Frankfort, KY — Kentucky’s Republican-majority General Assembly demonstrated its influence over state policies as it overrode nearly all of Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s vetoes on Thursday, just ahead of the close of the 2025 legislative session.
On the second-to-last day of the legislative session, lawmakers in both the House and Senate quickly voted to reverse most of the governor’s vetoes, with only a few minor exceptions. The vetoes were a significant point of contention, with Beshear addressing them during his weekly press conference and stressing that several bills became law despite his objections.
The governor voiced frustrations about what he and some fellow Democrats see as a lack of transparency in the legislative process, particularly the use of “shell bills” and last-minute amendments to bills, often at the tail end of the session. Beshear criticized the practice as an effort to limit public review of proposed policies, calling for more transparency in future legislative actions.
“We all know we’re better off when policies are examined under the sunlight,” Beshear said. “I hope that we can end this practice moving forward.”
In response, Republican leaders defended the use of such procedural maneuvers, emphasizing the tight timeframe of a 30-day session and the necessity of efficiency.
Before Thursday’s session, Beshear had vetoed over 20 pieces of legislation and issued five line-item vetoes. To override a veto, lawmakers must vote by the end of the legislative session, which was Friday.
A notable point during the veto override of House Bill 552 was Republican Senate President Robert Stivers’ sharp criticism of Beshear for not collaborating on a proposed Kentucky-Ireland Trade Commission, which was included in the bill. Stivers pointed to the power of the Republican supermajority in both the House and Senate, asserting that the General Assembly, not the governor, shapes the law in Kentucky.
“We’re in charge here,” Stivers said. “If people want to change the direction of policy, they’ll have to change the makeup of this legislature.”
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Key Bills Now Law
Several pieces of legislation received attention after being overridden, with many having significant implications for Kentucky’s future:
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House Bill 2 permits Kentuckians to sue the state over taxes on gold and silver bullion, a bill that Beshear had criticized as “unconstitutional.” Despite his objections, the bill passed with a 31-6 vote in the Senate.
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House Bill 4 eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at Kentucky’s public universities. While Republicans argue the programs cause division, opponents like Beshear view them as crucial for inclusivity.
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House Bill 6 limits state agencies’ authority to issue administrative regulations and strengthens the legislative branch’s control, a move Beshear warned could stop the executive branch from implementing laws.
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House Bill 90 attempts to clarify the state’s near-total abortion ban, though Beshear argued the bill fails to offer adequate protections for pregnant women.
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House Bill 136 expands the scope of inmate data required for release, a provision that Beshear said breaches privacy agreements.
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House Bill 424 addresses potential threats to academic tenure in public universities, a measure Beshear criticized for undermining faculty protections.
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House Bill 495 revokes restrictions on conversion therapy for minors and prohibits Medicaid from funding transgender-affirming care. Beshear described this bill as promoting dangerous practices.
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House Bill 552 reorganizes the makeup of local tourism commissions and establishes the Kentucky-Ireland Trade Commission. Despite the governor’s veto, the bill was passed by the legislature.
Several other bills, including measures to revise education policies, labor protections, and Medicaid regulations, also became law after veto overrides. One controversial bill, House Bill 398, limits state labor protections, drawing heavy criticism from labor unions who labeled the bill an “attack” on workers’ rights.
Other vetoed bills include Senate Bill 19, which mandates a moment of silence in schools, and Senate Bill 28, which creates a new economic development program for agribusiness.
Line-Item Vetoes
While most of Beshear’s vetoes were overridden, some line-item vetoes were upheld. For instance, sections of House Bill 546, related to tolls for a planned bridge project, were vetoed and maintained. Beshear had also vetoed parts of Senate Bill 25, which concerns logistics for delivering legislation during renovations to the Capitol.
The Ongoing Power Struggle
As the Kentucky legislature moves forward, the Republican supermajority remains firmly in control of state lawmaking. This veto override session showcased the deep divide between the state’s executive and legislative branches and underscored the strength of the Republican Party’s legislative influence. For Beshear, it is a clear reminder that changes in Kentucky law are shaped not just by the governor, but by a legislature that shows no signs of yielding power.
Kentucky Lantern is a nonprofit news outlet committed to independent journalism in the state.
Published by Kentucky Lantern. For inquiries, contact editor Jamie Lucke at info@kentuckylantern.com.