LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Governor Andy Beshear has taken action on more than 100 bills this week, signing into law measures affecting education, healthcare, and business, while vetoing a number of others. Notably, Beshear vetoed House Bill 4, a controversial bill that was later overturned by the Republican-led legislature.
The vetoed bill, which passed the General Assembly with overwhelming support, mandates Kentucky’s public universities and colleges to defund and dismantle their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. In addition, the bill bans DEI training for students and staff. Proponents of the bill, including Rep. Vanessa Grossl (R-Georgetown), argue that DEI programs have been ineffective and costly, costing taxpayers millions of dollars.
“DEI is costing taxpayers millions of dollars and has largely been an embarrassing failure in our commonwealth,” Grossl said after the bill’s passage.
However, Beshear pushed back against the measure, describing it as part of a growing “anti-civil rights” movement. In a statement following his veto, the governor expressed concern that the bill would harm Kentucky’s reputation and hinder efforts to promote inclusivity.
“I feel like we started the session lifting people up, and by the end of the session, the General Assembly was kicking them while they were down,” Beshear said. “We’ve got to govern with more humanity and empathy. To reach our full potential and build ‘Our New Kentucky Home,’ we have to be welcoming to people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.”
Some Democratic lawmakers also expressed their disappointment with the bill, including Rep. Pamela Stevenson (D-Louisville), who voiced frustration that those who have not experienced marginalization were making decisions for those who have.
Beshear’s veto of House Bill 4 was overridden by the Republican supermajority on Thursday, marking a significant victory for those in favor of curbing DEI initiatives.
Other Notable Bills Signed into Law
Alongside his veto actions, Beshear signed several bills into law this week, including House Bill 208, which mandates that schools adopt policies to ban cell phones during instructional time, except for emergencies.
Another notable piece of legislation is Senate Bill 1, which establishes the Kentucky Film Office aimed at fostering growth in the state’s film industry. The office’s primary mission will be to attract more film production to Kentucky, with the hope of boosting the local economy.
Senate Bill 100 also gained Beshear’s approval, creating a regulatory framework for the tobacco and vape retail industries. This bill seeks to impose more oversight and ensure that these products are sold in a responsible manner.
Beshear also signed House Bill 15, which will allow 15-year-olds to apply for a driver’s permit. The bill was signed into law immediately, although teens will need to wait until next week to schedule their appointments as the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet works to update its outdated system.
“Folks, we are working as fast as we can,” Beshear said, explaining the delays. “It’s a bigger undertaking than it might seem.”
Abortion Legislation
The legislature also overrode Beshear’s veto of House Bill 90, a measure that clarifies medical exceptions for abortion procedures, particularly in situations where a mother’s health is at risk. The bill outlines specific conditions, such as the removal of an ectopic pregnancy or the management of a miscarriage, where doctors can perform abortions without fear of breaking the law.
Sen. Lindsey Tichenor (R-Smithfield), a supporter of the bill, argued that it provided much-needed clarity to doctors and protections for women facing life-threatening complications. “Ultimately, we want to be a pro-life state,” Tichenor said.
Opponents of the bill, including Rep. Pamela Stevenson, criticized it for ignoring medical standards and limiting doctors’ ability to provide timely care. Stevenson, who has long advocated for reproductive rights, expressed concern that the bill could force doctors to delay crucial medical procedures, potentially endangering women’s health.
A Legislative Snapshot
In total, Governor Beshear has signed 89 bills into law, vetoed 29, and returned 10 bills without his signature. The latter still become law but without the governor’s endorsement. The series of legislative actions this week reflects ongoing political tensions between the Democratic governor and the Republican-controlled legislature, particularly on issues of social policy.
As the 2025 legislative session continues, it remains clear that the political landscape in Kentucky is sharply divided, with significant debates likely to unfold around education, healthcare, and civil rights.
