2024 Legislative Update

01
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KentuckyLeagueOfCities
2024
Legislative
Update
KLC.ORG

02
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1: AGRICULTURE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HB 418 Agricultural Districts
SB 16 Agricultural Key Infrastructure Assets
SECTION 2: ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ------------------------------------------------------------------------
HB 439 Quota Retail Package License
HB 712 Local Option Election for Limited Sale of Alcoholic Beverages in Precinct Containing Marina
SECTION 3: ANNEXATION ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HB 492 Annexation into Third County
HB 596 Annexation Restrictions and Procedures
SECTION 4: BROADBAND INTERNET -------------------------------------------------------------------------
HB 267 Office of Broadband Development
SJR 175 Broadband Pole Attachment
SECTION 5: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES --------------------------------------------------------------------
HB 829 Medicinal Cannabis
SECTION 6: CRIMES & PUNISHMENTS -----------------------------------------------------------------------
HB 5 Safer Kentucky Act
HB 159 Immunity from Criminal Liability for Health Care Providers
SECTION 7: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM -----------------------------------------------------
HB 13 Kentucky Product Development Initiative
HB 29 Motor Vehicle Racing Events
HB 533 Municipal Revenue Bonds for Economic Development
HB 561 Certified Child Care Community Education Program
HB 712 Kentucky Ohio River Regional Recreation Authority
HB 723 Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation Program
SB 125 Off-Highway Vehicle Pilot Program
SJR 176 Workforce Attraction and Retention Task Force
SECTION 8: EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES --------------------------------------------------------------
HB 57 Classifications
HB 272 Abandoned Infants
HB 484 Emergency Medical Services Education Grant Program
KLC UPDATE

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HB 528
HB 782
911 Services
Telecommunicators
SECTION 9: FIRE DEPARTMENTS & FIREFIGHTERS ----------------------------------------------------------
SECTION 10: FISCAL MATTERS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTION 11: LAW ENFORCEMENT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTION 12: LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION -----------------------------------------------------
SECTION 13: NUCLEAR ENERGY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTION 14: PLANNING & ZONING ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HB 43 Change in Fire Protection Services
HB 323 Cancer Detection in Firefighters
HB 1 Appropriations from State “Rainy Day” Fund
HB 6 State/Executive Branch Budget
HB 8 Tax Increment Financing
HB 752 Disaster Recovery Funds
HB 5 Crimes and Punishment
HB 456 County Sheriff’s Office and County Police Force
HB 482 Kentucky Law Enforcement Council
HB 551 Cold Cases
SB 162 Vehicle Accident Reports
HHB 18 Rights of Owners of Rental Property
HB 248 Reinstatement of Police and Fire Department Employees in Urban-County Government
HB 320 Civil Procedure
HB 472 Residential Planned Communities
HB 528 City Alcoholic Control Administrators
HB 388 Consolidated Local Government
HB 492 Local Government Access to Federal Tax Information
SB 198 Nuclear Energy Development
SJR 140 Public Service Commission
HB 443 Land Use
HB 581 Retail Filling Stations
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SECTION 15: PUBLIC HEALTH --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HB 11 Nicotine Products
HB 109 Swimming Pools
HB 293 Kratom
HB 583 Environmental Emergencies
SB 71 Mental Health Evaluators
SECTION 16: RETIREMENT SYSTEMS -------------------------------------------------------------------------
HB 99 Kentucky Public Pensions Authority
SECTION 17: SCHOOL SAFETY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SB 2 Student Safety
SECTION 18: SUBSTANCE ABUSE -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
HB 462 Recovery Residences
SB 71 Substance Use Treatment Programs
SECTION 19: TAXATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HB 147 Property Tax Rate Levies
