A bevy of new state laws, ranging in subjects from ethics to kutzu, passed this year by the Kentucky General Assembly go into effect Tuesday.The state constitution stipulates that laws without an “emergency” clause go into effect 90 days after the adjournment of a legislative session. The last day of the 2014 session was April 15. Earlier: Takeaways From the 2014 Kentucky General Assembly SessionSenate Bill 170 grants the state expanded powers to combat invasive plant species like kudzu, which can quickly overtake other plants by drowning them in shade.Similarly, House Bill 28 will make it tougher for lobbyists to invade the decision-making process in Frankfort by restricting their ability to pay for a legislator’s expenses.Other laws taking effect this week include:
- A streamlined concealed carry permitting process for victims of domestic violence.
- Expanded prescription-writing authority for registered nurses.
- Leniency on lesser crimes for victims of human trafficking.
- Permitting by-the-drink alcohol sales at state parks, if nearby residents approve it.
