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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — There are several changes to Kentucky law taking effect in the new year. Here’s a look at some of the most impactful changes coming Jan. 1.
Medical Marijuana Legalization
One of the biggest changes is legalization of medical marijuana. Patients dealing with the following conditions are eligible to apply for a medical marijuana card:
Any type or form of cancerChronic or severe painEpilepsy or other intractable seizure disorderMultiple sclerosis, muscle spasms or spasticityChronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndromePost-traumatic stress disorder.
If you have one of these ailments, you can visit a medical cannabis practitioner to get a written certification. A directory of certified cannabis practitioners can be found here. Then, you can submit your application to the state for a medical cannabis card starting Jan. 1. There is a $25 application fee to get a card. The state will then review your application and either grant or deny your request.
Smoking medical cannabis is not allowed. Other options to ingest it include, edibles, oils and lotions. Vaping is only allowed for patients 21 and up.
Dispensaries received licenses in a lottery system. It could be months before the first rounds of cannabis will be available for purchase.
For further questions, you can reference the state’s patient and caregiver guide here.
Vision Test Requirement for Driver’s License Renewal
All driver’s license renewals will now require a vision test. The vision tests will be offered for free at Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Driver Licensing Regional Offices. They take less than a minute to administer. You can wear your glasses or corrective contact lens.
If a driver fails their vision test, they will be referred to a vision specialist.
If you already have an optometrist, there’s a form they can fill out within 12 months of your license renewal.
“One of the benefits with this screening is it may help constituents of all ages be able to identify potential health issues they may not be aware of,” said Naitore Djibenou, spokesperson for the KYTC Office of Public Affairs.
Online license renewals are still an option here. You will be required to upload your certified vision test document.
Vaping Sales Restrictions
Kentucky lawmakers signed into law a major roll back of vaping products allowed on shelves. Starting Jan. 1, only products authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration can be sold in Kentucky. The list includes only tobacco or menthol flavored.
E-cigarette and vape shops say the change will remove the majority of its products, while lawmakers behind the change say the intent is to help reduce the amount of young people vaping.
There’s a challenge to the law in the Supreme Court. The decision isn’t expected until the spring.
Expanded Access to Stuttering Therapy
Sections of Senate Bill 111 will now require Medicaid, state-regulated private health insurance policies and self-insured state and local government health plans that offer habilitative or rehabilitative services to provide speech therapy for stuttering.
It is applicable to certain policies and contracts issued or renewed on or after Jan. 1.
Community Pharmacy Protections
Senate Bill 188 is intended to combat Pharmacy Benefit Managers’ practices to better protect local pharmacies and patients. PBMs act as middlemen between drug and insurance companies and often determine what a consumer pays and the amount paid to pharmacists.
Kentucky Pharmacists Association Executive Director Ben Mudd previously told WDRB News issues many pharmacies face largely stem from a lack of transparency from PBMs.
The legislation mandates fair reimbursement rates and dispensing fees for community pharmacies.
It will also prohibit mandated, or incentivized, mail order prescriptions.
Changes to Commercial Driver’s License
Under Senate Bill 199, there are a few changes to the Commercial Driver’s License application process and requirements.
Starting Jan. 1, CDL applicants with military driving experience can be exempt from the knowledge test. It also establishes a lifetime CDL license ban for anyone who uses a commercial vehicle for human trafficking.
Expands Access to Insurance Coverage for Pregnant Women
Senate Bill 74 absorbed a large part of House Bill 10, or the Momnibus Bill. As a whole, it expanded expecting mothers’ access to insurance coverage by adding pregnancy to the list of qualifying life events for health insurance coverage. Parts of the covered services under the new law, like pregnant student health insurance, take effect Jan. 1 as detailed in sections 4-8, which can be read here.
Changes to Electric Vehicle Ownership Fees
Starting Jan. 1, fees will increase 5% for electric vehicles owners in Kentucky. They will be as follows:
$126 for electric vehicles $126 for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles $63 for electric motorcycles $0 for hybrid vehicles
The EV ownership fee will be included on the vehicle renewal reminder notice and integrated with Kentucky Automated Vehicle Information System. The vehicle owner will be able to pay with their normal registration renewal at drive.ky.gov or at county clerks’ offices.
The money collected with go to the state’s Road Fund.
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”}]] here are several changes to Kentucky law taking effect in the new year. Here’s a look at some of the most impactful changes coming Jan. 1. Read More
