Tagged: 2013 General Assembly

Governor Steve Beshear has one week to veto a controversial law protecting religious freedom or else it will become law.

On the federal level, if a bill isn't signed by the President within a certain period of time, it's thrown out in a process called the pocket veto.

But in Kentucky, the process is reversed. The governor has 10 days to sign a bill into law. But if he doesn't sign or veto in that time, it becomes law anyway.

Consider it a pocket law. The legislation in question is the so-called Religious Freedom bill, which allows Kentuckians to bypass laws they saw interfere with their religious beliefs. Opponents say it would overturn Fairness laws in cities across the commonwealth, and have lobbied the governor to act.

But the governor hasn't hinted at what he'll do with the bill.

With only two days left in the legislative session, Tea Party activists are encouraging Kentucky Senators to not confirm Insurance Commissioner Sharon Clark. 

So far, the Senate has approved all of Governor Steve Beshear's appointments except Clark. Many activists are upset with her role in implementing the Affordable Care Act in Kentucky and they hope to send a message to the governor by blocking her nomination.

A Senate spokeswoman says whether lawmakers will consider the nomination when they return from recess later this month is still “to be determined.” David Adams is the lead activist calling for the rejection of  Clark.

"We have to send a signal that this is a problem, this is unacceptable and must be dealt with swiftly and surely," says Adams.

Both the Department of Insurance and the Governor's Office declined to comment.