Kentucky Pension Bill Ruled Unconstitutional; Governor Likely To Appeal

A Franklin County judge determined the bill did not receive the proper hearings prior to its passage.

(Frankfort, Ky.) – Passage of Kentucky’s controversial pension reform law was too rushed, a judge determined Wednesday in ruling the law unconstitutional.

Franklin Circuit Court Judge Phillip Shepherd ruled on the law passed in March, ruling the manner in which legislators passed it violated safeguards to ensure legislators and the public can know the content of bills. The legislation did not receive three readings in each chamber, as it should have according to the state constitution, he reasoned.

The pension reform language had been inserted into an unrelated sewer bill, Senate Bill 151, just six hours before the final vote on March 29.

Thousands of educators from around Kentucky descended upon the statehouse in Frankfort leading up to the vote, hoping to dissuade lawmakers from passing the legislation which would dramatically change their pensions. The pension changes were made as Kentucky Retirement Systems – the system for thousands of publica employees’ retirements – was in crisis with unfunded liabilities of more than $40 billion.

Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear had brought the lawsuit to prevent the pension reform law from taking effect.

"Today's decision is a win for open, honest government, ruling that the Kentucky General Assembly violated the Constitution when it turned an 11-page sewer bill into a 291-page pension bill," Beshear said. "The ruling voids Senate Bill 151 in its entirety, which restores the promised retirements to over 200,000 teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public servants. I am honored to serve as their voice in court."

Governor Matt Bevin has called Judge Shepherd an “incompetent hack” prior to the ruling. A spokesperson for the governor said there will be an appeal to the Kentucky Supreme Court.

"The consequences of this ruling are tremendous for Kentucky because hundreds, if not thousands, of bills have previously been passed by the General Assembly using the exact same process," governor’s spokeswoman Elizabeth Kuhn told The Louisville Courier-Journal.

More from Local News


Events

Dearborn County Recorder Receives Statewide Award

The award recognizes contributions made to county government.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Launches in Ripley County

The program gifts free, high quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five on a monthly basis, regardless of family income.

Gov. Holcomb Unveils New Addiction Treatment Locator

The online portal is a free, confidential, first-of-its-kind tool to connect Hoosiers in need with appropriate addiction treatment.

Local Sports Report - September 28, 2023

Report missing high school sports scores and stats to news@eaglecountryonline.com.

EC's Hopper, Watkins Having Record Breaking Seasons

Both players have scored and assisted on 20+ goals.

Local Sports Report - September 27, 2023

OA and EC advanced in the Boys Tennis State Tournament, and EC's boys soccer team captured the EIAC title.

On Air

Off Air playing
Gretchen Wilson - Redneck Woman - EAGLE ONLY

Aaron Tippin You've Got To Stand For Something 18:33
Brett Eldredge Songs About You 18:27
Trisha Yearwood Perfect Love 18:24
Conner Smith Creek Will Rise 18:21