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Here’s the latest on SB79. For those who haven’t been keeping up with Senate Bill 79, here’s what’s going on.
State Senator Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, introduced a floor amendment to SB79 that would prohibit employees in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government from working remotely. The only exception to this rule would be if an employee’s primary job function requires them to work in the field or in the event of an emergency.
I worked with colleagues from both parties to oppose this bill, but unfortunately, due to the short turnaround time, the Senate passed it on Thursday despite the objections from members across both caucuses.
Let’s be clear: despite what may be said, this isn’t about problems with remote work or state workers not doing their jobs. This is pure political theater. Once again, state workers are being used as punching bags.
Here’s what will happen next.
The bill has been assigned to the House Standing Committee on State Government, of which I am a member. I am already whipping votes against it with other committee members and other members in the House should it make it to the floor. Fortunately, we have a little more time to organize. The committee meets at noon on Thursdays.
I probably won’t know if it is on the agenda until Wednesday. You can keep an eye on the agenda here: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/CommitteeDocuments/93/
I strongly encourage you to contact committee members and other members to let them know you oppose this bill.
You can find a list of committee members here: https://legislature.ky.gov/Committees/Pages/Committee-Details.aspx?CommitteeRSN=96&CommitteeType=House%20Standing%20Committee
You can find a full list of members here:
https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators/house-of-representatives
If there is major breaking news on this, I will send a special Update, but please follow me on social media for daily updates on this and other things happening during the session. You can find links at the bottom and top of the page.
