Eliminating the ‘Bourbon Barrel Tax’  |  HB5

HB5 phases out state and local property taxes on the production of “distilled spirits stored or aging in barrels” beginning in 2026 and eliminating them by 2043.

The Senate passed HB5 on March 30, 2023, by a vote of 23 to 14. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because the ‘Bourbon Barrel Tax’ is a form of wealth transfer legislation based on property confiscation. Property should not be taxed at any level against anyone—especially Kentucky’s $9 billion signature industry that generates new jobs, higher wages, and better opportunities. Property taxes, like income taxes, are immoral and anti-constitutional acts of government-imposed theft. Since property is tied to ownership, only when a person or business is secure in the possession of their property can they have the freedom to exercise self-government. Every attack on private property is, therefore, an attack on individual liberty. The U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment were written to safeguard “private property” and prevent “any State” from depriving “any person” of “property, without due process of law.” Moreover, neither education nor public health is the role of government, and taxing property to fund them is even more egregious.

Eliminating the ‘Bourbon Barrel Tax’  |  HB5

HB5 phases out state and local property taxes on the production of “distilled spirits stored or aging in barrels” beginning in 2026 and eliminating them by 2043.

The House passed HB5 on March 30, 2023, by a vote of 60 to 39. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because the ‘Bourbon Barrel Tax’ is a form of wealth transfer legislation based on property confiscation. Property should not be taxed at any level against anyone—especially Kentucky’s $9 billion signature industry that generates new jobs, higher wages, and better opportunities. Property taxes, like income taxes, are immoral and anti-constitutional acts of government-imposed theft. Since property is tied to ownership, only when a person or business is secure in the possession of their property can they have the freedom to exercise self-government. Every attack on private property is, therefore, an attack on individual liberty. The U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment were written to safeguard “private property” and prevent “any State” from depriving “any person” of “property, without due process of law.” Moreover, neither education nor public health is the role of government, and taxing property to fund them is even more egregious.

Parental Rights in Education  |  SB150

SB150 limits the authority of public schools in relation to parental rights, a student’s use of pronouns, medical or mental health services, and instructional content on human sexuality.    

The Senate passed SB150 on March 29, 2023, by a vote of 29 to 8, overriding the Governor’s veto. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because the upbringing, education, and care of children belongs to parents, not the government. Parental rights, as with all other fundamental rights, are guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights and 14^th Amendment.

Parental Rights in Education  |  SB150

SB150 limits the authority of public schools in relation to parental rights, a student’s use of pronouns, medical or mental health services, and instructional content on human sexuality.    

The House passed SB150 on March 29, 2023, by a vote of 76 to 23, overriding the Governor’s veto. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because the upbringing, education, and care of children belongs to parents, not the government. Parental rights, as with all other fundamental rights, are guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights and 14^th Amendment.

Saving Kentucky’s Coal Power Plants  |  SB4

SB4 prevents a utility company from shutting down a “fossil fuel-fired electric generating unit” without demonstrating that it would result in reliability and resilience of the electric grid as well as cost savings for customers.

The House passed SB4 on March 16, 2023, by a vote of 66 to 28. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because this bill assists with efforts to save Kentucky’s coal power plants amid an unconstitutional war on fossil fuels that seeks to deny local citizens their right to access the natural energy resources in the Bluegrass State. Rather than submit to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for “sustainable development,” which threatens to reduce our standards of living and compromise the integrity of our utility infrastructure, Kentucky should act to stop the “climate change” grift and reject all attempts by power-hungry globalist elites to further regulate the use of coal or other fossil fuels. The Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment were intended to protect free-market enterprise.

Prohibiting Enforcement of Federal Firearms Restrictions  |  HB153

HB153 prohibits state and local agencies from enforcing any “federal law, executive order, rule, or regulation that is enacted, adopted, or becomes effective on or after January 1, 2021.”

The Senate passed HB153 on March 15, 2023, by a vote of 27 to 9. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because this bill prevents the state from enforcing certain federal firearms regulations, helping to restore the rights of law-abiding citizens. The U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment expressly declares that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Whenever the federal government assumes power to impose firearms restrictions in blatant violation of the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment, nullification of such acts by the several States is the proper remedy.

Extending State “Unemployment Benefits”  |  HB146

HB146 extends the minimum weeks of state “unemployment benefits” available from 12 weeks to 16 weeks.   

The House passed HB146 on March 13, 2023, by a vote of 94 to 0. We have assigned minuses to the yeas because there exists no right to a wage or remuneration apart from a person earning it themselves through their own labor or investment. As government has no money of its own, the reality is that so-called “unemployment benefits,” despite being organized by the state, are nothing but an illegitimate “insurance” mandate (i.e., tax) on employers—the cost of which is ultimately paid for by hard-working employees. Unfortunately, the state-subsidizing or compulsory financing of unemployed individuals only undermines work ethic and profit incentive, creating more unemployment and poor people dependent on the government for income. The State of Kentucky must not be permitted to pursue such policies that are beyond its proper constitutional scope and authority.