SB 58 Recall Petitions
SECTION 20: TRANSPORTATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HB 7 Autonomous Vehicles
SB 107 Towing Companies
SB 215 Emission Control
SECTION 21: UTILITIES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SB 229 Municipal Utilities
SECTION 22: WATER & WASTEWATER SYSTEMS -----------------------------------------------------------
HB 40 Board of Certification for Water Treatment and Distribution System Operators
HB 563 Distressed Water and Wastewater Systems
SJR 149 PFAS Management Practices
SECTION 23: WORKFORCE INSURANCE ---------------------------------------------------------------------
HB 401 Workers’ Compensation
SB 140 Unemployment Insurance Compensation
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BILL TITLE & PAGE NUMBER
House Bill 1: Appropriations from State “Rainy Day” Fund – Pg. 27
HB 5: Crimes and Punishment – Pg. 15
HB 6: State/Executive Branch Budget – Pg. 28
HB 7: Autonomous Vehicles – Pg. 48
HB 8: Tax Increment Financing – Pg. 29
HB 11: Nicotine Products – Pg. 38
HB 13: Kentucky Product Development Initiative – Pg. 17
HB 18: Rights of Owners of Rental Property – Pg. 31
HB 29: Motor Vehicle Racing Events – Pg. 18
HB 40: Board of Certification for Water Treatment and Distribution System Operators – Pg. 51
HB 43: Change in Fire Protection Services – Pg. 26
HB 57: Classification – Pg. 23
HB 99: Kentucky Public Pensions Authority – Pg. 42
HB 109: Swimming Pools – Pg. 38
HB 147: Property Tax Rate Levies – Pg. 47
HB 159: Immunity from Criminal Liability for Health Care Providers – Pg. 16
HB 248: Reinstatement of Police and Fire Department Employees in Urban-County Government – Pg. 31
HB 267: Office of Broadband Development – Pg. 12
HB 272: Abandoned Infants – Pg. 23
HB 293: Kratom – Pg. 39
HB 320: Civil Procedure – Pg. 32
HB 323: Cancer Detection in Firefighters – Pg. 26
HB 388: Consolidated Local Government – Pg. 33
HB 418: Agricultural Districts – Pg. 7
HB 439: Quota Retail Package License – Pg. 8
HB 401: Workers’ Compensation – Pg. 54
HB 443: Land Use – Pg. 3
HB 456: County Sheriff’s Office and County Police Force – Pg. 30
HB 462: Recovery Residences – Pg. 45
HB 472: Residential Planned Communities – Pg. 32
HB 482: Kentucky Law Enforcement Council – Pg. 30
HB 484: Emergency Medical Services Education Grant Program – Pg. 23
HB 492: Annexation into Third County – Pg. 47
HB 492: Local Government Access to Federal Tax Information – Pg. 34
HB 528: 911 Services – Pg. 24
HB 528: City Alcoholic Control Administrators – Pg. 33
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HB 533: Municipal Revenue Bonds for Economic Development – Pg. 18
HB 551: Cold Cases – Pg. 30
HB 561: Certified Child Care Community Education Program – Pg. 19
HB 563: Distressed Water and Wastewater Systems – Pg. 51
HB 581: Retail Filling Stations – Pg. 37
HB 583: Environmental Emergencies – Pg. 40
HB 596: Annexation Restrictions and Procedures – Pg. 9
HB 712: Local Option Election for Limited Sale of Alcoholic Beverages in Precinct Containing Marina – Pg. 8
HB 712: Kentucky Ohio River Regional Recreation Authority – Pg. 8
HB 723: Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation Program – Pg. 20
HB 752: Disaster Recovery Funds – Pg. 29
HB 782: Telecommunicators – Pg. 24
HB 829: Medicinal Cannabis – Pg. 14
Senate Bill 2: Student Safety – Pg. 43
SB 16: Agricultural Key Infrastructure Assets – Pg. 7
SB 58: Recall Petitions – Pg. 47
SB 71: Substance Use Treatment Programs – Pg. 41
SB 107: Towing Companies – Pg. 49
SB 125: Off-Highway Vehicle Pilot Program – Pg. 22
SB 140: Unemployment Insurance Compensation – Pg. 54
SB 162: Vehicle Accident Reports – Pg. 30
SB 198: Nuclear Energy Development – Pg. 35
SB 215: Emission Control – Pg. 49
SB 229: Municipal Utilities – Pg. 50
SJR 140: Public Service Commission – Pg. 36
SJR 149: PFAS Management Practices – Pg. 53
SJR 175: Broadband Pole Attachment – Pg. 13
NOTE
The effective date of all legislation enacted by the 2024 Regular Session of the General Assembly is July
15, 2024 except for measures containing emergency or delayed effective date provisions. (OAG 24-04)
If a bill reported in this update becomes effective on a date other than
July 15, 2024, it is noted in the summary of the bill.
