2024 Kentucky Legislative Session Summary

2024 Kentucky Legislative Session Summary

Victory in the fight against cancer requires bold public policies that promote cancer prevention, early detection of cancer, and expand access to quality, affordable health care. Lawmakers make many decisions that impact the lives of Kentucky Residents impacted by cancer and their leadership is vital to defeating this disease.

In 2024 the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) worked with the Kentucky General Assembly on efforts to extend lifesaving cancer screening and prevention programs. We also sought policies to protect kids from tobacco products and help support adults who are trying to quit.

Reducing the Toll of Tobacco

• Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Funding: While the new two-year state budget does not increase funding for fact-based, statewide tobacco prevention and cessation programs, ACS CAN was successful in basically maintaining the current program investment level of $2 million.
• Smoke-free Air: ACS CAN is working on comprehensive smoke-free ordinances in a several local communities to cover all workplaces including restaurants, bars, and gaming facilities. We are also working to defend existing smoke-free ordinances against any exemptions. ACS CAN will work to expand local ordinances to prohibit the use of e-cigarettes.

Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

• Cancer Screenings: ACS CAN was successful in getting a bill passed and signed into law which requires coverage for screenings, tests, and procedures for cancer detection before a diagnosis.
• Breast Cancer: ACS CAN promoted legislation that prohibits cost-sharing requirements for any covered diagnostic breast exam or supplemental breast exam. This patient-focused bill was passed by the legislature and signed into law.

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For more information, contact: Doug Hogan, ACS CAN Kentucky Government Relations Director

[email protected] Phone 502.545.6299

ACS CAN is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state, and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, please visit www.fightcancer.org.