HB-022

Failed

Designating the Tort Liability Limitation Framework Act

Author: Ronald Fowler

Chamber: House

Category: Environment

Type: Bill

Fiscal Impact: Minimal

Introduced: May 16, 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 the legislative record clearly reflects a substantial need for the modernisation of tort liability limitation framework;

WHEREAS fiscal prudence and governmental efficiency necessitate the revision 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. Administrative Authority and Delegation.

Any person who knowingly violates the provisions of this Act, or any administrative regulation promulgated thereunder, shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) per violation per day. The Agency shall have authority to assess such penalties following a duly noticed administrative hearing conducted in conformance with KRS Chapter 13B.

SECTION 3. Data Confidentiality.

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.
This Act shall be interpreted and construed in a manner consistent with the legislative intent to promote fiscal responsibility, governmental efficiency, and the welfare of all citizens of the Commonwealth, and shall be liberally construed to effectuate its remedial purposes.

SECTION 4. Procedural Safeguards.

To the extent practicable and consistent with applicable civil rights laws, the Agency shall endeavour to ensure that the benefits and services authorised under this Act are administered in an equitable and nondiscriminatory manner across all regions and demographic groups within the Commonwealth.

SECTION 5. Definitions.

"Fiscal Year" means the twelve-month period commencing on July 1 of each calendar year and terminating on June 30 of the succeeding calendar year.
"Qualified Entity" means any person or organisation that meets the eligibility criteria established pursuant to Section 3 of this Act.
"Agency" means any executive branch department, office, board, bureau, commission, or other instrumentality of the Commonwealth.

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
54 entries
Draft
Ronald Fowler May 16, 11:11 AM

With the leave of this chamber, I introduce HB-022 and respectfully request that it be referred to the appropriate committee.

Drew Bartley May 16, 11:11 AM

I second the motion to introduce HB-022 and concur that it warrants the serious attention of this chamber.

Debate
The Clerk May 16, 11:11 AM

The Chair announces that HB-022 has been referred from initial introduction to open debate in accordance with the standing rules of this chamber.

Dale Fyffe May 16, 11:11 AM

Mr. President / Mr. Speaker, the merits of HB-022 speak for themselves. This chamber would be well-served by swift and favourable action on this legislation.

Andrew Walsh May 16, 11:11 AM

The distinguished member who introduced this legislation is to be commended. HB-022 addresses long-standing deficiencies in our statutory framework and will materially benefit the people of this Commonwealth.

Drew Bartley May 16, 11:11 AM

I rise in strong support of HB-022. 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.

Willie Barber May 16, 11:11 AM

The legal section of this chamber has identified potential constitutional infirmities in HB-022. I urge my colleagues to defer final action pending a full legal analysis.

Committee
Ernest Lane May 16, 11:11 AM

The committee received substantial testimony on HB-022 and, by a vote of the majority, reports it to the floor for consideration. A minority report has been filed and is available to all members.

Debate
Rex Bowling May 16, 11:11 AM

Before we proceed to the vote, I urge all members to reflect carefully on the implications of HB-022 for our constituents. The record speaks for itself.

Floor Vote
Anthony Draper May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Keith Lindsey May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Nathan Crawford May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Brian Lawson May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Timothy Hale May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Phillip Osborne May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Lawrence Briggs May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Kenneth Garner May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Raymond Dale May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Clifton Adkins May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Calvin Rice May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Sherman Boone May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Howard Cooke May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Floyd Bentley May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Cecil Mann May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Dustin Phelps May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Virgil Cornett May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Clyde Hatcher May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Harlan Tyson May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Owen Marcum May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Blake Tipton May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Todd Meade May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Dale Fyffe May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Rex Bowling May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Cody Stamper May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Chad Gabbard May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Trent Spicer May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Drew Bartley May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Jerome Anthony May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Nancy Owens May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Rodney Church May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Brenda Armstrong May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Ernest Fleming May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Ruth Payne May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Dolores Cunningham May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Marvin Oliver May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Edna Haynes May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Nate Holloway May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Helen Pruett May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Mae Combs May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Glenn Tackett May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Patrick Monroe May 18, 1:12 PM

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

George Ashton May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Karen Freeman May 18, 1:12 PM

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

Failed
The Clerk May 19, 11:12 AM

It is the determination of the Chair that HB-022 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 19
Authored By
R
Ronald Fowler
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