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Each week, the Rotary Club of Winchester hosts a guest. 

Recently, a Clark County native with strong political ties spoke to members. 

Senator Greg Elkins, a Republic representative from the state’s 28th Senate District, attended the weekly meeting to provide legislative updates and further information. 

“Thank you [all] for having me today,”  Elkins said. “ I appreciate the ability to come and speak to you and talk a little bit about my first year in Frankfort.” 

Elkins, no stranger to the Clark County community after serving two terms as a magistrate and serves as the CEO of Waste Services of the Bluegrass, Inc., won a special election last spring following the resignation of current Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health Ralph Alvarado. 

At Wednesday’s gathering, he first mentioned one of his favorite parts of serving as state senator. 

“I really enjoy…representing the 120,000 people that comprise District 28,” Elkins said. “[What] I’ve found to be my favorite part of [being] a Senator is speaking at these events.” 

Afterward, while stating that over 1200 Senate and House bills had been introduced in the last year, Elkins went into discussion about various ones. 

Among them was Senate Bill 2, signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear. 

“Senate Bill 2…allows the schools to hire retired military veterans, retired law enforcement as SEOs [or] school resource officers to help protect our schools and our children,” Elkins said. “There was a lot of opposition to that, particularly on the gun control side.” 

Elkins, however, was in support of Senate Bill 2. 

“It’s hard to defend against someone who has a firearm if you’re not allowed to have a firearm”, he said. 

Elkins also mentioned Senate Bill 1, and approved of its passage. 

“That’s a really good bill. It encourages collaboration between universities to encourage research funds,” he said. 

As an example, Elkins noted that Morehead State University – which has aerospace facilities – might work with Eastern Kentucky University’s aviation facilities to work together for more buying power. 

As can be expected, not all bills passed were supported by the senator. 

Among those noted was House Bill 7, which deals with autonomous vehicles. 

According to Elkins, HB 7 – which goes into effect on July 15th – would be detrimental. 

“[The state] decided we’re [going to] allow tractors and trailers to be autonomous out here on our highway,” he said. “I don’t think we’re ready for that technology yet to allow a computer to drive a tractor and trailer.” 

Other bills mentioned during Senator Elkins’ talk included those dealing with juvenile court, window tinting, nuclear energy, and other topics.

At the end, many of those in attendance – including Scott Hisle – expressed gratitude for Elkins’ appearance.

Elkins expressed hope for the next legislative year. 

“I appreciate you allowing me to speak,” he said.