As the pandemic begins to ease and everyday life is moving toward normalcy, whatever that may be, the pace of the economy’s resurgence, in the words of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, “… is about to accelerate much more quickly than anticipated with output approaching its pre-pandemic level.” Capital investment, especially in distressed economic communities, will be needed more now than ever, to enable for-profits and non-profits to start and grow businesses, accelerate job growth, and lessen economic hardships triggered by COVID-19.

With available vaccines and lifted restrictions, restaurant capacities have increased, moratoriums are ending, and handshakes abound. This return to normalcy comes along with the need to address the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and legislation enacted in response. For example, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act’s amendments to the Bankruptcy Code will have an impact through at least December 2022.

With Governor Andy Beshear’s June 24, 2021 Executive Order, Kentucky joins a growing minority of states allowing student-athletes to receive compensation for the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Effective July 1, the Order applies to student-athletes at all postsecondary institutions in Kentucky.

In its 2021 regular session, the Kentucky General Assembly passed, and ultimately overrode Governor Andy Beshear’s veto of, House Bill 312 to amend the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS 61.870 to KRS 61.884. Effective as of June 29, 2021, among other changes, the amended Act will restrict inspection rights to Kentucky “residents,” require public agencies to accept emailed open records requests, and extend public agencies’ time for handling requests from three days to five days.