Kentucky Senate opens session, introduces bills and adopts two memorial resolutions

The Kentucky Senate convened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance before the clerk called the roll and the presiding officer declared a quorum present.

On the floor, the clerk read a list of new bills and resolutions by title, including Senate Bill 51 (a proposed constitutional provision on property exempt from taxation), SB 52 (permitting and licensing), SB 53 (planning and zoning), SB 54 (short-term rentals), SB 55 (water fluoridation programs) and SB 56 (utilization controls for non-opioid analgesics in the Medicaid program). Later in the session the clerk read additional introductions, including SB 57 (nuclear energy development), SB 58 (diaper access programs), SB 59 (prohibited uses of tax dollars), SB 60 (waste tires), SB 61 (changes to Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarships, declared an emergency) and SB 101 (children-related provisions).

The committee on committees reported referring Senate Resolutions 15 and 24 to the floor and announced standing committee assignment changes. Senate Resolution 15, honoring Joyce Laverne Johnson, was adopted on a voice vote after a motion to adopt; the presiding officer announced, "Ayes have it. Resolution is adopted." Senate Resolution 24, adjourning the Senate in memory of Myra Friend Alice (Tatum Elizabeth Dale), was also adopted by voice vote.

Senator from Taylor provided scheduling notes: Monday, Jan. 19 will be observed as Martin Luther King Jr. Day with no floor session, and the chamber will gavel in at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20 while remaining a committee day. At the close of business the Senate adjourned to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, on a motion accepted without objection.

The transcript records the introductions, scheduling directions and memorial resolutions; it does not show recorded roll-call tallies for bills or floor votes on introduced measures.