Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on legislation he has signed into law, reported on the Capitol Dome restoration project, and warned of possible severe weather Friday.
Governor Signs Bills into Law
Beshear signed three pieces of legislation into law that recently were passed by the General Assembly:
Senate Bill 64, sponsored by Sen. Mike Wilson, allows any public agency to establish a peer support counseling program for Kentucky’s public safety officers who have faced a traumatic, emotional, difficult incident while on duty.
He said: “I can personally attest that for the last two years, this workforce has faced some of the most difficult situations that most of us cannot even imagine, from responding to deadly storms in Western Kentucky, reporting to work every day while the rest of us stayed home to protect ourselves from a national pandemic, to helping rescue Kentuckians from severe snow, ice and rainstorms.”
Senate Bill 140, sponsored by Sen. Max Wise. Beshear said this bill “allows patients to take the medication that their doctor believes is best for their treatment, rather than the medicine the insurance company – or those who set drug prices – think is best. In times past, patients would have to start with the insurance company’s preferred medication.”
House Bill 284, sponsored by Rep. Michael Meredith, will significantly improve the efficiency of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s vehicle title and registration process by allowing for electronic filing of applications for titles and liens.
Capitol Dome Restoration Project
A project to repair and restore the dome that crowns the Kentucky State Capitol will begin this spring. The work will require the construction of extensive scaffolding that will encircle the dome. Materials for the scaffolding will be delivered in early April, and installation is expected to take two months. The scaffolding will remain in place for approximately two years or until the project’s completion.
The dome restoration will be performed by a team of nationally recognized professionals who have worked on similar projects, including the Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia state capitols and the U.S. Supreme Court Building.
“Our state Capitol building is one of the most significant and recognizable historic landmarks in the Commonwealth, and its dome is a visual landmark that has graced and defined the skyline of the city of Frankfort for more than a century,” Beshear said. “It is our duty and responsibility to ensure it is protected for generations to come.”
The project will replace 80-year-old terracotta tiles, help with waterproofing, make structural repairs and remove algae and other organic material from the dome.
With proper periodic maintenance, the refurbished dome will be preserved for at least another 50 years.
In 2020, the Department for Facilities and Support Services began a massive, multiyear renovation and restoration project at the State Capitol. The primary work so far has focused on electrical, mechanical and plumbing system repairs and upgrades inside the Capitol building.
Severe Weather Possible on Friday
Gov. Beshear said several lines of showers and thunderstorms will move through Western Kentucky on Friday afternoon and evening. Damaging straight-line winds are the main threat, though an isolated tornado or two will be possible. The highest risk of severe weather is in areas west of Interstate Highway 65.