The Kentucky Senate has voted overwhelming to change the candidate filing deadline for those running for the general assembly. Proponents say it could help dispel perceptions that January is a relatively unproductive month at the state capitol.
House Bill 97 was amended on the senate floor to include language moving up the legislative candidate filing deadline. The bill moves the current deadline of the last Tuesday in January to the first Friday in the first full week of the month. Bill Sponsor Will Schroeder believes the change would mostly eliminate the unwritten practice of waiting until after the filing deadline passes in order to consider high profile bills. “We have an opportunity here today to move the deadline to the first and really not have to worry about it, whether it’s the perception or actually reality, we can get that accomplished here today and have a more productive January,” said Schroeder.
Speaking in favor of the change, Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer says the 38 member senate has favored such a move for some time. He said he hopes the amended bill will be well received in the House.
