Kentucky Association of Counties

KACo Logo

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 HB 557, 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

July 05, 2023
Attorneys provide overview of Kentucky's annexation laws
Lawmakers hold first meeting of annexation task force
June 26, 2023
New state laws take effect this week
New laws related to child abuse, drugs, gambling, mental health, gender services, education and dozens of other topics are set to take effect on Thursday after receiving a nod from the Kentucky General Assembly earlier this year.
June 16, 2023
Wheeler discusses annexation with county officials
State senator from Pike County is member of annexation task force
June 13, 2023
County jail discussion marks first meeting of special task force
KACo, Jailers’ Association representatives testify in Frankfort
June 06, 2023
Jail Task Force meeting dates announced
The task force announced three dates in June, July and August
June 05, 2023
Annexation Task Force meeting dates announced
The task force is set to meet monthly throughout the summer.
May 25, 2023
Stivers to continue leadership on local annexation as task force member
Task forces will conduct business over 2023 interim period
May 19, 2023
Legislative Research Commission announces special task forces for interim session
Seven committees to meet monthly beginning in June, in addition to interim joint committees