Brandon Aiyuk was one of the best WRs in the NFL. Absolutely insane how he just threw his career away. Hall of Fame talent wasted 🤦‍♂️

Op

You missed a few websites @UKYpres, @UKYmonday and @jayblantonuk. Did @universityofky shift #DEI to Environmental Sustainability initiatives? Perhaps @EDSecMcMahon, @usedgov @CivilRights can tell us? Don't worry @universityofky and #KYHigherEd...all former websites were saved so we may cross check. Let's end #DEI discrimination and just fund #HigherEducation. @Rawlings4Ky @SteveWestKY @JamesATipton @tichenor4ky @KYHouseGOP @KYSenateGOP sustainability.uky.edu/sites…

FRANKFORT, KY (March 30, 2025)—The Kentucky General Assembly has voted to override the Governor’s veto of Senate Bill 84 (SB 84) to ensure that courts, not bureaucratic agencies, retain the final authority in interpreting state laws. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, strengthens government accountability by preventing state agencies from expanding their authority through ambiguity in agency interpretation. “With today’s action, we have reaffirmed the constitutional separation of powers and restored judicial independence in Kentucky,” Rawlings said. “This law ensures that unelected agencies cannot bypass the legislative process to impose their own interpretations of the law. It is a win for transparency, accountability, and the people of Kentucky.” For decades, the federal Chevron doctrine allowed courts to defer to agency interpretations of ambiguous laws which expanded bureaucratic power. In 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Chevron and reinforced that courts, not agencies, must interpret laws. SB 84 codifies this principle at the state level and requires Kentucky courts to interpret laws independently rather than deferring to agency interpretations. “The General Assembly has sent a clear message: state agencies must operate within the bounds of the law as written by the legislature,” Rawlings said. “By overriding this veto, we are ensuring that no agency can exceed the authority granted to it by the people’s elected representatives.” SB 84 takes effect immediately and marks a critical step in maintaining judicial review and preventing administrative overreach. Kentuckians can stay informed on legislative actions at Legislature.ky.gov. ### Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, represents the 11th Senate District in northern and central Boone County. Rawlings serves as co-chair of the Senate Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Revenue; Banking and Insurance; Education; Health Services; and State and Local Government. Additionally, Rawlings serves on the Capital Planning Advisory Board.

FRANKFORT, KY (March 27, 2025)—In a significant step toward strengthening local control in education, Senate Bill 68 (SB 68) has been signed into law. Sponsored by Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, the legislation enhances school-based decision-making by increasing collaboration between educators, parents, and communities to improve student outcomes. SB 68 updates key sections of KRS Chapter 158 to empower local school councils with greater authority over curriculum design, staffing, student assignment, and wellness policies. The bill also modernizes budget transparency and ensures annual progress reviews to align with state educational goals. “Our goal has always been to put decisions in the hands of those who know our students best—our local educators and school leaders,” said Rawlings. “This law strengthens our commitment to academic excellence by ensuring communities have a direct role in shaping the future of their schools.” The passage of SB 68 reaffirms the General Assembly’s dedication to advancing education policy that prioritizes student success and local engagement. By equipping schools with the necessary tools they need to adapt to their unique challenges, Kentucky continues its tradition of fostering innovative and responsive education policies. For more information on SB 68 and other legislative initiatives, visit Legislature.ky.gov. ### Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, represents the 11th Senate District in northern and central Boone County. Rawlings serves as co-chair of the Senate Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Revenue; Banking and Insurance; Education; Health Services; and State and Local Government. Additionally, Rawlings serves on the Capital Planning Advisory Board.

Congrats to Representative John Hodgson on getting this bill to move quickly in the Kentucky House. It’s not the usual thing to get a bill passed the first year it is introduced. And a bit of a surprise the gov signed it into law!

FRANKFORT, KY (March. 12, 2025)—The Kentucky House of Representatives has passed Senate Bill 84 (SB 84), sponsored by Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington. With this final legislative step complete, the bill now heads to Governor Andy Beshear's desk for his signature. SB 84 increases government accountability by ensuring courts do not defer to state agencies' interpretations of laws. The measure aligns Kentucky with the U.S. Supreme Court's 2024 decision to overturn the Chevron doctrine, which previously allowed courts to defer to agency interpretations of ambiguous laws and expand bureaucratic power. "Passing SB 84 through both chambers is a meaningful victory for government accountability in Kentucky," said Rawlings. "This bill ensures that the power to interpret laws remains where it belongs: with the courts and the legislature, not unelected agency officials." SB 84 requires courts reviewing cases involving state agencies to independently interpret laws without relying on agency interpretation. The bill also directs courts to resolve any legal ambiguities in a way that disfavors increasing an agency’s authority beyond what its governing statutes provide. The bill strengthens judicial review and promotes government transparency by preventing agencies from expanding their power beyond what is explicitly granted by law. SB 84 now awaits action from the Governor. Stay updated on legislative measures like SB 84 at Legislature.ky.gov. ### Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, represents the 11th Senate District in northern and central Boone County. Rawlings serves as co-chair of the Senate Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Revenue; Banking and Insurance; Education; Health Services; and State and Local Government. Additionally, Rawlings serves on the Capital Planning Advisory Board.

