FRANKFORT — Anyone who made any significant contribution to political parties or statewide candidates would be prohibited from holding any state contract under legislation approved by a committee Tuesday.

        The Senate State Government Committee also approved another bill to severely restrict what governors can do through executive orders.

        Both bills to change the landscape of politics and government in Kentucky are sponsored by Senate President David Williams, a Republican who is trying to assert his party's majority in the Senate.

        Moments after the committee action, which was taken largely along party-line votes, Mr. Williams' office produced a news release claiming the committee had passed “good government bills.”

        The legislation would prohibit contracts for anyone who contributed more than $50 or any business whose officers contributed more than $500. The prohibition would extend for 18 months after any contribution.

        The bill, however, places no restrictions on contributors to legislative races.

        Mr. Williams also sponsored legislation that would delay the effectiveness of any gubernatorial executive orders for 35 days, giving time for legislative oversight committees to review the actions.

        Sen. Ernesto Scorsone, D-Lexington, said the bill oversteps legislative constitutional authority. Mr. Scorsone said some executive orders cover such routine items as the power for local police to go out of state to return prisoners. Why, Mr. Scorsone said, should that officer be delayed in returning a prisoner?

        “I think this is an unconstitutional grab for power,” Mr. Scorsone said.

        Denis Fleming, Gov. Paul Patton's general counsel, said the restrictions on the use of executive orders is a breach of the separation of powers.

        The Associated Press/ROB CARR Senate President David Williams, a Burkesville Republican, has sponsored bills to limit use of executive orders and to prohibit campaign participants from holding state contracts.

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