Bill
SR 5
The resolution publicly honors Senator Higdon for his decades of leadership and contributions to transportation, pensions oversight, and civic initiatives as he retires.
A. Purpose and Intent
- SR 5 is a resolution honoring Senator Jimmy Higdon upon his retirement from the Kentucky Senate.
- It recognizes his long public service, leadership roles, and contributions to the Commonwealth, including transportation, pension oversight, education recognition, and civic engagement initiatives.
B. Key Provisions and Changes
- Formal Recognition:
- The Senate honors and expresses appreciation for Senator Higdon’s service.
- The resolution notes his retirement at the end of the 2026 Regular Session (his last term).
- Biographical and Career Highlights (as cited in the resolution):
- Born July 15, 1953, in Lebanon, Kentucky; education includes a B.S. in Industrial Arts Technology from Morehead State University (1975).
- Military service as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
- Entrepreneurial background with Higdon’s Foodtown (1986–2011).
- Political career:
- State Representative for the 24th District (elected 2002).
- State Senator for the 14th District (special election December 2009).
- Leadership and committee work:
- Chair of the Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection Committee.
- Senate Majority Whip (2014–2018).
- Senate President Pro Tempore (2018–2019).
- Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee since 2020.
- Chair of the Public Pension Oversight Board since 2019, focusing on public pension financial stability.
- Notable initiatives:
- Transportation funding initiatives: chaired efforts resulting in significant state transportation investments (e.g., $500 million for major highway projects such as Brent Spence Bridge, Mountain Parkway completion, I-69 Bridge; $450 million for growth counties and economic development projects).
- Modernization of vehicle services: contributed to transitioning to the KAVIS system and expansion of driver licensing/testing centers.
- Military Kids Day: established in 2017 to recognize children of military families; growth from about 40 attendees to ~250 by 2025.
- Intergovernmental and cross-branch collaboration and mentorship for new senators (“Freshman Mentor” role).
- Memorial and Concluding Provisions:
- The resolution directs acceptance of the honor and directs transmission of a copy to Senator Higdon via Senator Robert Stivers.
C. Who or What Would Be Affected
- Senator Higdon: Official recognition and ceremonial acknowledgment by the Kentucky Senate.
- The Kentucky General Assembly and the Commonwealth: The resolution publicly records and commemorates his service and leadership contributions.
- Public institutions and programs impacted by his work (as highlighted in the resolution) include:
- Transportation infrastructure programs and funding.
- Public pension oversight and financial stability efforts.
- Driver licensing and vehicle registration modernization (KAVIS).
- Military family civic engagement through Military Kids Day.
D. Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Introduction and Referral:
- Introduced in the Senate on 2026-04-15.
- Referred to the Senate Committee on Committees (S) the same day.
- Adoption:
- Adopted by voice vote on 2026-04-15.
- Status:
- The bill is a concurrent or joint-type resolution recognizing service; it does not create new law or impose new obligations outside official commendation.
- Effective Date:
- Since it is a resolution, its effect is ceremonial and applicable for recognizing Higdon upon adjournment of the day it is adopted.
E. Sponsor and Co-Sponsor
- Primary Sponsor: (Not explicitly listed in the provided excerpt)
- Co-sponsor: Senator Robert Stivers
Note: This summary focuses on the substantive content and ceremonial nature of SR 5, highlighting Higdon’s career milestones, leadership roles, notable initiatives, and the procedural path of the measure.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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