The complete text of all bills is available for review on the
Legislative Research Commission website at www.lrc.ky.gov.
KLC UPDATE

1. AGRICULTURE
07
HB 418
AGRICULTURAL DISTRICTS
Sponsor: Representative Michael Pollock (R–Campbellsville)
HB 418, a KLC initiative, amends KRS 262.850 to decrease the minimum number of acres to qualify
as an agricultural district from 250 acres to 50 acres. Upon receipt of a petition to form an agricultural
district, the local conservation district board of supervisors shall, in addition to notifying the fiscal court
and any local or regional planning or zoning body of the proposed agricultural district, notify each city that
is located less than one mile from the boundaries of the proposed agricultural district.
Upon approval of a petition to form an agricultural district, notice of the approval shall be provided
to the clerk of each city that is located less than one mile from the boundaries of the approved agricultural
district, in addition to the area development district in which the agricultural district will lie, the local
county clerk, and the secretary of the Governor’s Cabinet by sending a description of the boundaries and
the names and addresses of the property owners within the district.
Procedures for dissolution of an agricultural district are amended to permit any member, or
any successor heir of a member, of an agricultural district may withdraw his or her property from the
agricultural district upon notifying the local conservation district board of supervisors in writing. The
removal of the property from an agricultural district shall be effective immediately upon receipt by the
board of the written notification, at which time the district board of supervisors shall remove the property
from the agricultural district and immediately provide written notice of the changed boundaries to the
same entities and persons named to receive notice of a petition to form an agricultural district.
The withdrawal of a member from an agricultural district reducing the remaining acreage of the
agricultural district land to less than 50 acres, or resulting in the remaining land being noncontiguous,
shall not cause the decertification of the district. The local district board of supervisors may consider
a dissolution of the agricultural district if the withdrawal results in the remaining property within the
agricultural district no longer meeting the definition of agricultural land as defined in KRS 132.010.
SB 16
AGRICULTURAL KEY INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS
Sponsor: Senator John Schickel (R–Union)
SB 16 amends KRS 511.100 to expand the definition of “key infrastructure assets” to include: 1) an
animal feeding operation as defined in C.F.R. sec. 122.23; 2) a concentrated animal feeding operation as
defined in 40 C.F.R. sec. 122.23; or 3) a commercial food manufacturing or processing facility in which food
is manufactured, processed, or packaged commercially for human consumption, but not including retail
food establishments, home-based processors, or home-based microprocessors as those terms are defined
in KRS 217.015.
The definition of the offense of trespass upon key infrastructure assets is also expanded to include
knowingly, without the consent of the owner or authorized representative, operating an unmanned aircraft
system, video recording device, audio recording device, or photography equipment on or above property
containing an agricultural key infrastructure asset; or records or distributes, photographically, electronically,
or otherwise, any part, procedure, or action of an agricultural key infrastructure asset.
Additional exceptions to the offense of trespass upon key infrastructure assets are added to
include: 1) any electric, water, or natural gas utility company or a person acting on behalf of any electric,
water, or natural gas utility company for legitimate business purposes; and 2) any federal, state, or local
government law enforcement or regulatory officer or employee while the officer or employee is engaged in
the performance of his or her official duties.
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2. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
HB 439
QUOTA RETAIL PACKAGE LICENSE
Sponsor: Representative Matthew Koch (R–Paris)
HB 439 amends several statutes relating to alcoholic beverages, including statutes relating to quota
retail package licenses. KRS 241.066 is amended to increase the number of quota retail package licenses in a
wet county or urban county government containing more than 100,000 residents, excluding Louisville, to one
license for every 2000 residents from one license for every 2300 residents.
KRS 241.069 is amended as a KLC initiative to permit any city, including any city located in a wet or
dry county or urban-county government, to petition the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for an
increase in the number of quota retail package licenses available in the city. KRS 242.021 is amended to permit
a city, including a city located in a wet or dry county or urban-county government, to file a request seeking
to increase the number of quota retail package licenses in the city within one year, instead of 3 years, after the
certification of the local option election approving alcohol sales that resulted in the establishment of the quota
retail package license number that the city seeks to have increased.
