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 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

March 19, 2021
Robbins named executive director of KCAA
Former Madison County Attorney replaces Bill Patrick, who recently retired.
March 17, 2021
Legislation passes to set aside $250 million in funding for broadband
HB 320 was passed by the Kentucky General Assembly yesterday and is now headed to Governor Beshear’s desk for signature.
March 12, 2021
2021 General Assembly Week 6 update
Five working days remain in the 2021 regular legislative session and we need your help to get many county priority bills across the finish line.
March 12, 2021
What we know about the new federal COVID relief package
On March 11, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act into law, which includes direct aid to Kentucky counties.
March 11, 2021
Bill Patrick enjoying retirement after 40 years of service
Patrick capped successful career as executive director of the Kentucky County Attorneys Association for 12 years.
March 10, 2021
Congress passes new COVID relief package, including aid to states and local governments
Congress has now passed the American Rescue Plan Act with an estimated $2.4 billion in direct aid to the state and millions of dollars in much-needed aid for Kentucky counties.
March 08, 2021
See what the newest federal COVID relief bill could mean for your county
The American Rescue Plan Act was passed by the U.S. Senate last week and now heads to the U.S. House of Representatives with an estimated $874 million in direct aid to Kentucky counties.
March 05, 2021
Federal legislation would allocate $807 million in relief for Kentucky counties
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 proposes direct county allocation based on population of $60.1 billion.