Tom Loftus

@TomLoftus_CJ

FRANKFORT, Ky. — With its controversial far-reaching provisions removed, the Kentucky House of Representatives on Tuesday approved what has been called the "war on Louisville" bill.

Initially, Senate Bill 222 would have given the Kentucky governor authority to appoint a new mayor of Metro Council member if they die, resign or are removed from office. The bill also would have given the council authority to remove administration appointees, including agency leaders.

Mayor Greg Fischer denounced that version as "micromanagement" by Frankfort.

But the bill underwent major changes during the legislative process with those most controversial provisions removed. And Chris Poynter, spokesman for the mayor's office, said Fischer is neutral on this toned-down bill.

As passed by the House on a 56-34 vote Tuesday afternoon, the bill mostly gives greater oversight and investigative authority to Metro Council.

Still opponents said Frankfort has no business inserting itself in local government. "You are putting Frankfort right in the middle of decisions that should be made in Jefferson County," said Rep. Reginald Meeks, D-Louisville.

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But Rep. Michael Meredith, a Brownsville Republican who chairs the House Local Government Committee, said all parties including Fischer had a voice in changes made to the bill. He said remaining critics were guilty of "shameless rhetoric ... provided by those who just want to perpetuate this rumor of war on Louisville."

Meeks replied, "Shameless rhetoric? To defend your community?... If there's anything shameless about that, then so be it."

In its current form, the bill gives Metro council power to establish a "Government Oversight and Audit Committee" of its members that will have the power to issue subpoenas and compel testimony, and that committee could delegate its subpoena power to the ethics commission.

Among its other provisions, the bill would: require appointment of a deputy mayor, establish a process for succession in office if the mayor's office becomes vacant, give the council more authority when the mayor fails to make appointments to boards and commissions, and allow the council to retain its own outside legal counsel.

The bill now must go back to the Senate for concurrence on an amendment made by the House. If the Senate concurs, the bill goes to Gov. Matt Bevin.

►SEE ALSO: Metro Council's Democratic Caucus speaks on 'war on Louisville'