REED RECOGNIZED FOR UPHOLDING
JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE
Senator honored for helping restrict unelected bureaucratic power and restoring impartiality in Kentucky’s courts
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 9, 2025) — Sen. Aaron Reed, R-Shelbyville, has been recognized by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) as a Policy Champion for his leadership in enacting Senate Bill (SB) 84, which reforms how courts interpret legal questions involving state agencies.
SB 84, which Reed co-sponsored, requires Kentucky courts to conduct de novo reviews of legal interpretations. This means judges must interpret the law independently without deferring to how a state agency interprets it. The legislation aligns with ALEC’s Judicial Deference Reform Act and marks a major step in reaffirming the judiciary’s exclusive role in legal interpretation.
Reed played a supporting role in overriding the Governor’s veto of the bill and helped lead the General Assembly to a supermajority vote in both chambers. His efforts reflect a commitment to strengthening the separation of powers, reducing executive overreach, and restoring judicial independence in Kentucky.
SB 84 aligns with ALEC’s Judicial Deference Reform Act and marks a major step in reaffirming the judiciary’s exclusive role in legal interpretation. The reform follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2024 Loper Bright decision, which prohibited federal courts from deferring to federal agency interpretations of law. In response, states across the country have moved to codify similar standards. Kentucky is now among several states leading the way in codifying this principle at the state level.
“I’m proud to stand alongside dedicated colleagues working daily to advance Kentucky’s future,” Reed said. “It’s also a privilege to be recognized by ALEC, an organization that champions practical, conservative solutions.”
Sens. Steve Rawlings, R-Burlington, Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria, Matt Nunn, R-Sadieville, Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, and Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, were also recognized for their role in SB 84’s passage. Rawlings was the legislation’s primary sponsor, having introduced the bill.
The American Legislative Exchange Council is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that advances policy grounded in limited government, free markets, and federalism. ALEC provides a platform for state lawmakers and policy experts to develop model legislation and share best practices. Its work focuses on strengthening democratic institutions, improving government accountability, and restoring constitutional boundaries between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
For more information, visit www.alec.org.
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Sen. Aaron Reed represents the 7th Senate District, including Anderson, Henry, and Shelby Counties, along with a portion of Jefferson County. He serves on the Interim Joint Committees on Agriculture; Education; Judiciary; and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection. He is also a member of the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee and the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight Committee. Reed is currently serving on the Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force during the Interim.
Please visit Legislature.ky.gov for information on Senate Majority Caucus members, legislative committees, and additional resources.
Lawmakers returned to Frankfort on Tuesday to start the 2025 Interim. During this period, committees will meet to study policy issues, review implementation of recently passed legislation, and begin evaluating proposals for the 2026 Regular Session, which begins Tuesday, Jan. 6.
The full 2025 Interim Calendar is available here. A weekly schedule with meeting times, topics, and agendas can be viewed at legislature.ky.gov/LegislativeCalendar.
Live coverage of interim legislative meetings is available at KET.org/legislature and on the LRC YouTube channel.
You can follow the Kentucky Senate Majority Caucus on X, Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky. For additional member information and press releases, visit KYSenateRepublicans.com.