmakers will not return for a regular session until January 5, 2027, but work will continue throughout the year as the interim period begins in June. During that time, House and Senate members will review how recently enacted legislation is being implemented across state government and study new issues to prepare for the 2027 session.
Among those measures passed into law is HB 500, a $32.4 billion, two-year budget that reflects the simple but significant idea most families already live by: spend responsibly, set priorities, and live within your means. State government should do the same and has a responsibility to focus on core needs and look constantly for ways to operate more efficiently.
HB 500 prioritizes the basics: public education, public safety, veterans’ services, and maintaining higher education facilities.
However, the bill also pushes state government agencies and programs to tighten operations and eliminate waste. That includes reducing or ending outdated programs, scaling back expansions made during the pandemic, and cutting duplicate or unnecessary spending. To further incentivize these efforts, the budget reduces spending across many cabinets and programs and includes a 4% base reduction in executive branch spending in the first fiscal year and an additional 3% cut in the second fiscal year. The budget proposal gives agencies flexibility in determining individual program funding to identify the best areas to make reductions. Agencies are being encouraged to find efficiencies within their own budgets and focus dollars where they have the most impact.
That effort is especially important given what oversight reports have shown. The state auditor has identified more than a billion dollars in questioned costs, waste, and mismanagement across state government in recent years, including areas like Medicaid, transportation, and state travel. Those findings underscore the need for ongoing scrutiny and stronger accountability, and they position Kentucky as one of the first in the nation to actively pursue stronger government accountability – not because we face shortfalls but rather because it is the right thing to do.
At the same time, funding for K-12 education, Medicaid, corrections, juvenile justice, and veterans’ programs remains intact and, in many cases, received a modest increase. The goal is not to weaken essential services, but to make sure they are supported in a more sustainable way. In fact, we increased funding for K-12 education, as well as other areas that required it. We also provided for a 2% raise across state government and fully funded the Kentucky Employee Health Benefit plan’s increased costs, as well as continuing our efforts to shore up public pensions.
Even with these protections, the budget also highlights the significant scale of ongoing spending. Medicaid alone accounts for roughly $6 billion in spending over the biennium, underscoring the importance of long-term reforms aimed at improving both outcomes and efficiency. Across state government, healthcare obligations and program costs continue to rise, requiring constant evaluation of how services are delivered and funded.
The bottom line is straightforward: taxpayer dollars should be treated with care. Just like Kentucky families, state government has to make choices, set priorities, and avoid waste. We have to make sure every dollar is spent as wisely as possible.
In addition to HB 500, lawmakers approved nearly a billion dollars in funding for the judicial branch (HB 504) and $182 million in allocations for the legislative branch budget (HB 503). The legislature also passed a $7 billion operating budget for the Transportation Cabinet (HB 501); a $4.6 billion road construction and maintenance plan (HB 502); and $70 million in funding for local road projects (HJR 76).
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181.
You can also contact me via email at Marianne.Proctor@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Marianne Proctor
April 14, 2026
Proctor’s measure to protect children from grooming becomes law
HB 4, sponsored by State Representative Marianne Proctor of Union, was received by the secretary of state from the governor and will now become law. The measure defines and criminalizes behavior commonly referred to as “grooming.” Under provisions of HB 4, grooming refers to the manipulative and deceptive process by which a predator builds a relationship with a vulnerable person, such as a child, to gain their trust and access for abuse or exploitation.
“This bill was prompted by a constituent’s report of grooming behavior that current statutes failed to adequately address,” Proctor said. “After consulting with local prosecutors and law enforcement, it became clear that grooming is a deliberate step toward exploitation. HB 4 takes action to ensure Kentucky law provides the necessary protections for our youth.”
HB 4 establishes clear criminal penalties for grooming offenses based on the age of the victim and the authority of the offender. The offense would be classified as a Class A misdemeanor when the perpetrator is 18 or older and the victim is younger than 14. If the victim is under 12, the crime would rise to a Class D felony. When the perpetrator holds a position of authority – such as a teacher, coach, or other trusted adult – the penalties increase to a Class D felony if the victim is under 18 and a Class C felony if the victim is under 12.
“The enhanced penalties reflect the gravity of these crimes and the lasting harm they cause,” Proctor added. “Protecting children is not optional. It is our responsibility. This legislation draws a firm line, strengthens accountability, and sends an unmistakable message: those who prey on children will face serious consequences under Kentucky law.”
Kentucky will now join Ohio and several other states that have enacted similar protections for children.
“This legislation is about protecting Kentucky’s children before abuse ever occurs,” Sen. Lindsey Tichenor (R-Smithfield) said. “By clearly defining and criminalizing grooming behavior, we are giving law enforcement the tools they need to intervene early and hold predators accountable.”
To view the final version of HB 4, visit legislature.ky.gov or click here.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Marianne Proctor
April 7, 2026
Lawmakers recess for veto period
Before adjourning in the early hours of April 2, the legislature wrapped up months of work and sent dozens of bills to the next step in the legislative process – gubernatorial review. As part of our system of checks-and-balances, governors have ten days (not including Sundays or holidays) to consider legislation approved by the legislature. They can sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without their signature. If a governor chooses to veto legislation, the measure returns to the legislature where the veto can be overridden. Essentially, a veto provides notice that the state’s executive officer disagrees with a policy or action, but the legislature remains the state’s lawmaking body.
Among the bills we sent to the governor’s desk this week are the following:
HB 500 would provide $32 billion in funding for executive branch agencies and programs for fiscal years 2027 and 2028.
HB 501 would provide $7 billion to fund Kentucky Transportation Cabinet activities, not including the six-year road plan.