Protecting Children from Lewd or Lascivious Conduct  |  SB115

SB115 would make engaging in a “live sexually explicit performance” on public property or in a location where it could be viewed by a minor child a criminal offense.  

The Senate passed SB115 on March 10, 2023, by a vote of 26 to 6. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because the citizens of Kentucky have the right—which the State has a duty to uphold—to protect both themselves and their children from obscene, indecent, or profane activity. This right of the people is retained under the 9th and 10th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Saving Kentucky’s Coal Power Plants  |  SB4

SB4 prevents a utility company from shutting down a “fossil fuel-fired electric generating unit” without demonstrating that it would result in reliability and resilience of the electric grid as well as cost savings for customers.

The Senate passed SB4 on March 2, 2023, by a vote of 25 to 8. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because this bill assists with efforts to save Kentucky’s coal power plants amid an unconstitutional war on fossil fuels that seeks to deny local citizens their right to access the natural energy resources in the Bluegrass State. Rather than submit to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for “sustainable development,” which threatens to reduce our standards of living and compromise the integrity of our utility infrastructure, Kentucky should act to stop the “climate change” grift and reject all attempts by power-hungry globalist elites to further regulate the use of coal or other fossil fuels. The Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment were intended to serve as a bulwark against undue interference with free-market enterprise.

Ban on Sex Mutilation of Children  |  HB470

HB470, the “Do No Harm Act,” would ban the provision of “gender transition services” to a person under the age of 18 years.

The House passed HB470 on March 2, 2023, by a vote of 75 to 22. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because no person has a right to abuse a child using the pretext of LGBTQ+ ideology. Sex mutilation against minor children violates their unalienable right to life and limb, as it absurdly attempts to erase their biological characteristics with fictional “gender” constructs. According to the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, the States have a duty to defend the humanity of all people—male and female—who, as the Declaration of Independence affirms, are created by God and form the basis of individual and family self-government.

“Electronic Money” in the Uniform Commercial Code  |  SB64

SB64 would change Kentucky’s definition of “money” to include “electronic money,” as provided by the Uniform Commercial Code.  

The Senate passed the SB64 on February 28, 2023, by a vote of 34 to 0. We have assigned minuses to the yeas because this bill would end free-market-based cryptocurrencies and pave the way for an exclusively government-controlled Central Bank Digital Currency—presenting a significant danger to civil liberties. In fact, the bill was pushed by the Uniform Law Commission, an influential ‘Deep State’ globalist organization that promotes uniform state laws in America, particularly those “consistent with U.S. laws and international obligations,” so as to pursue integration with other countries. Nevertheless, the power to “coin money,” let alone authorize or adopt the use of “electronic money,” is among the powers denied to the States in Article 1, Section 10, of the U.S. Constitution.

Prohibiting Enforcement of Federal Firearms Restrictions  |  HB153

HB153 prohibits state and local agencies from enforcing any “federal law, executive order, rule, or regulation that is enacted, adopted, or becomes effective on or after January 1, 2021.”

The House passed HB153 on February 22, 2023, by a vote of 78 to 19. We have assigned pluses to the yeas because this bill prevents the state from enforcing certain federal firearms regulations, helping to restore the rights of law-abiding citizens. The U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment expressly declares that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Whenever the federal government assumes power to impose firearms restrictions in blatant violation of the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment, nullification of such acts by the several States is the proper remedy.

Women’s Sports  |  SB83

SB83 prohibits male students from participating in athletic teams, activities, and sports designated as “girls”.

The Kentucky State Senate passed SB83 on April 13, 2022 by a vote of 29 to 8. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the left has been promoting radical Marxist ideas for years. This indoctrination is letting people believe that they can choose their pronouns and that they can be transgender. Scientifically and biblically, there are two genders. Taxpayers fund sports programs in schools, so this legislation ensures that taxpayer dollars will not be going to athletic programs that embrace the woke culture.

COVID-19 Policy  |  SB2

SB2 prohibits the governor from creating a statewide mask mandate and prohibits healthcare facilities from requiring vaccinations of employees. This law also requires visitation in long-term care facilities for family members and friends.

The Kentucky State Senate passed SB2 on September 9, 2021 by a vote of 23 to 5.  We have assigned pluses to the ayes because an individual’s personal health care decisions should not be the object of government, nor be under its federal, state, or local jurisdictions in the United States. Forcing an individual to produce their vaccination status would be a violation of their fundamental rights, freedoms, privileges, or immunities protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Elections  |  HB574

HB574 expands the state’s early voting, lets people fix their own ballot issues, and allows drop boxes for people to submit their absentee ballots.

The Kentucky State Senate passed HB574 on March 16, 2021 by a vote of 33 to 3. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation compromises the integrity of our elections, opening the door to fraudulent behavior, which ultimately drives people to lose faith in the election process. We need to push back against measures like drop boxes and early voting.

Vaccine Mandates  |  SB8

SB8 provides exemptions from mandatory immunization for any child, emancipated minor, or adult who, personally or by a parent or guardian, submits a written sworn statement objecting to the immunization based on conscientiously held beliefs.

