Kentucky Association of Counties

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Kentucky Association of Counties

The County Voice



KACo has a strong voice representing Kentucky counties at the state and federal levels. We work to promote counties first, preserve county decision making and protect counties from cost shifting and preemption of authority.



KACo Advocacy Team


Jim Henderson
Executive Director/CEO

Shellie Hampton
Director of Government Affairs

Kayla Carter Smith
Policy Analyst

2026 Legislative Priority: Reshaping the Shared Responsibility of County Jails

Kentucky county jails are at a crisis point, with fiscal court subsidies rising more than 76% in six years and counties forced to raise taxes or cut essential services just to keep their facilities operating.

KACo has published a one-page document with key points of our comprehensive jails proposal.


Know Your Legislator

Find listings for Kentucky's legislators by chamber including a short biography, committee assignments and contact information for both their Capitol office and home district.

We encourage members to meet with legislators in their district prior to the start of the legislative session to update them on issues important to counties and how those issues will affect their district in particular. During the session, stay engaged and visit legislators in Frankfort as bills make their way through the legislative process.


Legislative News

February 23, 2024
KACo Board of Directors votes to support HB 596
Bill filed following several meetings of annexation task force during legislative interim session.
February 02, 2024
Week 5 legislative session summary: budget bills pass House
Senate poised to put its mark on spending plan
February 02, 2024
Stivers, Osborne provide legislative update during KCJEA conference
Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley interviewed the Senate President and House Speaker
January 26, 2024
Kentucky General Assembly Week 4: House passes anti-crime bill
The “Safer Kentucky Act” – a House priority bill – passed the House 74-22 and now moves to the Senate.
January 24, 2024
Kentucky County Clerks Association Update on KAVIS System
KCCA asks customers to be as prepared as possible when they visit their County Clerk.
January 19, 2024
House budget proposal takes center stage for the third week of the 2024 legislative session
County-friendly bills make progress as the budget comes into focus
January 17, 2024
House releases budget package, including $450 million for matching funds to local governments and nonprofits through the GRANT program
House Appropriations and Revenue Chair Jason Petrie filed the proposed state budget
January 12, 2024
Second week of the legislative session comes to a close
This week continued the measuerd start to the 2024 legislative session.