By Angela Hatton
Frankfort, KY – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear signed into law two bills today that will have significant long-term effects. Beshear signed a bill that bans texting while driving and bans cell phone use for drivers under 18. Law enforcement officers will issue warnings for those violating the law this year. After January 1, 2011, first time violators will receive fines of $25 plus court costs. Subsequent offenses are $50 plus court costs. The governor also approved a bill that will strengthen investments in the Kentucky Retirement System. The measure assures KRS board members have appropriate qualifications, and limits the control any one outside investment manager can have on assets. Bill sponsor Representative Mike Cherry of Princeton says the changes are part of a series of pension reforms which began in 2008.