State Government Committee approves bill to designate June as Kentucky History Month

At its meeting this afternoon, the Committee on State Government voted 19-0 to approve House Bill 313, a one-sentence change to the Commonwealth—s list of recognition dates that would establish a Kentucky History Month in June.

Representative Kim King, sponsor of the bill, told the committee the designation is intended to support education, economic development and tourism across the state. "I really do think it will help with our education, economic development and tourism development across our Commonwealth," King said.

The bill, King said, is short: one sentence that adds a month-long period of recognition to existing state observances. Scott Alvey, executive director of the Kentucky Historical Society, told the committee the proposal grew out of local bicentennial and semiquincentennial celebrations and organizers— efforts to schedule heritage events statewide without overlap. "I have the privilege of working in Kentucky history every day, so I have a wonderful job," Alvey said, describing the proposal as a way to leave a legacy imprint from statewide anniversary activities.

Representative J. Tipton asked whether the bill should include an emergency clause so the designation would take effect for this June; King said she was "certainly open to that" and would look to the committee for advice. Representative Donworth asked why June was chosen; King and Alvey said June was selected because it aligns with fixed observances such as Statehood Day (June 1) and Boone Day (June 7) and dovetails with July Fourth programming.

Committee procedure notes recorded during the meeting: a member stated all committee amendments must be submitted in writing, and the chair confirmed the committee had received a motion and a second on the bill before the roll-call vote. The committee chair said the panel expects the House floor to consider the measure next week at the Old State Capitol.

The committee approved the bill by voice and roll call; the public record shows 19 votes in favor, 0 opposed. The measure will be scheduled for consideration by the full House.