New laws set to take effect June 8New laws set to take effect June 8
FRANKFORT - Higher dollar amounts for small claims court cases and the
approval of wellness rewards for health insurance plans are among the
dozens of new laws set to take effect this week.
Under the state constitution, most new laws take effect 90 days after
the end of the legislative session. Laws passed during the 2011 Regular
Session, which ended March 9, will become effective on June 8, except
for those with emergency clauses or with specific effective dates
contained within the bills themselves.
Among the issues affected by legislation taking effect on June 8 are the
following:
African-American Heritage. Senate Bill 64 creates the Kentucky Center
for African-American Heritage and outlines its board membership.
Carbon dioxide. SB 50 includes pipelines for captured carbon dioxide in
the eminent domain process, allowing such a pipeline to be constructed
through Western Kentucky.
Courts. SB 108 increases the jurisdiction of district courts in civil
cases from $4,000 to $5,000 and the jurisdiction of small claims courts from $1,500 to $2,500.
Diabetes. SB 63 creates a collaborative group to identify goals and
plans to reduce incidences of diabetes and improve diabetes care. SB 71
creates a licensing process for diabetes educators.
Doctoral programs. SB 130 allows the state's six comprehensive
universities to offer certain advanced practice doctoral programs within
limits.
Education. HB 425 allows out-of-state veterans to qualify for in-state
tuition at public colleges and universities.
Eye care. SB 110 allows optometrists to perform certain types of laser
surgery, including treatments for glaucoma and cataracts.
Firearms. HB 308 establishes a program for people who have been banned
from purchasing a firearm due to mental illness to recover that right.
Flu shots. SB 40 allows pharmacists to give flu shots to children ages
9-13.
Government publications. HB 33 bans state agencies from mailing most
publications to the public unless they are requested by the recipient.
Homelessness. SB 26 reduces the fee for ID cards for the homeless from
$12 to $4.
Occupational and physical therapy. SB 112 limits health insurance
co-pays on occupational and physical therapy sessions to no higher than
that of regular doctor's visits.
Prescriptions. HB 311 allows Schedule II prescriptions, including
oxycodone and hydrocodone, to be transmitted electronically or by fax.
The bill also allows Schedule III-V drugs to be transmitted by fax;
those can already be transmitted electronically.
Principals. SB 12 authorized local school superintendents to appoint
principals after consultation with the school-based decision making
council, a reversal of the current procedure.
School board elections. HB 228 increases the contribution limits for
school board candidates to $200 for individuals and $1,000 for
organizations.
Traffic laws. HB 289 adds fines for driving over the 70 miles-per-hour
speed limit and clarifies that vehicle-integrated GPS units are exempt
from the state's ban on texting or using other communications devices
while driving.
Voter registration. HB 192 requires high schools to provide seniors
information on how to register to vote and related information.
Wellness programs. SB 114 allows private health insurance plans to offer
incentives and awards for wellness programs.
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