Kentucky Association of Counties

KACo Logo

Kentucky Association of Counties

Services

County Champion

SPOTLIGHT

The County Voice



Your KACo Advocacy Team


 


Jim Henderson
Executive Director/CEO

Shellie Hampton
Director of Government Affairs

Gracie Kelly
Associate Director of Government Affairs

Kayla Carter Smith
Policy Analyst

 

2024 KACo Legislative Wrap-up

A 60-day legislative session requires a lot of stamina, patience and focus to keep up with the fluid work of the General Assembly. From bill filings to floor votes, there is a lot of activity to track.

With record state reserves in the rainy day fund, this budget year was unlike any in recent memory and a far cry from not too long ago when we collectively hoped for only a few percent share of state funding. Legislators tackled several other big topics as well, including medical cannabis and one of the most meaningful bills for counties in decades: HB 596, a compromise that sets the framework for a fairer annexation process for counties.

Download the 2024 Legislative Wrap-up here.

 


How county officials can impact the 2024 legislative session
By Shellie Hampton, Director of Government Affairs

We need you!

The 2024 legislative session has begun and will last for 60 legislative working days, concluding no later than midnight on April 15. This is a critical time for county officials to advocate for the needs and interests of their constituents, as well as to collaborate with state lawmakers on important policy issues.

Read more here

 


 

Kentucky Legislator Contact Information

In the link below you will 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 their 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, we hope that members will maintain contact and visit their legislators in Frankfort as bills make their way through the process.

Kentucky legislator information

 


 


News and Resources


 

October 03, 2023
Budget resolution passes, funding restored for FEMA disaster relief
On Saturday, Sept. 30 – just hours before the deadline – Congress passed a spending bill that averted a government shutdown.
September 01, 2023
Task force examines the financial impact of jails on county budgets
Six county judge/executives testify before lawmakers
August 31, 2023
County officials ask for a fair approach to state annexation laws
Task force meeting highlights how some county governments are treated differently across state
July 25, 2023
Local government committee learns about county budget process
Members hear about key sources of revenue and expenses
July 05, 2023
Attorneys provide overview of Kentucky's annexation laws
Lawmakers hold first meeting of annexation task force
June 26, 2023
New state laws take effect this week
New laws related to child abuse, drugs, gambling, mental health, gender services, education and dozens of other topics are set to take effect on Thursday after receiving a nod from the Kentucky General Assembly earlier this year.
June 16, 2023
Wheeler discusses annexation with county officials
State senator from Pike County is member of annexation task force
June 13, 2023
County jail discussion marks first meeting of special task force
KACo, Jailers’ Association representatives testify in Frankfort