FRANKFORT, Ky. — With just a few days left in the 2025 Kentucky legislative session, lawmakers in the House and Senate advanced a flurry of bills covering a wide range of subjects.
In the House, after several iterations, Senate Bill 202 would further regulate hemp beverages passed. The latest changes made to it must be agreed to by the Senate before it is sent to the governor.
The bill would limit the amount of THC to five milligrams per 12 ounces, and require stores to obtain a license to sell such products, similar to how it works for alcohol.
“The idea is we need to keep this out of the hands of children, and we by putting it to ABC, we have added some serious regulation to this. They will have to apply for those licenses in order to continue selling the beverages,” said State Rep. Matthew Koch, R-Paris.
Koch, who is carrying the bill in the House, explained this version does not include an originally purposed ban on selling such products until next year.
“Trying to find the right thing is difficult to do here. But I just can’t vote for a bill where we’re shooting for parody and I don’t think parody exists,” said State Rep. Al Gentry, D-Louisville.
Gentry believes the five milligram cap is too low. If passed, SB 202 would go in effect July 2026.
The House also passed new regulations on vape products. Senate Bill 100 aims to crack down on retailers selling to teens, and passed 82-11.
Other matters
House lawmakers passed a bill that changes regulating waterways within the state. Senate Bill 89 has been criticized by opponents who believe it could lead to more pollution and fewer regulations. Supporters say it is in line with federal regulations and could help the coal industry. Senate bill 89 passed 69-26.
After business hours, a Senate committee green lit legislation allowing freestanding birthing centers. The bill now includes language concerning abortions, offering clarification to hospitals for when the procedure can be done to protect the life of the mother, in line with the state’s near total abortion ban.
“This policy reflects the collaboration of legislators, health care experts, and advocates who came together to strengthen Kentucky law,” said State Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Minority Whip in a statement. “It ensures women facing life-threatening situations receive timely, appropriate medical care, and gives providers the legal certainty they need to act decisively and compassionately.”
“This is a makeshift attempt at fixing problems that we ourselves made by passing bad legislation to begin with,” explained State Sen. Karen Berg, D-Louisville, who is also a medical doctor, in her “no” vote explanation.
State lawmakers have until Friday night to pass bills before the 10-day veto period. The Republican led legislature has a veto-proof supermajority, meaning Gov. Beshear’s vetoes.
