SENATOR BRANDON SMITH'S LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

The second week of the legislative session is wrapped up, and things are moving fast here in Frankfort. We’ve hit the ground running, with new bills being filed every day and several already advancing through committee and off the Senate floor.

Although the crafting of a budget proposal has begun in the House, I am continuing to meet with our local officials and county judge/executives to ensure the top priorities in the 30th District are secured. I’ll have more to come on this.

Draft legislation: Jayden’s Law

This session, I will introduce a bill known as “Jayden’s Law.@ The proposal is named in memory of 10-year-old Jayden Spicer, whose tragic death last year deeply affected our region. As a father of six, and as someone who personally joined the search for Jayden, I felt a responsibility to act. When I was approached with a draft idea from a Kentuckian, Joe Clark, who had followed the case closely, I knew we needed to move forward. Jayden’s Law will strengthen child protection statutes. We are not telling parents how to raise their children, but we are making it clear that abuse is not tolerated.

My goal is to make Kentucky a place where predators think twice. If you would harm a child, you should know that Kentucky will not look the other way. Jayden’s Law is about drawing that line and enforcing it with strength and clarity.

Returning driver’s license renewal services to county offices

One of the first bills to pass the Senate this year was Senate Bill (SB) 7. I supported this legislation because it brings basic government services back to the communities that need them most. Folks in rural Kentucky should not have to drive across multiple counties just to renew a driver’s license. This has been a consistent problem heard across our region.

SB 7 allows counties without a regional licensing office to restore these services locally through their clerk, sheriff, judge/executive, or circuit clerk. These are your local elected officials, the ones who are accountable to you. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet would provide the equipment, and counties could partner together if needed. A $25 convenience fee would help local offices cover staffing and overhead. Regional offices will still be available for those who prefer that option. This is about local options, better access, and delivering government services in a more practical way.

Freezing property taxes for seniors

I was happy to sign on as a co-sponsor of SB 51, which would give voters the chance to approve a constitutional amendment to freeze the taxable value of a senior’s home starting at age 65 or the year they purchase it. With rising property values putting pressure on those living on fixed incomes, this measure helps protect seniors who’ve worked hard to stay in their homes.

Looking ahead

My focus for the residents of our region this session is affordability, and a key part of that is addressing rising utility rates. I’ll soon be introducing priority legislation that I argue will be one of the most critical energy-related bills that the legislature has ever considered. Stay tuned for more on this.

Stay connected

Legislation often changes through amendments or substitutions as it moves through the process. You can follow the General Assembly’s work live on KET or YouTube (@KYLRCCommitteeMeetings), and track bills at legislature.ky.gov. If you have thoughts or concerns, you can always reach me at 502-564-8100 or Brandon.Smith@kylegislature.gov.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve and represent you. I will continue working to make sure our children are protected and that Kentucky families have a voice in Frankfort.

Sen. Brandon Smith, R-Hazard, represents the 30th Senate District, which includes Breathitt, Estill, Lee, Leslie, Magoffin, Morgan, Perry, Powell, and Wolfe Counties. Smith serves as chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Transportation, Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection, and Banking and Insurance. Additionally, Smith serves on the Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Tourism, Natural Resources, and Environmental Protection. During the 2025 interim, he served on the Kentucky Housing Task Force.