Introduced
Passed House
Passed Senate
Became law
Last action · March 28, 2025
Delivered To Secretary Of State (Acts Ch. 121)

Introduced January 7, 2025

House
Veto Override
2025 Regular Session

AN ACT relating to maternal health and declaring an emergency.

Short titles: Love Them Both Act of 2025 · Mary Carol Akers Birth Centers Act

Create a new section of KRS Chapter 216B to define "freestanding birthing center"; require the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to promulgate administrative regulations to establish licensure standards for freestanding birthing centers; establish criteria for a medical director; establish requirements for obtaining written informed consent; require a written patient transfer agreement with a hospital that provides obstetric services; require a written patient transfer agreement with an emergency medical transportation service; exempt a center with…

In effect since March 27, 2025

This act carries an emergency clause, so it took effect as soon as it became law instead of waiting the usual 90 days after the session adjourned (Ky. Constitution § 55).

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Plain-language summary
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This bill creates a formal licensing system in Kentucky for freestanding birthing centers, which are facilities where people can give birth outside of a hospital setting. It requires the state to set standards for these centers covering medical leadership, patient consent, insurance, and safety agreements with nearby hospitals and emergency transport services. Centers with four or fewer beds would be exempt from certain approval requirements that can slow the opening of new health facilities. Who…

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Legislative History

Mar 28, 2025 · Senate
Delivered To Secretary Of State (Acts Ch. 121)
Mar 28, 2025 · Senate
Enrolled, Signed By President Of The Senate
Mar 28, 2025 · Senate
Enrolled, Signed By Speaker Of The House
Mar 28, 2025 · Senate
Received In House (clerical)
Mar 27, 2025 · Senate
Senate Roll Call No. 3665
Passed
Yea: 31
Nay: 7
Mar 27, 2025 · House
House Roll Call No. 326
Passed
Yea: 77
Nay: 20
Absent: 3
Mar 27, 2025 · House
Passed 31-7 (clerical)
Mar 27, 2025 · House
Veto Overridden
Mar 13, 2025 · House
Passed 74-17
Yea: 74
Nay: 17
Absent: 9
Mar 13, 2025 · Senate
3rd Reading, Passed 29-0-5 With Committee Substitute (1) And Committee Amendment (1-Title)
Yea: 29
Nay: 0
Not voting: 5
Absent: 4
Mar 6, 2025 · House
3rd Reading, Passed 82-9
Yea: 82
Nay: 9
Absent: 9

Primary Sponsor

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Portrait of Jason Nemes

Jason Nemes

Representative · House District 033

Primary sponsor
Jason.Nemes@kylegislature.gov

Co-sponsors (9)

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Portrait of Kimberly Holloway

Kimberly Holloway

Representative · House District 002

Co-sponsor
kim.holloway@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Kimberly Banta

Kimberly Banta

Representative · House District 063

Co-sponsor
kim.banta@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Beverly Chester-Burton

Beverly Chester-Burton

Representative · House District 044

Co-sponsor
beverly.chesterburton@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Ken Fleming

Ken Fleming

Representative · House District 048

Co-sponsor
Ken.Fleming@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Mark Hart

Mark Hart

Representative · House District 078

Co-sponsor
Mark.Hart@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Matt Lockett

Matt Lockett

Representative · House District 039

Co-sponsor
Matt.Lockett@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Candy Massaroni

Candy Massaroni

Representative · House District 050

Co-sponsor
candy.massaroni@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Marianne Proctor

Marianne Proctor

Representative · House District 060

Co-sponsor
marianne.proctor@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Nancy Tate

Nancy Tate

Representative · House District 027

Co-sponsor
Nancy.Tate@kylegislature.gov

Bill Text Versions

Enacted: Acts chapter (final law)

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Enrolled (passed both chambers)

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Engrossed (passed one chamber)

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Introduced (original)

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