KRS 243.360 is amended to permit an applicant for a license to publish its intent to apply for a license
either online or in print, subject to an administrative regulation promulgated by the Department of Alcoholic
Beverage Control.
KRS 243.060 is amended to permit the disposal of contraband alcoholic beverages through public
auction, rather than destruction, if: 1) a final order has been entered after all administrative and judicial
proceedings are conducted, if applicable; 2) the entire proceeds of the public auction are donated to the
alcohol wellness and responsibility education fund; and 3) the department deems the inventory safe to release
to the public, including but not limited to the alcoholic beverages being in their original, unopened packaging.
KRS 243.232 is amended to create a vintage distilled spirits license to be issued as a supplementary
license to a licensee that holds a primary license that permits the sale of distilled spirits by the package or by
the drink. Vintage distilled spirits licensees must purchase all vintage distilled spirits in person at its licensed
premises and, at the time of purchase, immediately place a conspicuous sticker, not readily removable, on the
bottle or container that states ‘Vintage Distilled Spirit’. A vintage distilled spirits licensee shall not purchase
more than 24 vintage distilled spirits packages from any single vintage distilled spirits seller in any given
12-month period. A vintage distilled spirits seller shall not sell more than 24 vintage distilled spirit packages
to any single or combination of vintage distilled spirits licensees in any given 12-month period. KRS 243.990 is
amended to establish penalties for vintage distilled spirits sellers who exceed the maximum package limit. An
emergency is declared. HB 439 became law on April 4, 2024 when signed by the Governor.
HB 712
LOCAL OPTION ELECTION FOR LIMITED SALE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
IN PRECINCT CONTAINING A MARINA
Sponsor: Representative Ken Fleming (R–Louisville)
HB 712 creates a new section of KRS Chapter 242 to permit a local option election for the sale of
alcoholic beverages to be held in any precinct in a dry or moist county where a marina is located. “Marina” is
defined to mean a dock or basin providing moorings for boats and offering supply, repair, or other services for
remuneration.
A new section of KRS Chapter 243 is created to detail qualifications. To qualify for a local option
election, a marina shall: 1) operate on any body of water; 2) own, operate, or manage at least 15 boat slips; 3)
buy and sell gasoline and petroleum products for the operation of boats; and 4) sell staple groceries; operate a
restaurant on its premises; or sell staple groceries and operate a restaurant on its premises. A restaurant on the
premises is not required to be located on or adjacent to the shoreline of the body of water.
A petition seeking a local option election shall state, “We the undersigned registered voters hereby
petition for an election on the following question: ‘Are you in favor of the sale of alcoholic beverages by the
drink and malt beverages by the package at marinas located in (name of precinct)?’”.
Likewise, a local option election for the sale of alcoholic beverages shall be conducted in the same
manner as specified in KRS Chapter 242. The form of the proposition to be voted upon shall be “Are you in
favor of the sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink and malt beverages by the package at marinas located
in the (name of precinct)?”. When a majority of the votes cast in an election are in favor of establishing moist
territory, the premises of marinas located in that precinct shall become moist in the manner specified in KRS
242.200.

3. ANNEXATION
09
HB 596
ANNEXATION RESTRICTIONS AND PROCEDURES
Sponsor: Representative Jonathan Dixon (R-Corydon)
HB 596, initially filed on behalf of county governments, amends several provisions in KRS Chapter
81 and KRS Chapter 65 related to annexation. KRS 81A.412 is amended to require when a city located in a
county subject to crediting of occupation license fees as set forth in KRS 68.197 proposes to annex territory,
it shall provide written notice to the fiscal court of the county in which the territory is located regarding the
proposed annexation that includes a map and description of the territory to be annexed at least 45 days prior
to enactment of an ordinance finally annexing the territory into the city.
KRS 81A.420 is amended to eliminate an election in opposition to a proposed annexation but allow
a petition to defeat an annexation proposal if 51% or more of the resident voters or owners of real property
within the proposed territory sign and submit to the mayor a petition in opposition within 60 days following
publication of the ordinance proposing annexation. If within 60 days following publication of the ordinance
proposing annexation, no petition in opposition containing the signatures of 51% or more of the resident voters
or owners of real property within the limits of the territory proposed to be annexed has been received by the
mayor, and if the city has provided the written notice to the fiscal court of the county in which the territory is
located at least 45 days prior, the legislative body of the city may enact an ordinance annexing to the city the
territory described in the ordinance.
