Kentucky State Senate Archives - Viet Bao Louisville KY

As the sun rose on February 23, 2024, it was not just another day for Di Tran, the president of the New American Business Association Inc. Today marked a pinnacle moment, a culmination of years of advocacy for Senate Bill 14, a landmark piece of legislation set to revolutionize the beauty industry in Kentucky. This bill, tirelessly revised over three years and led by the dedication of Kentucky State Senator Reggie Thomas, has seen countless meetings and discussions across all committee levels. It stands today, passed unanimously in the Kentucky State Senate, as a beacon of progress and unity.

In the shadow of this legislative victory, Di Tran stands with an emotion that transcends words, a gratitude that encompasses his faith and love for God. On this momentous day, he shares the spotlight with an American and Vietnamese hero, Tam V. Ho, whose story is a testament to the spirit that Senate Bill 14 embodies.

Tam Ho’s tale is one of profound bravery and selflessness. As COVID-19 swept the globe in March 2020, he was amongst the first, if not the only, nurse to walk into the storm as healthcare facilities cautiously reopened. With the pandemic raging, Tam faced a personal crossroads: his daughter’s wedding was on the horizon. With a father’s love, he chose to advance the wedding, ensuring he could witness the milestone, all the while preparing for what he considered might be a final act of service to his community.

Tam Ho’s decision to continue working amidst the pandemic was akin to signing a life-risking contract with fate. While doctors maintained a distance, Tam was in the trenches, mere hands away from those afflicted by the virus. His courage during those uncertain times became a silent legend, known by those who witnessed his dedication firsthand.

Di Tran, standing beside Tam Ho on this historic day, reflects on the courage and the journey they shared. Both men, united by their Vietnamese heritage and their American dreams, have made indelible marks on their community. As Senate Bill 14 now moves to the Kentucky State House of Representatives, it carries with it the spirit of every nail technician, every entrepreneur, and every student who seeks safety, education, and a place in this high-demand industry.

This bill, a first of its kind, championed by the Asian community and specifically by Asian Nail Technicians, represents more than just reform; it is a narrative of empowerment, of the right to work and learn in a safe environment. It signifies a future where the beauty industry in Kentucky is not just seen as a workforce area but as a field of professional artisans equipped with the knowledge and protocol to thrive safely.

Today, as Di Tran celebrates this legislative milestone, he does so with a heart full of pride for being in the presence of a hero like Tam Ho. It’s a story of two men, from different walks of life, who faced adversity head-on, not just for their own sakes, but for the betterment of all. The passage of Senate Bill 14 is not just a triumph for the beauty industry; it’s a triumph of the human spirit—a spirit embodied by Tam V. Ho, a man who prepared to give everything for his fellow Americans.

On this day, we not only acknowledge the passage of a bill but the passage of a torch—from one hero to another, from one generation to the next. It is the story of Di Tran and Tam Ho, a narrative that will inspire countless others to act with courage, to advocate for change, and to live with a selflessness that defines true heroism.

PS: Dr. Tam V. Ho is an esteemed professional with a PhD in Chemistry, reflecting a profound level of expertise and analytical skill. His multidimensional career spans healthcare and community service, underpinned by a deep commitment to public health and education. As a Licensed Practical Nurse, he has demonstrated extraordinary courage and dedication, particularly noted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Complementing his scientific acumen, Tam’s wife is a distinguished linguist, fluent in English, French, and Vietnamese. Her educational background in the French system in Vietnam has equipped her to serve as a cultural and linguistic bridge. Her proficiency in Vietnamese literature and her work as a translator for the Vietnamese government underscore a rich engagement with language and communication. Together, they form a remarkable duo, contributing to their communities through a blend of scientific knowledge, healthcare dedication, and linguistic talent.

In the picturesque state of Kentucky, the legislative process is a fascinating dance of democracy in action. The Kentucky General Assembly, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is responsible for this legislative ballet. Let’s focus on the exact process by which a new law comes to life, specifically when originating from the Kentucky State Senate.

1. Introduction and First Reading: A bill’s life begins with a Senator – the bill’s sponsor. They draft the proposed legislation and introduce it in the Senate. Upon introduction, the bill is read for the first time (often by title only) and is assigned a number, marking its official entry into the legislative record.

2. Committee Referral: The Senate leadership, based on the bill’s content, refers it to an appropriate standing committee. This committee will review, hold hearings, and discuss the bill’s merits. Public testimonies, expert insights, and debates shape this phase, giving the bill its first real test.

3. Committee Consideration: After deliberation, the committee decides the bill’s fate. They can:

Recommend it favorably to the full Senate.
Recommend it unfavorably, which can often spell the end of the bill.
Offer no recommendation, leaving its fate uncertain.

4. Second Reading and Full Senate Consideration: Bills recommended by the committee undergo a second reading, where further amendments may be proposed. Following this, the bill faces its most significant hurdle yet: a vote by the full Senate. It undergoes a third reading on a separate day, and if it garners enough votes, it’s on its way to the House.

5. Arrival at the House of Representatives: Once in the House, the bill’s journey mirrors its Senate experience. It’s referred to a committee, discussed, potentially amended, and voted upon. Differences between Senate and House versions of the bill need reconciliation, which could be a straightforward acceptance of changes or a more complex negotiation via a conference committee.

6. The Governor’s Desk: With both chambers in agreement, the bill lands on the Governor’s desk. Here, it can be:

Signed into law.
Vetoed, which sends it back to the General Assembly. The legislature can attempt an override, typically requiring a supermajority.
Left unsigned, which, after a specified period, allows the bill to become law without the Governor’s signature.

7. A New Law: Once signed (or if a veto is overridden), the bill transforms into law, effective either on a specified date or 90 days after the legislative session’s adjournment if no date is set.

Throughout this journey, the bill’s original sponsor plays a pivotal role, steering the legislation through various stages and advocating for its passage. While the process may seem lengthy and intricate, it’s a testament to the checks and balances that ensure only well-considered and representative laws are enacted in the Bluegrass State.