LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Representative Scott Sharp
Week in Review: Statutory committees and task forces
Lawmakers continued to prepare for the 2024 Regular Session as task forces met to discuss the potential uses of artificial intelligence as well as identifying which states policies can be changed or adopted to help folks willing to work reach their full potential.
Task forces are temporary, specialized groups created to address specific issues or challenges. They focus on analyzing problems, developing strategies, and implementing solutions. Task forces usually exist only for an interim, giving them an opportunity to achieve their objectives and make recommendations for the next session.
Artificial Intelligence Task Force: Lawmakers heard from a representative of Google’s public sector engineering sector in a discuss about artificial intelligence (AI) usage in state government agencies. Google discussed AI innovations they have collaborated on and implemented across the nation such as AI call centers with the State of Illinois and document recognition system with the state of Wisconsin that have streamlined serves and improved constituent experiences. Additionally, the Commonwealth Office of Technology (COT) discussed AI procurement, policy, and implementation across the enterprise of state government. COT discussed their role as the provider of technology and server infrastructure of state agency services and detailed how each agency operates their applications independent of the organization while on COT infrastructure systems.
Workforce Attraction and Retention Task Force: Members discussed barriers in workforce entry for many types of residents in Kentucky. First, the State Exchange of Employment and Disability, an organization which specializes in disability employment policy and resource access for policymakers, discussed barriers and solutions for individuals with disabilities. The second presentation centered around student and young Kentuckian difficulties when trying to receive a driving permit and license. The role of public transportation in workforce participation was also discussed. The final topic was a discussion of how Kentucky can engage and support refugees and legal immigrants enter the work force.
In addition to task forces, five statutory committees met this week. Statutory committees are official groups established by law to oversee specific areas of state government. They have defined roles, responsibilities, and powers, often including the ability to propose legislation, review regulations, or ensure compliance with laws. The legislature’s oversight responsibilities are most often carried out by statutory committees. Here are snapshots of the topics covered in these committees this week:
Administrative Regulation Review: Legislators of the Administrative Regulations Review Subcommittee discussed a variety of administrative regulations related to education, the Kentucky Building and Residential Code, and medical cannabis licenses.
Government Contract Review Subcommittee: Members reviewed dozens of state contracts for services, including medical treatment for inmates within the state’s juvenile justice system, and legal services at one of the state’s universities. The committee also received a report on efforts to lower risk within the state’s self-insurance program through a loss prevention contract. The committee reviews hundreds of contracts for specialized services provided to state agencies and programs in order for them to meet their mission. These contracts involve millions of taxpayer dollars, so the legislature must review them to ensure they are used appropriately.
Investments in Information Technology Improvement and Modernization Projects Oversight Board: Legislators heard testimony about cybersecurity in terms of governance and how Ohio and Louisville are addressing this issue. Members also heard from the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office regarding the cyber security attack that occurred on Monday, July 22, which disrupted operations. Operations were restored as of Friday July 26, 2024. Lastly, members heard testimony from the Administrative Office of the Courts regarding its public facing applications and its legacy technology upgrade projects. Currently, the Administrative Office of the Courts is working on replacing its Trial Court Case Management Systems and Pretrial and Specialty Court Systems.
Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee: Lawmakers heard testimony about single-bid asphalt contracts in Kentucky. From January of 2018 to July of 2023, nearly $3.6 billion in asphalt contracts were awarded. During most of these years, about half of all awards went to single bidders. Members also heard testimony about constituent concerns directed towards the Board of Cosmetology, Examiners of Psychology, and Social Work regarding license delays. Additionally, various concerns were expressed about the Education and Labor Cabinet, Department of Transportation, Cabinet of Health and Family Services, and the Public Protection Cabinet.
Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee: Members received an analysis of the tobacco industry’s funding obligations from the Agriculture Commissioner’s office. The Kentucky Office of Agriculture Policy reviewed their program approvals, including on-farm energy efficiency incentives, county agricultural investments, shared-use equipment, and deceased farm animal removals. The discussion also touched upon youth agriculture incentives and various county and state projects. Furthermore, the Division of Conservation Energy and Environment Cabinet presented how their funding has been utilized across the state, showcasing the positive impact of our farmers. The cabinet also emphasized the continued significance of the Kentucky Soil and Water Quality State Cost Share Program for agricultural producers throughout the Commonwealth.
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 e-mail at Scott.Sharp@lrc.ky.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
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Jenna Riel
Communications Specialist
Office of the Speaker
Kentucky House of Representatives
Capitol Annex, Rm. 332 | 702 Capitol Ave. | Frankfort, KY 40601 | 859-248-9651