FRANKFORT, KY (Mar. 1, 2025)—The Senate has passed Senate Bill 60 (SB 60), legislation sponsored by Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, to reinforce religious liberty protections across the Commonwealth. The measure now moves to the House for consideration. SB 60 provides a stronger legal framework for safeguarding religious freedoms against undue government burdens. The bill raises the evidentiary standard by requiring that any government action burdening religious exercise must be justified by clear and convincing evidence of a compelling interest. It also expands legal remedies by allowing individuals whose religious freedoms have been violated to seek appropriate relief, which includes cost and attorney fees. Additionally, SB 60 waives sovereign immunity, ensuring that individuals have the ability to sue the government for religious liberty violations. It is a commitment to having the correct standard to protect a fundamental right. “The Kentucky Senate has taken a stand for religious freedom,” Rawlings said following the vote. “This legislation ensures that government actions do not unnecessarily infringe on the sincerely held religious beliefs of Kentuckians. I urge my colleagues in the House to advance this critical protection of our Constitutional rights.” SB 60 now awaits action in the House. Stay updated on its progress at Legislature.ky.gov. ### Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, represents the 11th Senate District in northern and central Boone County. Rawlings serves as co-chair of the Senate Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Revenue; Banking and Insurance; Education; Health Services; and State and Local Government. Additionally, Rawlings serves on the Capital Planning Advisory Board.

Sen @Rawlings4Ky speaks on SB 60, restoring religious liberty to the Commonwealth.

FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 20, 2025)—The Kentucky Senate has passed Senate Bill 84 (SB 84), sponsored by Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington. This marks the first Senate bill successfully passed by Rawlings, a significant milestone in his legislative career. The bill increases government accountability by ensuring courts do not defer to state agencies’ interpretations of laws. For decades, the Chevron doctrine allowed courts to defer to agency interpretations of ambiguous laws, expanding bureaucratic power. In 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Chevron, reaffirming that courts—not agencies—interpret laws. Without similar protections at the state level, Kentucky agencies could still push their authority beyond what lawmakers intended, as has been the case on several occasions. “This is a proud moment for me as a legislator,” said Rawlings. “Passing my first Senate bill is not just a personal achievement but a step forward in ensuring the government remains accountable to the people, not unelected bureaucrats.” SB 84 requires courts reviewing cases involving state agencies to independently interpret laws without deferring to the agency’s interpretation. The bill also stipulates courts must resolve any legal ambiguities in a way that disfavors increasing the agency’s authority beyond what its governing statutes provide. With its passage in the Senate, SB 84 now moves to the House for further consideration. The bill strengthens judicial review and promotes government transparency by preventing agencies from expanding their power beyond what is explicitly granted by law. Stay updated on legislative measures like SB 84 at Legislature.ky.gov. ### Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, represents the 11th Senate District in northern and central Boone County. Rawlings serves as co-chair of the Senate Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Revenue; Banking and Insurance; Education; Health Services; and State and Local Government. Additionally, Rawlings serves on the Capital Planning Advisory Board. apps.legislature.ky.gov/reco…

FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 7, 2025)—Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, has introduced Senate Bill 60 (SB 60), aimed at reinforcing religious liberty across the Commonwealth by ensuring that government actions do not place undue burdens on individuals' religious practices unless justified by a compelling governmental interest. Senate Bill 60: Religious Liberty Protection SB 60 seeks to amend Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 446.350 to provide a clearer legal framework for safeguarding religious freedoms. Key provisions of SB 60 include: ● Raising the evidentiary standard: Government actions that burden religious exercise must be justified by clear and convincing evidence of a compelling interest. ● Expanded remedies: Individuals whose religious exercise has been burdened may seek injunctive relief, compensatory damages, and attorney’s fees. ● Sovereign immunity waiver: The bill allows individuals to sue the government for violations of religious liberty. “The people of Kentucky should not face unnecessary restrictions when exercising their sincerely held religious beliefs,” Rawlings said. “This bill will provide a clearer legal framework to protect religious freedoms from infringement.” SB 60 highlights Sen. Rawlings' commitment to defending constitutional rights. Stay updated on legislative measures like SB 60 at Legislature.ky.gov. ###

FRANKFORT, KY (Jan. 23, 2025)—Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, has filed Senate Bill 68 (SB 68), which aims to improve educational outcomes by increasing local control over school decisions and enhancing collaboration between educators, parents, and communities. SB 68 updates several sections of KRS Chapter 158 to strengthen the role of school-based decision-making in managing key aspects of school governance. Key provisions of SB 68 include - empowering local school councils to oversee curriculum design, staffing, student assignment, and wellness policies, - requiring annual reviews and plans to ensure students make progress toward state educational goals, and - repealing outdated reporting requirements and modernizing how school budgets are shared publicly. “Our goal is to empower schools councils with the necessary tools to meet the unique needs of students,” Rawlings said. “By expanding school-based decision making, we can better tailor educational programs to improve student performance and well-being.” SB 68 underscores Rawlings’ dedication to improving educational opportunities and fostering local engagement. Stay updated on legislative measures like SB 68 at Legislature.ky.gov ### Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, represents the 11th Senate District in northern and central Boone County. Rawlings serves as co-chair of the Senate Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Revenue; Banking and Insurance; Education; Health Services; and State and Local Government. Additionally, Rawlings serves on the Capital Planning Advisory Board.

