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SR 174

A RESOLUTION adjourning the Senate in honor and loving memory of Henry Nicholas "Nick" Baker.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Smith

An official resolution adjourns the Kentucky Senate in memory of Nick Baker to honor his life, public service, and contributions, including advancing women’s high school sports.

adopted by voice vote
#memorials
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 174

Summary of SR 174 (Session: 2026RS, Kentucky)

Basic purpose

  • SR 174 is a formal resolution by the Kentucky Senate adjourning in honor and loving memory of Henry Nicholas "Nick" Baker. It serves to publicly recognize Baker’s life, public service, and contributions, and to extend condolences to his family.

Key provisions and content

  • Section 1: Expressions of sympathy
    • The Senate, joining with Senator Brandon Smith, expresses profound sympathy upon Nick Baker’s passing and extends heartfelt condolences to his family.
  • Section 2: Adjournment in honor
    • When the Senate adjourns on the day of adoption, it does so honoring and remembering Henry Nicholas "Nick" Baker.
  • Section 3: Formal transmission
    • The Clerk of the Senate is directed to transmit a copy of the Resolution to Senator Brandon Smith for delivery to Baker’s family.

Background information about Nick Baker (as summarized in the resolution)

  • Birth and upbringing:
    • Born in Hazard, Kentucky; grew up on the family farm in Viper, Kentucky.
  • Education and career:
    • Graduated from Georgetown College (1959) and the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law (1966).
    • Practiced law in Louisville for 50 years.
  • Military service:
    • Joined the U.S. Army at Fort Knox (1959), served six months of active duty in the 100th Training Division, and remained a reservist until 1965.
  • Public service:
    • Served as a Kentucky State Senator for the 38th District from 1970 to 1978.
    • While in the Senate, introduced Senate Bill 73, which required state-funded schools with men’s basketball teams to establish a women’s team. This legislation contributed to bringing girls’ basketball back to Kentucky high schools after a 42-year lapse, aiding opportunities for young female athletes and broader social and educational impacts.
  • Faith and community:
    • Longtime member of Calvary Episcopal Church in Louisville, with service on the vestry.
  • Family:
    • Survived by wife Susan Henson Baker (53 years of marriage at the time of the record), three children (Henry Samuela Elarti, Sarah, and Matthew), two grandchildren, and siblings/extended family.

Affected parties and impact

  • Primary audience: The Kentucky Senate, Senator Brandon Smith (sponsor), and Baker’s family.
  • Public impact: The resolution provides a ceremonial tribute reflecting Baker’s service as a former state senator and his role in advancing women’s interscholastic sports in Kentucky. It does not enact policy changes or assign new duties; rather, it publicly commemorates a former legislator and public figure.

Procedural and timeline details

  • Introduction and passage:
    • Introduced in the Senate on March 18, 2026.
    • Referred to the Committee on Committees (S) on March 18, 2026.
    • Adopted by voice vote on March 26, 2026.
  • Adjournment:
    • As a concurrent ceremonial resolution, it directs the Senate to adjourn in memory of Nick Baker. The adjournment occurs on the day of adoption of the resolution.

Sponsor

  • Primary sponsor: Senator Brandon Smith
  • Co-sponsor: Senator Brandon Smith (as listed in the bill’s metadata; the resolution designates him as the primary sponsor and indicates a co-sponsorship acknowledgment within the text)

This summary provides the bill’s purpose, key provisions, affected individuals and groups, and key procedural milestones, with emphasis on the substantive content and ceremonial nature of the measure.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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