FRANKFORT- Kentucky's House of Representatives has a strict procedure on how everything is done. There's even a small book that legislators carry around with them at all time. 

For 30 members, the legislative session was a brand new experience.

Representative Adam Bowling (R-Middlesboro) explained the feeling. "It's sort of like becoming a parent. There's no guidebook, there's a lot of people here that are wanting to the help you out, but there's no exact guidebook how you do it. You just kind of get thrown to the wolves and you learn how to swim."

With the pomp and circumstance of the House, some thought there wouldn't be any bipartisan smiles or laughs. Representative Ashley Tackett Laferty (D-Martin) said, "That's something I was not expecting. I am an attorney, so the decorum in a courtroom is often somewhat different than here, surprisingly. I was surprised by the atmosphere. 

Representative Charles Booker (D-Lousiville) says he's enjoyed making friends across the aisle, finding lots in common with Republican Representative Danny Bently. Booker said, "I was very surprised to have a neighbor, Representative Bentley is a Republican member, we're both Type 1 diabetics, we both have a lot of similarities in our family. Now, we call each other 'brother.'

Others, like Bowling, already had the inside track. The Republican from Middlesboro explained, "My father, he served in the legislature from 1991-1998, so I had kind of seen that back then, so I knew there was that camaraderie." 

Even as a freshman, Bowling scored a strike, having all four of his bills make it to Governor Bevin's desk.

Republicans have a super majority in the House, which means Democrats don't often get their bills heard. However, Booker says he is still finding a way to make sure he fights for his constituents. 

"One constant thing for me is just folks feeling unheard, and so whenever an issue comes up and I think regular folks are getting left out, I want to make sure I'm speaking out for them. 

Tackett Laferty says she too is making sure the needs to her constituents are being heard. Speaking in regard to the Net Neutrality Bill (SB-100) she said, "I was able to speak out about the high utility rates people were paying in our area." 

Tackett Laferty explained, "I attended a meeting, a Public Commission Council, where I heard constituents complain about not being able to put up Christmas lights because their utilities were do high. They were having to choose between medications and electric bills. So, things such as that allow me to be proactive on the Floor, even though my bills don't seem to be getting too much traction."

Overall, all three say they are pleased with their first session.

Tackett Laferty said, "At this time, I'm satisfied with what happened. I feel like there were some attention given to bills, the proper attention was given. I appreciate the teachers coming out and voicing their opinions. I'd like for everyone to know that their opinions matter."

Bowling remarked "I just wanted to find good bills and try to get them through. Luckily I was able to do that."

Booker says his first year is all about laying ground work. He said, "The first time in, you're building relationships. You're laying the foundation. Sort of identifying who you're going to be in the world in terms of a legislator, and it's gone really well. We've been able to work on some legislation in a bipartisan way, I've been able to engage some conversations that need to be had, and a lot of foundation to build on."