FRANKFORT, Ky. (WHAS11) -- We could know by the end of the year whether Kentucky's Pension Reform Bill will become law. Both sides were in court for the first time Thursday, giving us a better idea of the arguments and judge's expectations.
The hearing provided the outline and timeline for a case that will impact every current and future state employee. The judge wants to expedite the process meaning arguments and a decision on the county level should be complete by the middle of June.
Judge Phillip Shepherd admitted what most expect, the Kentucky Supreme Court will likely have the final say.
Attorney General Andy Beshear argues the Kentucky General Assembly violated the constitution quickly passing the pension reform bill. He claims there was a lack of hearings, financial analysis and the plan violates the inviolable contract cemented between state employees and the Commonwealth years ago. The AG also wants to freeze any effort to move forward until a final ruling.
Governor Bevin's General Counsel not only argues that the AG is wrong on all of those counts, he wants Andy Beshear thrown off of the case and instead let the KEA and Fraternal Order of Police argue against the bill.
"He filed a lawsuit against the very people he provided legal advice to that, we believe, is contrary to the Kentucky code of professional responsibility for lawyers,” said Stephen Pitt, Attorney for Governor Matt Bevin.
"In the end, the Bevin Administration simply wants to prevent me from fighting for teachers and firefighters and making them accountable,” argued Andy Beshear. “Every Kentucky family has to follow the law and constitution and so does the governor.”
Judge Shepherd would not approve the AG's request to freeze the law until he hears the merits of the case.
Written arguments are expected in early June with a hearing and decision by mid-June. The hope is that accelerating the process could give the Kentucky Supreme Court a chance to reach a decision before the bill becomes law on January 1.
►Contact reporter Chris Williams at cwilliams@whas11.com. Follow him on Twitter (@chriswnews) and Facebook.