***My interview with @jamespilcher regarding the Geoengineering bill is to be broadcast on Local 12 WKRC on Monday, January 27.*** FRANKFORT KY (Jan. 21, 2025)—Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, introduced Senate Bill 62 (SB 62) to prohibit geoengineering activities in Kentucky. The bill aims to safeguard the state’s environment, human health, and agricultural operations by banning harmful atmospheric interventions. Key provisions of SB 62 include - prohibition of geoengineering including activities such as solar radiation modification, weather modification, stratospheric aerosol injection, and cloud seeding, - strict penalties by classifying intentional or wanton engagement in atmospheric polluting interventions as a Class D felony, with a minimum civil penalty of $500,000 per day for violations, - comprehensive definitions for geoengineering-related terms, including atmospheric contaminants, solar radiation modification, and cloud seeding, - enforcement by peace officers in the commonwealth to enforce the law and allows citizens to report suspected violations, and - state sovereignty: Asserts that federal approvals do not exempt violators from enforcement under state law. “This bill is about protecting Kentucky’s air, water, and ecosystems from potentially harmful interventions,” Rawlings said. “SB 62 ensures that our state remains a safe and healthful place for its people, wildlife, and agriculture.” SB 62 emphasizes Kentucky’s commitment to environmental protection while reinforcing state sovereignty in regulating its natural resources. It draws on the Constitution of Kentucky and the 10th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, as well as international guidelines to justify its strict stance against geoengineering activities. The bill was referred to the Appropriations and Revenue Committee. Follow legislative activity and the status of SB 62 and other 2025 legislation at Legislature.ky.gov ### Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, represents the 11th Senate District in northern and central Boone County. Rawlings serves as co-chair of the Senate Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Revenue; Banking and Insurance; Education; Health Services; and State and Local Government. Additionally, Rawlings serves on the Capital Planning Advisory Board.

FRANKFORT, KY (Jan. 15, 2025)—Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, has sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 19 (SJR 19), to reaffirm Kentucky’s sovereignty and calling for action against unconstitutional federal overreach. The resolution directs the Kentucky attorney general to challenge any federal acts that violate the constitutional rights of Kentucky citizens. SJR 19 reinforces Kentucky’s right to nullify federal actions that exceed constitutional authority and directs proactive measures to safeguard state sovereignty. Key provisions of SJR 19 include - Directs the attorney general to oppose unconstitutional federal actions through litigation and amicus briefs, - granting authority authorizes the General Assembly to enact nullification bills to invalidate unconstitutional federal mandates within Kentucky, and - reasserting Kentucky’s sovereign rights as outlined in the U.S. and Kentucky constitutions. “This resolution underscores our commitment to defending the sovereignty of Kentucky and the rights of our people,” Rawlings said. “The federal government must respect the constitutional limits of its authority.” SJR 19 highlights Sen. Rawlings’ resolve to uphold constitutional principles. Stay updated on legislative measures like SJR 19 at Legislature.ky.gov ### Sen. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, represents the 11th Senate District in northern and central Boone County. Rawlings serves as co-chair of the Senate Budget Review Subcommittee on Education. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Revenue; Banking and Insurance; Education; Health Services; and State and Local Government. Additionally, Rawlings serves on the Capital Planning Advisory Board.

On Tuesday, I received the support from 77.45% of 9,661 engaged Republican voters in Senate District 11! I will continue to represent Boone County citizens & all Kentuckians. We must preserve our Constitutional freedoms and liberties and always stand for values of faith & family.

Join me for a discussion on Hebron projects and a legislative update. THURS. 4/25, 6-8:30p. 3435 Limaburg Rd., Hebron, Ky 41048. Please submit your Hebron-related inquiries by 4/12 via the link below. Inquiry link: forms.gle/oL1NoLbPah5kqULZ6

Advocating Safety & Education: Rawlings Presents Sen. Schickel's Juvenile Justice Reform

Don't miss out! April 3 @ 6pm: Join us for bluegrass tunes, appetizers, and camaraderie as we launch my campaign for Senate District 11! Let's rally behind The People's Republican party, and ensure continued representation for Kentucky citizens.

HB 575 restricts foreign land ownership in Kentucky, barring purchases by countries like Venezuela, North Korea, and China. While not a major issue yet, preemptive action is key. I'm proud to contribute to proactive measures. Now awaiting Senate approval.