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

Photo ID to vote heads to governor's desk
By Miranda Combs Director of Communications Secretary of State's Office
Legislative Leaders Announce Abbreviated Session
Scheduled work days reduced to lessen spread of COVID-19
COVID-19 cited as reason for pared-down budget
An expected drop in tax revenue and corresponding rise in need for social services brought on by the coronavirus disease were reflected in the proposed state budget passed by the Kentucky Senate.
Second federal aid package passed for Coronavirus relief, including paid leave provisions
Yesterday, on March 18, President Trump signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, the second federal aid package passed designed to address the COVID-19 crisis.
CERS separation bill passes out of Senate Committee
On March 18, the Senate State and Local Government Committee heard testimony on HB484.
Federal Stimulus Package Update
Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, national, state and local officials are seeking ways to help Americans.
General Assembly Announces Plans for 2020 Regular Session
Members of House and Senate leadership announced today that the 2020 Regular Session will continue as scheduled, but with a number of safeguards and precautions in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Kentucky General Assembly postpones session until March 17
Legislative leaders announced that the Kentucky General Assembly’s 2020 session will be postponed until March 17. The Senate and House will not convene, as previously scheduled, on Friday, March 13 or Monday, March 16.