A new section of KRS 65.210 to 65.300 is created to make interlocal agreements concerning the
sharing of occupational or insurance premium tax revenue between a city and a county terminable only with
the consent of both parties.
A new section of KRS Chapter 81A is created to allow a county subject to occupational tax crediting to
have standing to challenge a proposed annexation prior to or within 60 days after enactment of an ordinance
proposing annexation.
When a city annexes territory in a county that contains active residential, commercial, or industrial
uses on a substantial part of the territory, and the crediting provisions contained in KRS 68.197 apply to the
county, the city shall remit payments to the county on January 1 of each year for a period of 10 years following
enactment of the ordinance annexing the described territory to the city pursuant to the following formula: 1)
the county shall calculate the amounts of ad valorem property, occupational licensure, and insurance premium
taxes the county collected within the territory in the year prior to the proposed annexation;
KLC Executive
Director/CEO
J.D. Chaney
testifies before
the House Local
Government
Committee with
Annexation
Task Force
Co-Chairs Sen.
Robby Mills and
Rep. Jonathan
Dixon, and
KACo Executive
Director/CEO
Jim Henson.
KLC.ORG

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2) the county shall add to the total amount of ad valorem property tax 150% of the occupational licensure tax
and 150% of the insurance premium tax collected in the year prior to annexation; and 3) the county shall then
subtract from the figure calculated the property tax, occupational licensure tax, and insurance premium tax
revenue it has collected or anticipates it will be able to collect for each year following the annexation, which
figure will represent the remittance payment required to be paid by the city to the county.
The county shall update its calculations on a yearly basis and provide the updated figure to the city
at least thirty 30 days prior to the date on which payment is required to be made by the city. A city shall not
be required to remit payments unless the county has provided the city with documentation confirming the
calculation.
When a city proposes to annex territory that: 1) does not contain active residential, commercial, or
industrial uses on a substantial part of the territory and the crediting provisions contained in KRS 68.197
apply to the county in which the territory is located; 2) the territory is not immediately contiguous to the
existing city boundary and is connected only by a corridor; or 3) the territory is contiguous to the existing
city boundary, but the city is not able to provide tangible benefits or services as a result of the annexation,
the county may, within 15 days after receiving written notice of the annexation from the city, enact a
resolution for transmission to the city stating that the county desires to negotiate with the city regarding
creation of an interlocal agreement for revenue and cost sharing related to development of the territory to be
annexed.
If a city receives the resolution, it shall negotiate with the county to form an interlocal agreement that
addresses participation between the county and city in: 1) cost sharing for public investment in development
of the area; 2) cost sharing for provision of municipal services within the area; and 3) revenue sharing of
occupational tax revenue collected from the territory. The negotiations shall be completed within 60 days of
the enactment of the resolution by the county, and the city shall not enact an ordinance to annex during that
period. If the parties fail to reach an agreement within the 60-day period, the city may enact an ordinance
annexing the territory. The county may elect to participate or not participate in development of the territory.
If the county elects to participate with the city in development of the territory, a cost and revenue
sharing default option shall apply, under which the county shall provide funding for 50% of the costs
associated with the public investment made in developing the territory and 50% of the costs associated with
the provision of additional municipal services in the territory.
The city shall be required to remit to the county, on a yearly basis, 50% of the occupational tax
revenue generated in the territory, or an amount of occupational tax revenue that would equal the amount
that the county would collect from the territory pursuant to its countywide occupational tax rate in the
absence of crediting, whichever is less. In no instance shall a county receive payments that would exceed the
amount it would collect from the territory pursuant to its countywide occupational tax rate in the absence of
crediting.
If a county would receive an amount of revenue that is less than 50% of the occupational tax revenue
generated in the territory, its responsibility for funding shall be changed to a percentage equal to the
percentage of revenue that the county would receive. A county may, during the 60-day period discussed,
KLC Public Affairs Director
Bryanna L. Carroll is
interviewed by WEKU
reporter Stu Johnson.
