Friday wrapped up the last full week of the 2025 legislative session and brought an end to several days of marathon floor proceedings in both chambers. It also marked the beginning of the 10-day veto recess, during which the governor can veto bills, sign them into law, or allow them to become law without his signature.
One of the most watched and contested bills is House Bill 4, a measure that would seek to end diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives known as DEI at public post-secondary institutions in Kentucky. The legislation would forbid differential treatment in hiring, admissions, scholarships, and other areas based on religion, race, sex, color, or national origin. The issue loomed large over the session. Lawmakers sparred over the racial disparities and the legacy of slavery before voting to advance House Bill 4 off the Senate floor.
Abortion has surfaced as a major issue after lawmakers amended a measure on freestanding birthing centers into a broader maternal health bill that seeks to clarify some uncertainties over Kentucky's abortion law. The final version of House Bill 90 includes provisions to ensure that women experiencing a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy or other life-threatening complications can receive care. It calls on hospitals and birthing centers to offer prenatal palliative care to women who receive a prenatal diagnosis of deadly fetal abnormalities.
And Senate Bill 3, legislation that would update Kentucky's name, image, and likeness law for college athletes past both chambers. The measure aligns with national standards in the aftermath of the House v. NCAA court case. The case could open the door to universities directly compensating student athletes. Lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene on March 27th and 28th for the final two days of this year's 30-day session.