LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: February 10, 2006

 

by State Representative Addia Wuchner

Legislature moving to protect funerals, toughen sex offender laws, funding Boone County Schools

With 28 legislative days behind us, 522 bills have been introduced and the House has passed over a hundred bills.

I joined my colleagues in passing HB 333, legislation that prevents protestors and demonstrators from disrupting funerals and memorial services, including military funerals. Sadly, the bill has become necessary as protesters across the nation have targetted funerals honoring our military men and women.

We approved HB 101, toughening sex offender statutes requiring that immediately upon conviction of a felony offense, a restraining order prohibiting contact with the victim be issued, unless the victim requests otherwise.

The Judiciary Committee continues hearing testimony on HB 3, legislation addressing current sex offender statutes. During the interim, many of us worked with the drafters of HB 3 to ensure that our commonwealth takes stronger measures to protect our children. I filed legislation last year that failed to be called up in committee - most likely because of my status as a freshman republican - and have again filed this year as HB 255, which would require adding those convicted of distributing child pornography to the sex offender registry. That bill is now included as a provision of HB 3.

I also filed legislation to strengthen our current importuning statutes after the statutes' weaknesses were brought to my attention by our Boone County Sheriff. The bill, HB 254, would ensure the safety of our children from predators who utilize cell phones, computers and electronic means to solicit minors into sexual encounters. Representative Joe Fischer, a member of Judiciary, is carrying it as a committee amendment to HB 3. At the end of the day, our desire is to pass one comprehensive bill to protect our children.

We passed HB 90, which creates a graduated drivers licensing program for teen drivers. House Bill 90 would implement a six-month interim drivers license for teenage drivers between the six-month learner's permit and a full license.

Speaking of teens...I have filed HB 411, legislation requiring the state to match the growth nickel that Boone County has already taken. Senator Dick Roeding also has companion legislation. House Bill 411 has moved to the Appropriations Committee and I have requested the chair to post the bill for a committee hearing.

Representative Fischer and I have filed HB 463 (companion to SB 165 by Senator Katie Stine), which proposes adjustments to the SEEK fund. I'm currently working on legislation attempting to address Boone County's current problem of accelerated growth and funding inequities.

Hold your breath on transportation...Senator Roeding, Representative Marcotte and I have worked diligently during the interim to ensure funding for our roads. The outcome is rumored to be promising, stay tuned next week when the Transportation Budget and Six-Year Road Plan will become public.

In the meantime, I can be reached here at home or through the toll-free message line at 1-800-372-7181. You can also e-mail me at addia.wuchner@lrc.ky.gov.