Nearly a dozen new Kentucky laws going into effect Jan. 1

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Nearly a dozen new laws will go into effect in Kentucky on Jan. 1, 2024. Here are a few highlights:

State income tax

Kentucky's state income tax drops from 4.5% to 4% on Jan. 1. Lawmakers passed the original change to personal income taxes in 2022. For 2023, the state went down to 4.5%.

Now, in 2024, the state has met income triggers to allow another reduction to 4%. But, it was revealed this fall that Kentucky didn't meet one of the conditions to continue to lower the income tax to 3.5% in 2025. It's not clear if lawmakers will try to adjust that though in the budget session that starts Jan. 2.

Continuous subscriptions:

If you've ever fallen victim to a free subscription that turns into a paid one without you realizing it, a new Kentucky law aims at stopping that from happening.

Lawmakers added a provision in consumer law that requires businesses to clearly show continuous automatic renewals, like subscriptions.

The law also requires businesses to get a shopper's consent before charging them, and to have an easy-to-use format for cancelations. For any violations of the new terms, the state's attorney general can now get involved to bring a lawsuit forward for any lost money due to any sneaky subscription charges.

As part of a new annual ownership fee, owners of electric or hybrid vehicles could be paying $60 to $120 each year.

Insurance and biomarker testing

Another bill becoming law will require health insurers and Medicaid to cover biomarker tests. Those tests analyze a person's genes and can help doctors decide the best form of treatment. This is most often used for cancer patients.

Lawmakers also said the test must be offered at a minimal costs, but this requirement would only apply to health benefit plans issued or renewed after Jan. 1, 2024.

Registered sex offenders

Registered sex offenders will have new rules to follow, when they move to a new county or face homelessness.

The new law requires sex offenders to notify their parole office of a new address before they move, and they must report to the new county's parole office within five days.

If a sex offender doesn't have a permanent home, they must report in person to their parole officer every 30 days and disclose where they are temporarily staying.

Electric Vehicles

A new annual ownership fee will be required for drivers with electric or hybrid vehicles.

EV owners will owe the state $120 a year to help pay for Kentucky's Road Fund. Hybrid or electric motorcycle owners will pay $60 a year.

Just like the annual registration renewal for all vehicles, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will mail a postcard with the new EV or hybrid ownership fee.

Military licenses and plates

A number of measures passed that change how U.S. military members maintain vehicle registrations.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will no longer require military members to change their drivers' license to the state to change vehicle registration to Kentucky.

All special license plates available to the military will be available for motorcycles.

Kentucky's General Assembly goes back to Frankfort to begin the new legislative session on Jan. 2.

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