LRC’s Capitol Notes: Bill providing ‘hope’
for tornado-ravaged communities advances

From Kentucky Legislative Research commission

Thursday, March 22

Legislation that would help rebuild Kentucky’s storm and tornado-ravaged communities while protecting base school funding in counties affected by the storms has passed the Kentucky House.

House Bill 165, sponsored by Rep. Mike Denham, D-Maysville, cleared the House by a vote of 96-0 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Under HB 165, owners of homes, businesses or other buildings damaged or destroyed in a county that was declared a federal disaster area as a result of storms that moved through Kentucky between Feb. 29 and March 3 could qualify for a refund of sales and use tax paid on materials purchased to rebuild storm-damaged properties.

“This bill is about hope, and moving on,” said Rep. John Will Stacy, D, who represents the town of West Liberty in Morgan County. The town was severely damaged by a tornado outbreak that moved through the area on March 2.

HB 165 would also allow the state Commissioner of Education to waive up to 10 missed school days in school districts in declared disaster areas, without counting the days against a district’s state funding for average daily attendance. School personnel in affected districts would receive wages and benefits for days missed due to the disaster, but would have to make up the missed days by assuming more work responsibilities or participating in professional development or other approved activities.

HB 165 would take effect immediately after it is signed by the governor, or otherwise becomes law.

Senate approves bill to curb copper theft

Legislation that would restrict cash payment for the purchase of some recyclable metals, including copper, has received unanimous approval from the Senate.

House Bill 390, sponsored by Rep. Tanya Pullin, is aimed at decreasing the theft of items containing copper and other valuable metals.  It would restrict the purchase of storm drain and manhole covers, street signs, guard rails, railroad ties and equipment, catalytic converters, metal parts from air conditioning units, among other items.

Aluminum cans are exempt from the bill.

The bill requires purchasers, such as secondary recyclers, to undergo a background check and register with the state before being allowed to buy restricted metal items.  They must also electronically submit their restricted-metals purchases at the close-of-business each day and be able to electronically receive police notice about the theft of valuable metal items.

Sellers of the restricted items would be required to provide proof of ownership, either through a sales receipt or written approval or contract from the agency, business or person owning the item.  They will be mailed a check as payment for the items on the day after the transaction.

House Bill 390 also establishes misdemeanor and felony crimes for damaging property in an attempt to steal the restricted metal items.

The General Assembly and its administrative arm the Legislative Research Commission encourage citizen involvement in the workings of their branch of government, and maintain several means for them to do so.

The Legislature’s website — www.lrc.ky.gov – includes comprehensive information about legislators, the legislative process, and the progress of work during the session. Contact numbers, daily meeting schedules, bill summaries and full texts, bill status information, and other information to get you involved are all posted there.

To leave a message for any legislator: 800-372-7181

To check the status of a bill: 866-840-2835

To check meeting schedules: 800-633-9650

For further information, contact scott.payton@lrc.ky.gov

The Kentucky Legislative Research Commission (LRC) was created in 1948 as a nonpartisan, fact-finding service agency. The commission operates as the administrative and research arm of the General Assembly. LRC provides these regular news updates during the annual Kentucky legislative sessions.