The Kentucky State Senate passed SB8 on March 16, 2021 by a vote of 33 to 1. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because an individual’s personal health care decisions should not be the object of government, nor be under its federal, state, or local jurisdictions in the United States. Forcing an individual to receive a vaccination or partake in any medical procedure would be a violation of their fundamental rights, freedoms, privileges, or immunities protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Reopening the Economy  |  HB1

HB1 provides relief to businesses by allowing them to open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also made is so that no state or local agency shall enforce restrictions related to the state of emergency impacting the ability of any business, nonprofit organization, or religious organization to remain open and fully operational for in-person services. This legislation also deems that visitors must be allowed in residential long-term care facilities or nursing homes.

The Kentucky State Senate passed HB1 on February 2, 2021 by a vote of 29 to 8.  We have assigned pluses to the ayes because Article IV, Section 4, of the U.S. Constitution, requires a limitation and separation of powers and the state legislature stepping in to stop the Governor’s intrusive shut down. The right to peacefully assemble, exercise of religion and to operate a business are protected by both the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and no situation or event in the United States shall lead to the suspension of those rights. The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” and government interference in entrepreneurship and private business is in violation of that belief.

Broadband Fund  |  HB459

HB459 appropriates Federal Funds from the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in the amount of $127,000,000 and Federal Funds from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in the amount of $123,000,000 to the broadband deployment fund.

The Kentucky State Senate passed HB459 on March 30, 2022 by a vote of 36 to 0. We have assigned pluses to the nays because federal funds for unconstitutional use comes with string attached, which expands the size of government. Government subsidized internet benefits only a specific part of the population. This is also another step towards socialism and government interference in the free market.

Women’s Sports  |  SB83

SB83 prohibits male students from participating in athletic teams, activities, and sports designated as “girls”.

The Kentucky State House of Representatives passed and overrode the Governor’s veto for SB83 on April 13, 2022 by a vote of 72 to 23.  We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the left has been promoting radical Marxist ideas for years. This indoctrination is letting people believe that they can choose their pronouns and that they can be transgender. Scientifically and biblically, there are two genders. Taxpayers fund sports programs in schools, so this legislation ensures that taxpayer dollars will not be going to athletic programs that embrace the woke culture.

Gun Rights  |  HB29

HB29 prohibits government within the state from enforcing federal firearm bans and prohibits state government entities from allocating public resources or money to enforce a federal firearms ban.

The Kentucky State House of Representatives passed HB29 on March 10, 2022 by a vote of 75 to 20. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because the fundamental right of the American people to keep and bear arms is protected by the U.S. Constitution, particularly in the 2nd, 9th, and 10th Amendments, and should not be infringed. Furthermore, under Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, states have a duty to nullify infringements by the federal government.

Elections  |  HB574

HB574 expands the state’s early voting, lets people fix their own ballot issues, and allows drop boxes for people to submit their absentee ballots.

The Kentucky State House of Representatives passed HB574 on March 29, 2021 by a vote of 91 to 3.  We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation compromises the integrity of our elections, opening the door to fraudulent behavior, which ultimately drives people to lose faith in the election process. We need to push back against measures like drop boxes and early voting.

Vaccine Mandates  |  SB8

SB8 provides exemptions from mandatory immunization for any child, emancipated minor, or adult who, personally or by a parent or guardian, submits a written sworn statement objecting to the immunization based on conscientiously held beliefs.

The Kentucky State House of Representatives passed SB8 on March 12, 2021 by a vote of 77 to 20. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because an individual’s personal health care decisions should not be the object of government, nor be under its federal, state, or local jurisdictions in the United States. Forcing an individual to receive a vaccination or partake in any medical procedure would be a violation of their fundamental rights, freedoms, privileges, or immunities protected by the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Reopening the Economy  |  HB1

HB1 provides relief to businesses by allowing them to open during the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation also made is so that no state or local agency shall enforce restrictions related to the state of emergency impacting the ability of any business, nonprofit organization, or religious organization to remain open and fully operational for in-person services. This legislation also deems that visitors must be allowed in residential long-term care facilities or nursing homes.

The Kentucky State House of Representatives passed and overrode the Governor’s veto for HB1 on February 2, 2021 by a vote of 72 to 22. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because Article IV, Section 4, of the U.S. Constitution, requires a limitation and separation of powers and the state legislature stepping in to stop the Governor’s intrusive shut down. The right to peacefully assemble, exercise of religion and to operate a business are protected by both the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and no situation or event in the United States shall lead to the suspension of those rights. The Declaration of Independence states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” and government interference in entrepreneurship and private business is in violation of that belief.

Broadband Fund  |  HB459

HB459 Appropriates Federal Funds from the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in the amount of $127,000,000 and Federal Funds from the State Fiscal Recovery Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 in the amount of $123,000,000 to the broadband deployment fund.

The Kentucky State House of Representatives passed HB459 on February 23, 2022 by a vote of 97 to 0. We have assigned pluses to the nays because federal funds for unconstitutional use comes with string attached, which expands the size of government. Government subsidized internet benefits only a specific part of the population. This is also another step towards socialism and government interference in the free market.