HB-014

Failed

Designating the Tort Liability Limitation Framework Act

Author: Leon Thornton

Chamber: House

Category: Education

Type: Bill

Fiscal Impact: Minimal

Introduced: Apr 19, 2026

Summary

An Act designating the applicable statutory provisions of the Kentucky Revised Statutes with respect to tort liability limitation framework; prescribing procedures, standards, and responsibilities; authorising the promulgation of administrative regulations; and providing for related matters.

Full Text
WHEREAS recent administrative experience has demonstrated material deficiencies in the statutory scheme pertaining to tort liability limitation framework;

WHEREAS the legislative record clearly reflects a substantial need for the modernisation of tort liability limitation framework;

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY:

SECTION 1. Legislative Findings and Declarations of Policy.

The General Assembly hereby finds that the tort liability limitation framework in the Commonwealth requires responsive and efficient statutory governance. It is the declared policy of this Commonwealth to ensure that the regulatory framework governing said tort liability limitation framework is modern, equitable, and aligned with current best practices.

SECTION 2. Appropriations.

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any funds appropriated pursuant to this Act shall remain available for expenditure until the conclusion of the fiscal biennium in which they were appropriated, subject to the standard allotment and encumbrance procedures of the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
In the event any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or set of circumstances, is held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are declared to be severable.

SECTION 3. Legislative Findings and Declarations of Policy.

The General Assembly hereby finds that the tort liability limitation framework in the Commonwealth requires responsive and efficient statutory governance. It is the declared policy of this Commonwealth to ensure that the regulatory framework governing said tort liability limitation framework is modern, equitable, and aligned with current best practices.

SECTION 4. Annual Review and Sunset Provision.

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any funds appropriated pursuant to this Act shall remain available for expenditure until the conclusion of the fiscal biennium in which they were appropriated, subject to the standard allotment and encumbrance procedures of the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
All state agencies and political subdivisions receiving funds appropriated pursuant to this Act are required to maintain adequate financial records, consistent with generally accepted governmental accounting standards, and shall provide access to such records upon written request by the Auditor of Public Accounts.

SECTION 5. Definitions.

"Regulated Activity" means any commercial, industrial, agricultural, or professional activity subject to oversight under the provisions of this Act.
"Agency" means any executive branch department, office, board, bureau, commission, or other instrumentality of the Commonwealth.
"Secretary" means the Secretary of the relevant Cabinet as designated in the Executive Branch reorganisation order.
"Programme" means the scheme of activities, services, and financial assistance established by this Act and administered by the Agency.

SECTION 6. Effective Date.

This Act shall take effect ninety (90) days following its enactment into law.

SECTION 7. Severability.

In the event any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or set of circumstances, is held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are declared to be severable.
Legislative Proceedings
45 entries
Draft
Leon Thornton Apr 19, 9:24 PM

Pursuant to the rules of this chamber, I introduce for the consideration of my distinguished colleagues HB-014.

Timothy Hale Apr 19, 9:24 PM

I second the motion to introduce HB-014 and concur that it warrants the serious attention of this chamber.

Debate
The Clerk Apr 19, 9:24 PM

The Chair announces that HB-014 has been referred from initial introduction to open debate in accordance with the standing rules of this chamber.

Elmer Skaggs Apr 19, 9:24 PM

The distinguished member who introduced this legislation is to be commended. HB-014 addresses long-standing deficiencies in our statutory framework and will materially benefit the people of this Commonwealth.

Amanda Collins Apr 19, 9:24 PM

I rise in strong support of HB-014. Having reviewed the bill's provisions in detail, I am persuaded that its enactment represents sound fiscal and legislative policy, and I urge my colleagues to vote affirmatively.

Dennis Stark Apr 19, 9:24 PM

I rise in strong support of HB-014. Having reviewed the bill's provisions in detail, I am persuaded that its enactment represents sound fiscal and legislative policy, and I urge my colleagues to vote affirmatively.

Committee
Dustin Phelps Apr 19, 9:24 PM

The standing committee has reviewed HB-014 and, following deliberation, reports it favourably to the full chamber with the following amendments: technical corrections to Section 2 and clarification of the definition provision in Section 1.

Debate
Albert Simms Apr 19, 9:24 PM

I request the indulgence of this chamber for a brief closing statement on HB-014. This legislation has been long in coming and I am grateful for the collegial process that has brought it to this point.

Floor Vote
Anthony Draper Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Yea. I commend the sponsoring member for bringing this matter before the chamber.

Nathan Crawford Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.

Justin Maxwell Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Yea. I commend the sponsoring member for bringing this matter before the chamber.

Raymond Dale Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.

Eugene Marsh Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.

Clifton Adkins Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.

Calvin Rice Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.

Sherman Boone Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.

Albert Moss Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.

Arthur Ramsey Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.

Wade Coffey Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.

Roy Prater Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I vote yea and record my support for the advancement of sound public policy.

Clyde Hatcher Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I vote yea and record my support for the advancement of sound public policy.

Harlan Tyson Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I vote yea and record my support for the advancement of sound public policy.

Blake Tipton Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.

Todd Meade Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.

Chad Gabbard Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.

Logan Perdue Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.

Jake Cornwell Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.

Barbara Nichols Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.

Rodney Church Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.

Sandra Webb Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.

Brenda Armstrong Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.

Gloria Mason Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.

Mildred Harper Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.

Earl Gordon Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.

Florence Bowman Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.

Marvin Oliver Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.

Alice Kessler Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.

Helen Pruett Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I vote yea and record my support for the advancement of sound public policy.

Mae Combs Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.

Irene Slone Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.

Joshua Tanner Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.

Steven Burke Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I vote yea and record my support for the advancement of sound public policy.

Karen Freeman Apr 21, 11:59 PM

I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.

Victor Torres Apr 21, 11:59 PM

Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.

Failed
The Clerk May 7, 11:06 AM

It is the determination of the Chair that HB-014 has failed of passage. The Clerk shall note the final vote in the journal.

Bill Progress
  • Draft
  • Debate
  • Committee
  • Floor Vote
  • Other Chamber
  • Governor
  • Enacted
This bill failed to pass.
Statistics
Total Votes Cast 100
Co-Sponsors 0
Last Updated May 7
Authored By
L
Leon Thornton
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