House GOP tries to call up pre-abortion ultrasound bill

Kentucky.com

March 14, 2008

House Republicans, fresh off their frustration over what they considered snubs in the budget, tried to force House Democratic leaders to call up a Senate bill that would require a woman to have an ultrasound before having an abortion.

Rep. Joe Fischer, R-Fort Thomas, tried to use a procedural measure called a discharge petition -- signed Wednesday night by more than 20 others -- to try to pry the bill from the House Judiciary Committee where it has been sitting since Feb. 12.

But the measure, which requires 51 votes to pass, got 40 votes. Sixteen lawmakers voted against the measure.

Seven Democrats crossed party lines to vote with 33 Republicans. Those were: Reps. Johnny Bell of Glasgow, Hubert Collins of Wittensville, Bob Damron of Nicholasville, W. Keith Hall of Phelps, Eddie Ballard of Madisonville, Tommy Thompson of Owensboro and Tom Riner of Louisville.

Three of the 36 Republicans didn't vote: Reps. Kevin Bratcher of Louisville, Bill Farmer of Lexington and Lonnie Napier of Lancaster.

Rep. Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, said on the floor while the vote was still going that the committee process needs time to handle all the House and Senate bills.

'Even as a freshman, I understand we must give respect to that committee system,' said Stumbo.

Rep. Jeff Hoover, R-Jamestown, argued that it was the same committee system in which a member was kicked off last month after voting against the version of the casino bill preferred by House Speaker Jody Richards.

But before the House Republicans made their move, Judiciary Chairman Kathy Stein, D-Lexington, addressed the House.

She said she's received inquiries from constituents and lawmakers about when the committee will take up Senate bills, such as the abortion bill.

'We will begin hearing Senate bills next week,' Stein said. 'Please advise your constituents and various groups.'

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