Chair Rocky Adams leads Kentucky Senate committee in new transparency initiatives

The Senate Standing Committee on Licensing and Occupations convened on February 4, 2025, marking the first meeting under the new chairmanship of Senator Rocky Adams. The meeting began with a roll call, confirming a quorum of members present, which included Senators Chambers, Berg, Douglas, Higdon, Howell, Bledsoe, McDaniel, Meredith, Nimas, Nunn, and Chair Adams.

Chair Adams expressed enthusiasm for his new role, indicating a shift in the committee's approach. He announced that the committee would operate without strict time constraints and would prioritize gathering comprehensive information over adhering to previous procedural mandates. He emphasized a collaborative spirit with House Chairman Cook regarding the handling of amendments, suggesting a more flexible and open environment for discussions.

The primary agenda item was Senate Bill 23, presented by Senator Steven West. This bill aims to enhance the committee's oversight of administrative regulations. It proposes two key changes: first, it allows the committee to conduct preliminary reviews of regulations and request cabinet representatives to present these regulations directly. This change is intended to improve transparency and facilitate the committee's work.

The second aspect of the bill mandates that cabinet representatives appearing before the committee must have the authority to address any deficiencies in the regulations presented. Senator West highlighted past challenges where representatives lacked the necessary power to respond effectively, which hindered the committee's efficiency.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of these changes for improving the legislative process and ensuring that the committee can operate more effectively in its oversight role. The committee looks forward to further discussions and potential advancements in policy as the session progresses.