State lawmakers head back to Frankfort next week, as the General Assembly gavels in its 2026 regular session on Tuesday, Jan. 6. Chief among their priorities is to pass a new biennial budget, along with other legislation that will have a direct impact on county governments in Kentucky.
In December, state revenues for the current fiscal year were revised downward, with collections projected to be $156 million short of what lawmakers had originally budgeted. The reduction coincides with Kentucky’s income tax rate dropping to 3.5% on Jan. 1. Despite the near-term shortfall, economists from the Consensus Forecasting Group have projected revenue growth in FY2027 and FY2028.
Key dates, locations and committee schedules
Gov. Andy Beshear will deliver his State of the Commonwealth Address and budget proposal at 5:30 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Jan. 7. Because the State Capitol building is closed for multi-year renovations, the speech will be held at the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in downtown Frankfort.
The Capitol Annex remains open and will host committee meetings as usual throughout the 60-day session. The following standing committees are of particular interest to counties:
House
- Local Government: Tuesdays, 9 a.m. ET
- Transportation: Tuesdays, 10 a.m. ET
- Appropriations & Revenue: Tuesdays, 12 p.m. ET
Senate
- Transportation: Wednesdays, 9 a.m. ET
- Appropriations & Revenue: Wednesdays, 9 a.m. ET
- State & Local Government: Wednesdays, 11 a.m. ET
Click here to view the full committee schedule, which is subject to change.
For the next three to five years while the Capitol is closed, the House and Senate will convene in temporary chambers built next to the Annex. The public can watch proceedings via livestreams available from KET and the Legislative Research Commission.
Additional resources for following the session include:
Staying connected
KACo will provide regular updates throughout the session on legislation affecting counties, including bills related to transportation, public safety, county operations and economic development.
KACo’s top priority is advancing a comprehensive plan to address Kentucky’s county jail system, which has pushed many fiscal court budgets to a crisis point. Endorsed by the KACo Board of Directors, the jail proposal focuses on three core objectives:
- Incentivizing regional jails
- Clarifying responsibility for pre-trial felony detainees
- Redefining the state inmate housing model
Click here to download KACo’s county jail one-pager.
County engagement is critical to advancing meaningful legislation. Officials are encouraged to reach out early and often with state legislators and make a point to visit Frankfort for in-person meetings.
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, Feb. 11 for the annual County Officials Legislative Reception, hosted at KACo Headquarters.
For questions or feedback, contact KACo Director of Government Affairs Shellie Hampton or Policy Analyst Kayla Smith.
