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

Laws in effect as of July 15, 2020
According to the Kentucky Constitution, bills passed during a legislative session become law 90 days after the adjournment of the session, which was April 15, 2020.
State budget impacts on counties
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, legislators passed a one-year budget with the assumption that revenues will be much lower than expected.
Final Days of the 2020 Legislative Session
Wednesday, April 15, marked the last day of the 2020 Regular Legislative Session.
Federal Legislative Alert: Help us make sure counties aren't left out of federal funding package
Download a template letter to send to your Congressional delegation today.
CERS contribution rate freeze signed by Gov. Beshear
The legislation freezes the CERS contribution rate at FY20 levels.
Legislation freezing CERS rates for one year heads to Governor's desk
CERS rates will be frozen at FY20 rates for one year.
Weekly Legislative Update - April 3
As Kentucky counties and the rest of the world make daily adjustments in response to the pandemic that has changed most of our daily routines, it is no different for the work of the General Assembly.