Several New Laws Go Into Effect in Kentucky This Thursday

Caller ID, midwives, tobacco, scooters are just a few of the issues covered in many new laws that will go into effect this Thursday (6/27) in Kentucky. 

Although nearly 200 new laws were passed in the state legislature this year, here are some of the more hotly debated ones.

Caller ID: This might help with unwanted spoof and robocalls. House Bill 84 will prohibit phone solicitations that misrepresent the name or telephone number in caller identification services. Fines will be increased upon second offenses and the bill will allow for civil lawsuits against violators.

Concealed Carry: Kentuckians 21 and older will be legally able to possess a firearm will be able to carry a concealed weapon without a license in the same location as people with valid state-issued licenses. According to Senate Bill 150, permitless carry will not be allowed where prohibited by federal law or otherwise prohibited.

Free Speech: Dubbed the "campus free speech bill", House Bill 254 will require the state's public universities to affirm they favor a free marketplace of ideas where speech is not suppressed because it's deemed "offensive, unwise, disagreeable, conservative, liberal, traditional, or radical". The bill will also expand areas known as "free speech zones" on many campuses to any accessible, open, outdoor venue.

Midwives: Senate Bill 84 will recognize, certify, and regulate home birth midwives in Kentucky.

Pregnancy: The Kentucky Pregnant Workers Act clarifies employers' responsibilities when it comes to making reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees. It will be unlawful if an employer does not make reasonable accommodations.

Scooters: House Bill 258 will set operating standards for electric scooters and will allow the machines to legally operate much like bicycles on public streets. Electric scooter speeds cannot exceed 20 mph.

Tobacco: *House Bill 11 will ban the use of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices on public school campuses, in school vehicles, and school activities beginning with the 2020-2021 school year. *School districts have up until three years to opt out of the ban if they choose. The districts that do not opt out will be able to set the penalties for violating the ban.