In recent years, the interim sessions of the General Assembly in Kentucky have become increasingly significant. Traditionally, these sessions have addressed important topics, but in the modern legislative era, they have become crucial in shaping future legislation. As such, if an idea or matter is not discussed during these interim sessions, it becomes very challenging to capture the attention of legislators and bill drafters during the regular meetings of the General Assembly. To be sure, there are a few notable exceptions (see “Boom!” below), but these are increasingly rare and require a hefty push by leadership of both chambers.
Legislative Calendar
The Kentucky General Assembly operates on a biennial schedule with distinct differences between even and odd years. In even years, the Legislature meets for 60 days starting in early January and concluding by mid-April, with a strict deadline of April 15. In odd years, like the upcoming 2025, the session is shorter, lasting 45 days, and must adjourn sine die by March 30, as mandated by the Kentucky Constitution.
May: A Crucial Month
For legislators, May can be a period of respite or a time of intense activity, particularly during election years, as primaries have become increasingly costly and time-consuming. For lobbyists, organizations, Legislative Research Commission (LRC) staff, May serves as a crucial time for strategic planning and preparation for the upcoming interim meetings.
The Interim Session: June to November
The period from June through November, known as the Interim Session, is crucial. Many issues with substantial merit and political will do not get passed during the regular session due to time constraints for studying the matter, gathering research, crafting legislation, whipping votes, passing the bill through committees, securing passing in both chambers, and working with the executive branch to prevent a veto. The Interim session provides an opportunity to address these issues, allowing for thorough study and preparation for success in the next regular session starting in January.
Types of Interim Session Meetings
- Interim Joint Committee (IJC) Meetings. These traditional meetings combine Standing Committees from the Senate and House to ensure continuity of study and action between sessions. Chaired alternately by respective chamber chairpersons, IJCs cover a wide range of topics, including Appropriations & Revenue, Banking & Insurance, Economic Development and Workforce Investment, Education, Judiciary, Licensing, Occupations & Administrative Regulations, Local Government, Natural Resources & Energy, and Transportation.
- Statutory Committees: Authorized by the Kentucky Revised Statutes or functioning as subcommittees of the LRC, these committees include the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee, Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee, Commission on Race & Access to Opportunity, Consensus Forecasting Group, Government Contract Review Committee, Legislative Oversight & Investigations Committee, Public Pension Oversight Board, and Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee.
- Legislative Task Forces: These special committees or subcommittees focus on specific, targeted issues, producing detailed reports with findings from their monthly meetings. Recent task forces have addressed Jail & Corrections Reform, Multimodal Freight Transportation System Improvement, Local Government Annexation, Certificate of Need, and School & Campus Security.
Looking Ahead to 2024
The 2024 interim session will be particularly impactful, with fall elections for the entire Kentucky House of Representatives (100 seats) and half of the Kentucky State Senate (19 seats). Additionally, national races will have implications for the Bluegrass State. Given the ongoing legislative schedule, it is crucial for businesses and organizations to have representatives with strong ties to Frankfort, KY, to monitor and engage in these off-session functions.
Conclusion
The evolving legislative landscape in Kentucky underscores the importance of staying engaged year-round. At SKO-GOV, we are proud to maintain our offices in historic downtown Frankfort, ensuring we are always at the heart of legislative action, tracking and influencing developments that impact our clients and the broader community.