Gov. Matt Bevin will ceremoniously sign four pro-life bills, previously passed by the 2019 General Assembly, in Owensboro on Thursday.
Although Senate Bill 9, Senate Bill 50, House Bill 5 and House Bill 148 have already been signed into law, Bevin will ceremoniously sign them at the Daviess County Courthouse at 4:30 p.m.
SB9, the Heartbeat Bill, bans abortion after detection of a fetal heartbeat and was sponosred by Owensboro Senator Matt Castlen. SB50, the Chemical Abortion Reporting Act, requires that doctors present information to patients about the reversal of medication abortions. HB5, the Human Rights of the Unborn Act, bans abortion based on sex, race, or perceived disability. HB148 states that if Roe v. Wade is overturned, abortions are banned in Kentucky. Two of these bills — SB9 and HB 5 — are facing legal action by the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky.
Bevin will remain in Owensboro after the bill signing ceremony to attend a meet and greet event hosted by Castlen and his wife Laura on Aug. 8 from 5:30-9 p.m. at Castlen Steel.
Though Castlen said he knows that not everyone agrees with Bevin’s policies, the meet and greet is an opportunity for anyone and everyone who cares about state and local issues to interact with the governor.
“I think there’s lots of people here who’d love to spend some time with him,” he said. “Whether you disagree or agree with the guy, you can still come out and hear what he has to say.”
The meet and greet will take place at 4701 Highway 2830 in East Daviess County. Castlen said a pig roast and fireworks show will be held during the event.