KLC UPDATE

11
Kentucky Capitol Dome
undergoing renovations.
elect to impose a countywide occupational tax or raise its countywide occupational tax rate in conformance
with statute.
Any agreement, including a default agreement, shall be considered an interlocal agreement and be
subject to the provisions of the Interlocal Cooperation Act, including the reporting requirements contained in
KRS 65.260.
A new section of KRS Chapter 81A is created to allow fiscal courts to establish designated county
industrial districts by enacting an ordinance stating its intent to establish a district that includes a map
and description of the area to be included within the district. Within 10 days of the enactment of the initial
ordinance, the fiscal court shall provide written notice to all cities within the county that includes a map
and a description of the area. The fiscal court shall obtain written consent for inclusion within the proposed
district from each property owner of record within the area to be included in the district. If a county fails
to obtain the consent of each property owner of record, the county shall be barred from including the land
owned by a property owner who did not consent for a period of 5 years in any future attempts to include
that land in the district. Within 100 days following enactment of the ordinance of intent to establish a
district, and after obtaining the consent of each property owner of record, the fiscal court may enact a final
ordinance establishing the district. Within 10 days of enactment of the final ordinance, the fiscal court shall
provide written notice to all cities within the county.
The area within a designated county industrial district shall: 1) be suitable for development for
industrial or commercial purposes; 2) as of the date of the establishment of the district, not be used for
industrial or commercial purposes; and 3) as of the date of the establishment of the district, not have any
part that is contiguous to the municipal boundaries of any city. Land within a district shall be used solely for
industrial or commercial purposes.
A county may establish up to 2 districts that shall collectively total no more than 1,000 acres. If,
within 5 years following establishment of a district, the county has not made substantial investment in
the district, the district shall be dissolved by operation of law. A landowner of property located within a
district may have the property removed from the district with the consent of the county that established
the district. A property owner of land within an established district or abutting a district, or a city within a
county containing a district, may bring suit against the county in the Circuit Court of the county in which the
district is located, on the basis that the county has failed to comply with the provisions of the Act relating to
industrial districts.
A city shall not annex any territory that is within a designated county industrial district, or territory
that is part of a proposed district between the enactment of the initial ordinance but before the enactment
of the final ordinance establishing a designated county industrial district. A city may annex territory within
a district, subject to all other requirements provided by law, if it enters into an interlocal agreement with the
county that specifically allows part or all of the district to be annexed, or the county government passes a
resolution stating that territory in the district may be annexed.
KLC.ORG

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4. BROADBAND INTERNET
HB 267
OFFICE OF BROADBAND DEVELOPMENT
Sponsor: Representative Josh Bray (R-Mount Vernon)
HB 267 creates new sections of KRS Chapter 224A to establish the federal Broadband Equity
Access and Development Program (BEAD) in the Office of Broadband Development within the Kentucky
Infrastructure Authority as the single point of contact and liaison between the Commonwealth and
federal agencies with regard to programs to expand access to broadband in Kentucky, including
the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which is part of the United States
Department of Commerce. Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Pub. L. No. 117-58, the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration has allocated significant funding to support
broadband deployment throughout Kentucky as part of the BEAD program administered by the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration.
The Office of Broadband Development shall prioritize BEAD Program funds for delivery of service to the
last mile of unserved areas consistent with the federal requirements.
The Office of Broadband Development is authorized to administer the Kentucky BEAD Grant Program,
including the powers to:
1) Develop and submit BEAD Program funding requests to the National Telecommunications and
Information Administration or other responsible federal entities;
2) Conduct a challenge process consistent with federal requirements to identify Kentucky locations
eligible for funding;
3) Develop an application process for applications for funding from the Kentucky BEAD Grant Program,
including requirements for the applications;
4) Determine eligibility criteria for prospective subgrantees and projects;
5) Create rules governing the review process and timeline for applications and challenges to those
applications;
6) Make administrative rules necessary for the achievement of the goals of the Kentucky BEAD Grant
Program;
7) Coordinate and partner with local governments or private entities as necessary;
8) Determine which grant applications should receive funding and disburse those grants from the BEAD
fund;
9) Enter into contracts or agreements necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties, functions,
and responsibilities;
10) Require applicants to submit letters of credit, bonds, or other reasonable means of assuring project
completion it deems appropriate and necessary;
11) If funding is available after identifying and funding BEAD Program deployment projects, identify and
fund nondeployment projects consistent with federal law;
12) Oversee and administer reporting and compliance under grants made under the Kentucky BEAD Grant
Program consistent with federal law; and
13) Act as otherwise necessary to pursue the goals of the Kentucky BEAD Grant Program.
