The session has only two days remaining on March 26 & 27 to primarily look at any vetoes and tie up loose ends on any legislation.  A number of forestry bills were introduced but only House Bill 235 that officially creates the Forest Health Board still has a chance for passage.  A number of other bills were proposed that did not pass due to concerns about the affect on the existing wood industry and landowner rights.  Also House Bill 26 that contains tax incentives for small business has been rolled into House Bill 229 that has been approved by the Senate and sent back to the House for agreement.

Information on the remaining two active bills is listed below.  We encourage members to contact your Senator and have them let Senate Leadership know that we need to get House Bill 235, dealing with forest health, passed this session.  We also encourage calls to House members to support passage of House Bill 229 to provide tax incentives for small business.  Legislative members will return to Frankfort for two days on March 26 and 27 to finish the session

House Bill 235 - Establishes in statute the Forest Health Board to address insect, disease, natural disasters and other health issues related to forest health and requires annual reporting to the legislature.  Also amends KRS 149.336 to include forest fire prevention as part of the Division of Forestry's education program curriculum.  Approved by the House and the Senate Natural Resources Committee and is currently on the consent calendar in the Senate.  We need for Senate Leadership to allow the bill to be approved by the full Senate during the last two days of the Session.

House Bill 229  A large bill that now includes House Bill 26 relating to income tax credits for small businesses.  Creates new sections of KRS chapters 141 and 154 and amends KRS 141.0205 to establish a small business tax credit.  If approved this bill would provide tax breaks for small business.  Passed by the House and changed and approved in the Senate to include the tax incentives and has been sent back to the House for agreement and approval.