Laws already on Kentucky’s books make it illegal for officials to use tax dollars to advocate for or against questions on the ballot. But after a contentious ballot question had school districts and employees across the state organizing against it, some GOP lawmakers are calling to add penalties and write an expansive definition of public “resources.”

Under the potential bill presented before an interim committee Friday, a person who violates the section would be guilty of Class D felony — which carries a one to five year prison term. Other examples of a Class D felony are third degree rape, assault and burglary. A conviction would also mean a person could not enter public employment for the next decade in Kentucky.

Sen. Steve Rawlings, a Republican from Burlington, said the law protects

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