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

2019 KACo Policy Poll RESULTS
During the 2019 KACo Annual Conference, elected officials in attendance were asked to answer a series of policy-focused questions.
Almost half of KY prisoners are incarcerated for violating parole or probation
10,876 people are incarcerated in the Commonwealth due to supervision violations.
Hoover won’t seek re-election in 2020
Rep. Jeff Hoover, R-Jamestown, will not seek re-election in 2020 after serving in the House since 1997. Hoover is the longest-serving Republican legislative leader in Kentucky history.
General Assembly’s 2020 session to begin Jan. 7
The schedule for the 2020 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly was approved today by legislative leaders.
Candidates set in 18th House special election Nov. 5
The matchup is set for a special election in Kentucky’s 18th House District between Democrat Becky Miller and Republican Samara Heavrin, both from Grayson County.
Bail reform may be on 2020 General Assembly agenda
Bail reform has captured the attention of some high-ranking members of the General Assembly who are calling for potential action on the issue during the 2020 annual legislative session.
Local Official's Guide to Interlocal Agreements
Local governments are working hard to do more with less. Interlocal agreements can help.