Introduction
Bertram Robert Stivers II (born December 24, 1961), is a Republican member of the Kentucky Senate representing the 25th Senate District since 1997. He served as the Republican Majority Leader of the Kentucky State Senate through 2012, and became the President of the Kentucky Senate on the opening day of the 2013 legislative session on January 8.
Personal life
Stivers graduated from Sue Bennett College (now absorbed by Union College) with a B.S. in Industrial Management. He graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law. At Kentucky, Stivers became a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity.
He worked as Assistant Commonwealth Attorney in Clay County from 1989 to 1993. Stivers ran and lost a bid for Commonwealth Attorney in 1993.
Stivers lives and works in Manchester, Kentucky.
State Senator
In 1996, Stivers ran for State Senate. He beat Democratic nominee Charles Derrickson with 52% of the vote.
Stivers was sworn into office in 1997 to represent the 25th District. The 25th District includes Clay, Knox, Lee, Magoffin, Morgan, Owsley, and Wolfe Counties.
Stivers won contested re-elections in 2000, 2004 and 2008.
Committee assignments
- Session Committees
- BR Sub. on Justice & Judiciary - Liaison Member
- Committee on Committees - Vice Chair
- Judiciary
- Natural Resources and Energy
- Rules - Vice Chair
- State & Local Government
- Interim Committees
- BR Sub. on Justice & Judiciary - Liaison Member
- Energy Special Subcommittee
- Judiciary
- Local Government
- Natural Resources & Environment
- State Government
- Statutory Committees
- Legislative Research Commission
Senate Majority Floor Leader
In 2008, Stivers was elected Republican Majority Leader of the Kentucky State Senate. He succeeded State Senator Dan Kelly (R) when Kelly was appointed to Kentucky Judiciary by Governor Steve Beshear (D).
Senate President
After then-Senate President David Williams resigned in November 2012 to accept an appointment as a circuit judge, Stivers was elected by the Republican caucus as Williams' successor. He was elected by the full Senate on the opening day of the 2013 legislative session.