HB 502 would provide a $4.6 billion two-year roadmap for the construction and maintenance of Kentucky’s transportation infrastructure.
HJR 76 would provide $70 million in funding for the Local Assistance Road Plan (LARP) with local projects that earned top ratings of 8, 9, and 10, including $68.2 million dedicated to county and city road resurfacing projects – bringing critical improvements to communities across the Commonwealth.
HB 503 would provide $182 million in funding for legislative branch operations for fiscal years 2027 and 2028.
HB 504 would provide nearly $1 billion in funding for the operation of the state’s judicial branch for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, including the Supreme Court of Kentucky, Court of Appeals, and circuit and district courts.
HB 900 would allocate $1.7 billion in one-time funds from the Budget Reserve Trust Fund for infrastructure, economic development, and quality of life improvements across the state.
HB 2 would align Kentucky’s Medicaid Program with federal changes to improve health outcomes and ensure eligibility, as well as improve program management.
HB 4 would define and criminalize behavior commonly referred to as “grooming.” Under provisions of HB 4, grooming refers to the manipulative and deceptive process by which a predator builds a relationship with a vulnerable person, such as a child, to gain their trust and access for abuse or exploitation.
HB 5 would expand prison-based education and job-training programs proven to reduce crime by developing a model vocational campus at a state prison offering intensive education and workforce training while completing their sentences.
HB 6 expands safe, affordable child care for working parents, removes barriers for children with disabilities, and promotes community-based innovation. It strengthens the Child Care Assistance Program, enhances quality ratings, improves transparency, and permanently establishes the CCAP income exclusion – creating a more accessible, high-quality system that supports families and children statewide.
HB 10 would strengthen accountability, transparency, and continuity of government during gubernatorial transitions in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
HB 253 would phase out the use of the “three-cueing” reading method in Kentucky schools and teacher preparation programs, as well as prohibit school districts from entering into nondisclosure agreements when misconduct involving a minor or student has occurred.
HB 305 would strengthen procedures around grand jury proceedings by extending the statute of limitations applicable for knowingly recording the proceeding or disclosing any information gathered while present during a proceeding. The provisions do not apply to commonwealth’s attorneys, their staff, or peace officers engaged in their official duties.
SB 2 would cap pay increases for superintendents and school administrators to no more than those awarded to classroom teachers, and tie a district’s SEEK eligibility to this limit.
SB 104, the HALO Act, would establish a 25-foot safety zone around first responders while they are lawfully performing their duties, preventing interference in high-risk situations while protecting lawful public activity.
SB 137 would create a provisional license for doctors trained in other countries, allowing them to work in Kentucky while sponsored by a medical practice or health care organization.
SB 170 would create a 10-school district pilot program to address truancy as it links to educational performance.
We will return to the capital city on April 14 to review and consider any vetoes before we adjourn the 2026 Session entirely on April 15.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181.
You can also contact me via email at Marianne.Proctor@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Marianne Proctor
March 30, 2026
In a world of chaos, the resurrection remains our hope
As the legislative session draws to a close, there’s a noticeable shift in the pace of our work, but also in the world around us. One of my favorite parts of these final days is watching spring slowly make its way across the Capitol grounds and throughout the Commonwealth. The trees begin to bloom, the days stretch a little longer, and there’s a renewed sense of energy and possibility in the air.
It is fitting that this season of renewal coincides with Easter, a time that reminds us, at its core, that hope is real and it endures. Beyond blooming flowers and family gatherings, Easter carries a message that has shaped hearts and lives for generations: even in the face of darkness, light will prevail.
At its heart, Easter tells the story of life triumphing over death. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, when all seems lost, redemption is still possible. The empty tomb stands as a powerful symbol that the worst thing is never the last thing. As the Gospel of John tells us, “He is not here; he has risen” (John 20:1–18). For people of faith, it is the ultimate reassurance that God’s plan does not end in sorrow, but in victory.
That message feels especially important in a world that can sometimes seem overwhelmed by uncertainty, division, and hardship. We see challenges in our communities, in our nation, and in our personal lives. It is easy to feel discouraged. Yet Easter calls us to look beyond what is immediately in front of us and to trust that goodness, truth, and light will prevail.
Scripture reminds us of this enduring hope in clear and powerful terms: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). These words echo the very meaning of Easter. They remind us that no matter how deep the darkness, it will never have the final say.
But Easter is not only a message of hope. Easter is also a call to action. Throughout His life, Christ set the ultimate example of servant leadership. He did not come to be served, but to serve. As the Gospel of Mark reminds us, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). In a world often focused on status or self-interest, that example challenges us to live differently.
We are called to serve one another: to care for our neighbors, to lift up those in need, and to put others before ourselves. Whether through small acts of kindness or larger commitments to our communities, service to others is one of the clearest ways we can live out the message of Easter in our daily lives.
The resurrection is not just a moment in history, it is an invitation. It invites us to live with renewed purpose, to extend grace to others, and to carry hope into places where it may feel absent. It challenges us to choose kindness over cruelty, faith over fear, and perseverance over defeat.
In many ways, Easter is a reminder that each of us has the opportunity for renewal. Just as the season changes, so can our hearts. We can begin again. We can mend what is broken, strengthen what is weak, and move forward with confidence that we are never alone in the journey.
As we gather with loved ones this Easter, may we pause to reflect on its true meaning. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “Death has been swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54). May we hold tightly to the belief that life overcomes death, that good ultimately conquers evil, and that hope is never out of reach.
Because of Easter, we are reminded that even after the longest night, the dawn still comes.
I will have more to report on the legislative session in the weeks and months to come, but thought it might help us all to take a moment and reflect on God’s incredible love for us.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Marianne.Proctor@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.