In a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly, three contentious bills were passed in the final hours before the veto period began. These bills now head to Governor Andy Beshear’s desk, where he may veto them. However, with Republican supermajorities in both chambers, any vetoes are likely to be overridden when the legislature reconvenes on March 27 and 28.
The bills passed include legislation that prohibits Medicaid from funding hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery, a measure requiring Medicaid recipients to work to receive benefits, and a bill that bans hormone treatment and gender reassignment operations for prisoners. These actions mark a significant shift from last year’s session, which largely avoided social issues.
House Bill 495, which initially aimed to overturn Governor Beshear’s executive order banning conversion therapy, was amended to also ban Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care. It was brought to the floor just before 10:30 p.m. on Friday, March 14. House Bill 695, which imposes work requirements on Medicaid recipients, underwent significant changes late in the day. Senate Bill 2 ensures that no state funds will be used for gender-affirming care in prisons, affecting only 67 inmates currently receiving hormone therapy.
Critics argue that these measures are not only unnecessary but also likely to lead to legal challenges. Rep. Anne Donworth, D-Lexington, described the prison bill as “useless.” Rep. Sarah Stalker, D-Louisville, questioned the erosion of healthcare as a human right, asking, “And who’s next?”
The legislative session also saw the passage of bills banning diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public universities and changes to the state’s near-total abortion ban. Republican leaders used procedural rules to expedite votes on the contentious bills before the deadline.
Governor Beshear will have until March 26 to veto the bills. Despite his potential vetoes, the Republican supermajorities are poised to override them when the legislature reconvenes.
This year’s session marked a significant focus on the transgender community, following last year’s relatively quiet session on social issues. Senate Bill 2 was filed early in February and was considered a priority, while other measures were added just before adjournment. Another bill, House Bill 392, aimed to assign prisoners to facilities based on their “original biological sex,” but it did not pass before the veto period began.
Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, defended the legislation by advocating for women’s rights, citing concerns about privacy and safety. In contrast, Democratic Sen. Keturah Herron argued that transgender residents deserve equal freedoms and protections.
The last major legislation targeting the transgender and LGBTQ+ community was passed in 2023, which included a ban on gender-affirming medical care for trans youth and allowed teachers to misgender students.
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