By CANDY MASSARONI
50th District State Representative
Sunday, July 12, 2026 — During the first full week of July, legislators met in interim committees to study issues affecting communities across Kentucky while also carrying out one of the legislature’s most significant administrative moves – selecting a new executive director to lead the Legislative Research Commission, the nonpartisan agency that provides the research, legal, fiscal, administrative, and operational support that keeps the General Assembly functioning year-round. Our new executive director brings a unique perspective, having served in all three branches of Kentucky government, experience that will strengthen the legislature’s ability to serve the people of the Commonwealth.
Along with that leadership transition, lawmakers continued reviewing issues ranging from education and agriculture to public safety and government spending. Here are summaries of committee meetings the week of July 6.
Interim Joint Committee (IJC) on Education: Members heard from a variety of stakeholders in the K-12 education system. First, the committee heard an overview on the status of advanced coursework options across the state. Next, the Kentucky Department of Education provided an updated on the education strategy for students with dyslexia or dysgraphia. Finally, the panel heard from leading advocates for a traditional, analog education in K-12 schools. Presenters highlighted the decline in reading and math scores across the nation since the digitization of education.
IJC on Local Government: Lawmakers heard from the Kentucky Association of Counties and the Kentucky League of Cities on a recent decision by the Kentucky Court of Appeals regarding the legal framework surrounding the proposed project in Breckinridge County. The case stems from a lawsuit filed by Clover Creek Solar and affected landowners in Breckinridge Circuit Court, where the court issued a declaration of rights finding that the county’s solar ordinance was not a zoning ordinance and, therefore, permitted solar facilities to locate anywhere within the county. Additionally, members discussed the coroner’s issues including their request to increase compensation.
IJC on State Government: Members discussed Kentucky agriculture and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiatives. Through the employee health plan, the University of Kentucky offers vouchers to help employees cover the cost of CSA memberships, which provide weekly boxes of locally grown produce, meat, and other agricultural products during the growing season. University representatives highlighted benefits including improved employee health, stronger support for local farms, and keeping food dollars in Kentucky. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture proposed allowing state employees to earn wellness points through CSA participation under the Kentucky Employee Health Plan beginning in 2027. Legislators also approved an administrative regulation implementing SB 85, which allows special needs trusts to be used within Kentucky’s state-administered retirement systems in order to provide financial security for families planning for the long-term care of loved ones with disabilities.
Government Contract Review: Legislators heard funding requests and contract proposals from Kentucky agencies and organizations. The committee received testimony on contracts to provide consulting services for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Department for Medicaid Services, as well as a contract to support ongoing litigation aimed at reducing electric costs for Kentuckians. Members also reviewed funding requests, including those for Kindergarten Readiness Screener assessments, and questioned agency officials about contract cost increases, the availability of federal funding, and the justification for significant expenditures.
Information Technology Oversight Committee: Legislators received updates on the status of KentuckyWired from the Office of the Attorney General, Ledcor Technical Services, and the Kentucky Wired Operations Company. Testimony focused on ongoing litigation, network operations, and efforts to complete and manage the statewide high-speed broadband network. Members questioned officials about project costs, contractual obligations, system performance, and long-term sustainability as Kentucky continues working to expand reliable broadband infrastructure for government agencies, schools, businesses, and communities across the Commonwealth.
Legislative Oversight and Investigations: Lawmakers received the 2026 update from the Kentucky Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel, including improvements to its case management system and trends in the cases it reviews. Representatives from the University of Kentucky discussed the impact of recent state legislation on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements and efforts to keep Kentucky’s universities competitive in recruiting student-athletes. The Kentucky State Police also updated members on the Statewide Emergency Responders Voice System (SERVS), a statewide radio communications network designed to improve communications between law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, and other first responders. Officials said the project is progressing but will require additional funding to complete the statewide system.
As you can see, the General Assembly’s work does not end when the regular session adjourns. All of these meetings are archived on the legislature’s YouTube channel, @LRC Committee Meetings.
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 Candy.Massaroni@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
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