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 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

Boyd County passes mandatory Hepatitis A vaccination
New Boyd County Hepatitis A ordinance goes into effect July 1.
Pension bill ruling
Franklin Circuit Court ruled that the 2018 pension reform bill, Senate Bill 151, is unconstitutional for two reasons.
US Sales Tax
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states and local governments can require vendors with no physical presence in the state to collect and remit existing sales taxes on remote or online purchases.
Is your county ready for the new sales tax on services?
Counties now required to collect sales taxes on a variety of services
July 14 New Laws
Most of the laws passed by the General Assembly during the 2018 Regular Session will go into effect on Saturday, July 14. There are various laws including everything from breweries, bicycles and brides.
Sales Tax rollback
FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) - Some tweaking may be made next year to changes enacted during the 2018 legislative session to Kentucky’s sales tax laws.
Planning & Zoning
KACo Insurance has added two important pieces to its coverage for planning and zoning, making it the most comprehensive coverage available.
Floyd Co Attrny sues
An Eastern Kentucky county attorney has sued the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services for ending its contract with him to collect child support payments.