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

SB 37
Some prisoners in work programs or re-entry initiatives could soon be behind the wheel on Kentucky’s roadways if a bill a state Senate committee approved today becomes law.
SB 72
The time-honored tradition of naming state buildings and roads after living politicians in Kentucky would be curtailed under a bill approved by a state Senate committee today.
HCR 34 Medical Marijuana
The Kentucky House wants the federal government to accelerate research on the “safety and effectiveness” of medical marijuana.
HB 52 Bicycle Helmet
Children under age 12 would be required to wear helmets while riding bicycles under a bill that has passed the House Transportation Committee.
SB 68- Spouse Abuse Legal Fees
A bill clarifying that a victim of domestic violence is not required to pay divorce costs of a spouse locked up for crimes against the petitioner passed the Senate yesterday by a 37-0 vote.
Teacher Rally
Forty current or retired educators are running to become state lawmakers this year as leaders of the legislature and Gov.
Jailers testify regarding budget cuts
Kenton County Jailer Terry Carl and Christian County Jailer Brad Boyd testified today before the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee regarding proposed budget cuts to county jails.
Alcohol-licensing bill
A Senate committee passed a measure today to preserve the status quo in determining how many liquor licenses are issued in individual cities and counties.