Kentucky legislature passes three controversial bills

The Kentucky legislature passed three controversial bills just before the veto period began. These include a ban on Medicaid funding for hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery, a work requirement for Medicaid recipients, and a prohibition on gender-affirming care for inmates. The bills mark a significant shift from previous sessions, which had minimal focus on social issues. Lawmakers also made changes to the state's near-total abortion ban, clarifying when abortions are legal due to medical conditions. In addition, the legislature approved measures affecting workplace and environmental regulations, drawing criticism from some lawmakers. These changes include aligning state water definitions with federal standards and reducing safety regulations for emergency medical personnel at coal mines.