New laws passed by the most recent session of Kentucky's General Assembly usually go into effect on July 1. This year is no exception.
Some of the new laws that went into effect July 1 or are already in effect include:
• Permitting anyone who legally owns a gun in Kentucky to carry it concealed without a permit. The previous law had a permit process which required completion of a six-hour gun safety training course, background check and $60 application fee. Also, under the previous law a person could not receive a permit if the applicant owed more than a year of child support or had misdemeanor alcohol or drug convictions in the past 3 years. All of those requirements are now repealed.
However, the new law does not change who is eligible to possess a gun, or the places where guns are allowed. For example, individuals with felony convictions or misdemeanor crimes involving domestic violence are still prohibited from possessing a gun. Concealed weapons are still banned in certain locations such as courthouses, drinking establishments and elementary and secondary schools. State laws permitting carrying a concealed weapon do not apply at Fort Knox.
• Amending the state court expungement process so it costs less and includes more convictions for which expungement is possible. The expungement application fee was reduced from $500 to $250, and the types of cases for which expungement can be sought was expanded to include nearly all Class D felonies, except sex offenses, crimes against children and crimes that result in serious injury or death.
• The Kentucky Pregnant Workers Act, which requires employers of 15 or more employees to make reasonable accommodations for an employee who has limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition. Employers subject to the law also must give employees notice of their right to be free from discrimination in relation to pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions.
• Prohibiting phone solicitations that misrepresent the name or phone number on the caller ID of your phone. The law also increases fines for second offenses and allows civil lawsuits against violators.
• Creating a caregiver assistance program for relatives and close family friends who are considering taking in a child in an abuse, neglect or dependency situation.
• Prohibiting individuals from losing their occupational license or work-conditional scholarship if they are behind on student loan payments.
• Permitting electric scooters to operate on public streets much like bicycles, and setting operating standards such as limiting scooter speeds to no more than 20 miles per hour.
For more information about these or any other Kentucky laws, schedule an appointment with a Legal Assistance attorney by calling (502) 624-2771.
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