New year. New laws.
In case you missed it, here’s a rundown of the new laws affecting Kentuckians.
Vision Screenings
Kentuckians seeking to renew their driver’s license will be required to have a vision test within 12 months of renewing their license. Introduced in 2021, Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bill 439 in 2021.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will provide free vision screenings at any Driver’s Licensing Regional Office during renewals, according to drive.ky.gov. Drivers can use their primary ophthalmologist or optometrist for the vision test and will be provided with a state approved form to turn in at the regional office if the test is passed. Drivers who use corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, can take the vision test with their corrective lenses and will have a restriction on their license noting the corrective lenses.
If a driver fails a test, the driver will be instructed to schedule an appointment with a vision specialist to correct visionary problems. Vision screenings at the regional offices can only occur once during a renewal cycle. Drivers who pass a vision test with their primary medical professional will be able to mail in the documents or conduct the renewal online with necessary documentation.
Vaping Products Restricted
Kentucky has restricted vapes that are sold in the state to curb underage use. Not all vapes are banned from being sold in the Commonwealth, but only ones with approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or a safe harbor certification will remain on the shelves.
Currently, the only FDA approved vapes are tobacco or menthol flavored manufactured by Vuse, NJOY and Logic. Flavored vapes, such as Elf Bar, have yet to receive FDA approval.
Opponents of the bill claimed if it would pass that it would create a monopoly and negatively affect numerous businesses in the state. Altria, parent company of Philip Morris tobacco, is lobbying for similar legislation in other states.
Medical Marijuana
Senate Bill 47 was signed into law March 2023 to legalize medicinal cannabis in Kentucky and it went into effect Jan. 1, 2025. The law allows qualifying patients access to medicinal marijuana treatment, dispensaries and cultivators to operate safely in the state and medical products to be contaminant free.
Medicinal cannabis will be in the form of edibles, oils, tinctures, raw plant material and vapes. Cardholders over the age of 21 are authorized to purchase vapes. Those who are eligible for medicinal marijuana treatment must be over the age of 18, or have an assigned caregiver, have a written statement from a medical professional noting the qualification for treatment and not be convicted of a qualifying felony offense. Conditions such as cancer, seizures and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are some that qualify for medical marijuana treatment, according to the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis.
There were 36 dispensary licenses out of over 4,000 applicants issued in late 2024. The awardees in west Kentucky are OM MED LLC (McCracken County), KY-CannCo LLC (McCracken County), Leiber Canna II LLC (McCracken County) and Green4U LLC (Graves County).
