COVID-19: Kentucky Passes HB 150

Last week the Kentucky legislature passed HB 150 which, in addition to codifying many of Governor Beshear’s executive actions, includes a number of provisions to help businesses operate during the state of emergency.

• Gives state officials the authority to expand unemployment and waive certain requirements to facilitate quicker approval and distribution of unemployment funds.
• Gives government officials the flexibility to renew or grant businesses licenses and waive fees so that businesses may continue to operate;
• Directs the Kentucky Department of Revenue to adhere to all tax filing and payment deadline extensions as directed by the IRS.
• Gives health care providers immunity from liability associated with the provision of telehealth services when treating COVID-19 patients in good faith.
• Allows food service establishments to sell groceries and alcohol to go.
• Allows for delivery of alcohol.
• Suspends certain public requirements: public records do not have to be made available for in-person inspection, public agencies may conduct any meeting by audio or live records.
• Suspends deadlines for hearings and decisions by any local legislative body, board, or commission relating to land use, zoning, or planning.
• Suspends code enforcement hearings.
• Suspends the requirement that businesses file net profit and gross receipt tax filings during the state of emergency.
• Grants immunity to businesses that make or provide personal protective equipment, personal hygiene supplies, masks, gowns, or sanitizer so long as they are acting in good faith.
• Suspends in-person testimony and notarization requirements so long as it is done via video teleconference.
• Waives certain commercial license requirements for employees operating vehicles in farm and related businesses.
• Waives certain licensing requirements of medical professionals to expand the types of care certain types of medical professionals can give.

While the Kentucky legislature will not be convening in the coming weeks, as the COVID-19 pandemic peaks in the coming weeks we expect to see local government and executive action to attempt to assist Kentucky businesses to face the challenges of operating under such extraordinary circumstances.

The Graydon COVID-19 Task Force will continue to monitor COVID-19 orders and guidance so stay safe and know that Graydon is here to help you navigate the Coronavirus crisis. We can help with general advice, policies, forms or whatever your business needs. Our goal is to help you sleep a little better at night.