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

Bill puts felony charge on strangulation
Gov. Matt Bevin held a bill signing ceremony on Tuesday for legislation approved by the 2019 General Assembly that specifically makes strangulation a felony.
Bevin: 'Onus' on lawmakers to muster votes for pension plan
Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin said Thursday it's up to the GOP-led legislature to muster the votes needed to pass his pension-relief plan in a special legislative session he wants to convene.
Bevin Says He Has Agreed To Changes To His Pension Proposal
Bevin signaled on Monday that he has agreed to changes to his pension-relief plan that would impact county health departments.
Bevin’s changes to pension bill haven’t changed anyone’s mind, House speaker says
House members want to ensure that Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees of health departments and other quasi-governmental agencies have the option to retain their current benefits.
State property tax calendar a challenge, officials say
County officials explain the complex schedule of property taxes to the Interim Joint Committee on Local Government.
6 counties to undergo post-election audits
The Kentucky Attorney General's office will perform post-election audits on Bourbon, Carter, Fleming, Marion, Muhlenberg and Scott counties.
2019 Legislative Session in Review
County advocates fought hard for county government during the 2019 session, taking on issues that included transportation funding, public pensions and protection of local revenue.
911 texting service available in four counties
Four Kentucky counties can now text 911 during an emergency situation, but only if a voice call is not possible or safe.