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Court of Appeals rejects lawsuit from Gov. Beshear over ethics bill

HB 334 takes away the governor's power to make appointments to Executive Branch Ethics Commission.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Court of Appeals has rejected a lawsuit brought by Gov. Andy Beshear after the passing of House Bill 334 in 2022.

The measure removes current members of the Executive Branch Ethics Commission and shifts the majority of the appointments to the other state officers.

Beshear filed suit against all of Kentucky’s constitutional officers.

In a statement, attorney general Russell Coleman said the ruling “makes sure the Executive Branch Ethics Commission lives up to its name. The governor’s attempt to pack the commission was the type of ‘playing politics’ that he claims to rise above.

The Office of the Governor responded to the decision.

“We strongly disagree with this decision because our constitution is clear – the Governor must make sure our laws are followed. This ruling is dangerous, as it allows the General Assembly to strip the Governor of his authority and give it to others who don’t have that same constitutional duty to uphold our laws. We will be asking the Kentucky Supreme Court to hear this case.”

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