More than 300 bills have been filed this session, however, very few have received a committee hearing and only one bill has passed a single chamber. The House version of the state budget has not been released yet but is anticipated to be released in the next week or two.
A few bills impacting counties did receive a committee hearing this week:
SB17, sponsored by Sen. Matthew Deneen, received a hearing this week in the Senate State and Local committee. The Kentucky Coroners Association testified that the bill would create efficiencies for families and coroners by issuing an initial medical certification and removing the cumbersome process of issuing two death certificates when a death is unknown or under investigation. The bill passed the committee unanimously and will likely be voted on in the Senate floor next week.
SB10, sponsored by Sen. Chris McDaniel, was also heard in the Senate State and Local committee this week. The bill would propose an amendment to the constitution to move elections for state constitutional officers, including the governor’s race, to even-numbered years beginning after the 2027 election. Sen. McDaniel testified that moving these races to even-numbered years would save counties $15 million by removing the odd number year election cycle for county clerks. The bill was reported favorably and will likely be voted on the Senate floor next week.
Follow KACo on Facebook and X (Twitter) for the latest updates. Email any questions or comments to Shellie Hampton (shellie.hampton@kaco.org) or Gracie Kelly (gracie.kelly@kaco.org).
Mark your calendars for the upcoming County Officials Legislative Reception, which will be held at KACo headquarters in Frankfort on Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 4:30 – 7 EST. You can register for that event here.
