Superintendents would have more say in the hiring of local school principals under legislation sponsored by Rep. Kent Stevens of Lawrenceburg. The measure, which alters a key provision of the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990, is moving in the 2010 legislative session.
Legislation to tax moist, smokeless tobacco the same way as all other smokeless products has failed on a close committee vote. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Tommy Thompson, was defeated 14-12 in the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee.
Louisville Rep. Darryl Owens wants to cap interest rates on payday loans at 36% annually. Owens says the industry preys on the poor and traps many customers in long term debt. But the industry is fighting back, saying regulatory legislation approved last year hasn't been given enough time to work.