FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18)– Oral arguments have wrapped up at the Supreme Court of Kentucky over controversial SB 151.
Despite a specific number of seats being open to the public, many seats remained empty at the beginning of the hearing.
Bevin’s lawyer says the constitution does not say every time a bill is amended, it needs to be read 3 times.
Part of the Attorney General’s argument in this case has been that the bill was passed illegally. One of the big points he makes is that it was not read 3 times.
— Karolina Buczek (@Karolina_Buczek) September 20, 2018
Oral arguments began Thursday morning at 10 a.m. at the state capitol building. Attorney Steve Pitt, the lawyer for Governor Matt Bevin kicked off by arguing what changes can be made to an “inviolable contract.”
Now, the process in which the bill was changed is being discussed. Remember Senate Bill 151 started out as a sewer bill and last minute was changed to include the pension details.
— Karolina Buczek (@Karolina_Buczek) September 20, 2018
SB 151, which started as a sewage bill, was turned into the pension bill. One supreme court justice asked Bevin’s attorney, “Why was it called the sewer bill in the first place?”
Pitt blamed time constraints.
Governor Matt Bevin has released a statement on the pension moments before the hearing begins.
It is IMPERATIVE that we save Kentucky’s pension systems, for the sake of every man, woman and child in the Commonwealth. The future of this state depends on it. #KYPensions #WeAreKY pic.twitter.com/nzhZRvzHPX
— Governor Matt Bevin (@GovMattBevin) September 20, 2018
