The General Assembly’s work has continued to move at a slower pace for the 2026 session, with many House committees not meeting this week. Despite the slowdown in meetings, legislators have filed nearly 600 bills during the first three weeks of session work.
With winter weather in the forecast, the legislature may not meet on Monday, which could further compress the time available for committee meetings and floor votes. The legislative calendar, however, includes several flexible days before April 15, when the constitutionally required 60-day session must be completed.
The House has not yet introduced its version of the FY 2026–2028 budget. Once released, KACo will review the budget bills and provide summaries.
Priority jail bill update
Work continues on KACo’s top legislative priority for the 2026 session, Reshaping the Shared Responsibility for County Jails in Kentucky. A comprehensive jail bill is in final drafting and is expected to be filed soon. In the meantime, county officials are encouraged to continue discussing jail-related challenges with legislators to emphasize the need for long-term, meaningful reforms.
Bills on the move
SB 27, sponsored by Sen. Greg Elkins (R-Clark), passed the Senate unanimously Friday. The bill would allow unclaimed bodies to be cremated after at least 30 days of unsuccessful attempts to locate next of kin. Under the bill, the fiscal court would determine whether the body is buried or cremated, following consultation with the coroner. The measure now moves to the House for further action.
SB 51, sponsored by Senate State and Local Government Committee Chair Mike Nemes (R-Bullitt), also passed the Senate unanimously. It would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot to freeze the assessed value of real property used as permanent residence by an owner who is 65 or older. The proposed freeze would be in addition to the existing homestead exemption and would apply only to increases in property value occurring after voter ratification.
Legislative reception
County officials are encouraged to invite their legislators and attend the County Officials Legislative Reception on Wednesday, Feb. 11, hosted at KACo Headquarters from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Click here to register.
Important legislative dates
Feb. 11 – County Officials Legislative Reception
Feb. 16 – No session, Presidents’ Day
March 2 – last day for new Senate bills
March 4 – last day for new House bills
April 2-13 – Veto recess
April 14-15 – last two days of session
For questions or feedback, contact Shellie Hampton or Kayla Smith at shellie.hampton@kaco.org or kayla.smith@kaco.org.
Photo caption: Sen. Greg Elkins speaks about SB 27. Photo by LRC Public Information.