KLC UPDATE

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The BEAD fund is established in the State Treasury for administration by the Office of Broadband
Development. All moneys in the fund shall be allocated and dedicated solely to providing moneys to
grantees which comply with federal requirements and the requirements developed by the Office of
Broadband Development in compliance with the Act and administering the federal BEAD Program. All
moneys obtained from the administration shall be deposited into the BEAD fund.
An emergency is declared. HB 267 became law on April 4, 2024 when signed by the Governor.
SJR 175
BROADBAND POLE ATTACHMENT REQUESTS
Sponsor: Senator Damon Thayer (R-Georgetown)
SJR 175 is a joint resolution to facilitate the deployment of broadband internet service related to a
backlog in processing utility pole attachment requests.
The General Assembly directs the Public Service Commission to promulgate emergency
administrative regulations on utility pole attachments no later than 45 days after the effective date of the
Resolution that shall, at a minimum: 1) remove any utility pole attachment-related impediments to the
deployment of broadband service throughout the Commonwealth; 2) establish parameters for expediting
and processing pole attachment requests for unserved and underserved areas of the Commonwealth in
accordance with the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, as authorized
by the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other government initiatives; 3) reduce the
backlog of utility pole attachment requests; and 4) direct utilities that own poles to file new tariffs to
conform with the emergency administrative regulations promulgated by the Public Service Commission no
later than 30 days after the effective date of the emergency administrative regulations.
The Public Service Commission shall additionally initiate a docket on utility pole attachment
issues to receive comments from the affected parties and find resolutions that will expedite utility pole
attachment requests. The docket shall remain open until all utility pole attachment requests funded by the
BEAD Program, the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, state grants, and local governments are processed and
the projects are completed.
Beginning September 30, 2024, and quarterly thereafter, the Public Service Commission shall issue
a report to the Legislative Research Commission for referral to the Interim Joint Committee on Natural
Resources and Energy, updating the General Assembly on the progress made in expediting utility pole
attachment requests for broadband service.
An emergency is declared. SJR 175 became law on April 4, 2024 when signed by the Governor.
Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer
(R-Georgetown) speaks on House Bill 5.
Photo courtesy of LRC.
KLC.ORG

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5. CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
HB 829
MEDICINAL CANNABIS
Sponsor: Representative Jason Nemes (R–Middletown)
HB 829 amends SB 47, which passed in 2023, creating the legal framework for medicinal cannabis
in Kentucky to revise certain provisions before the legislation goes into effect on January 1, 2025.
Lawmakers declined to expand the list of 7 conditions eligible for medicinal cannabis use under
the state program but provided for opt-out provisions. New provisions allow local governments to elect
not to participate in the state program once it launches in January, provided they do so before the state
grants a license to a cannabis business seeking to operate in the local government’s territory. Likewise,
schools, public and private, may opt out of the program. Local governments can elect not to participate
by passing an ordinance or by putting the question to local voters in a referendum.
The bill additionally moves up the timeline for medicinal cannabis businesses to obtain state
licenses so they can gear up operations before the program officially launches, allowing them to do
so as early as July 2024, so that cannabis will be available for patients in early 2025. After 2024, local
governments can still vote to opt-out of allowing medicinal cannabis businesses to operate in their
jurisdictions, but if a business has obtained a license before that, the business is “grandfathered” in.
The Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program under the Cabinet for Health and Family Servies is
expected to release its final regulations on licensing applications by July 1, 2024, followed by a 3-month
period for public comment.
Louisville House Republicans led by Rep. Jared Bauman unveil House Bill 5
at a press conference in the Capitol Annex.
KLC UPDATE

6. CRIMES & PUNISHMENT
15
HB 5
CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS
Sponsor: Representative Jared Bauman (R-Owensboro)
HB 5 is an omnibus criminal justice bill relating to crimes and punishments. The purpose of the
measure is to either enhance current penalties or create new criminal offenses. Other provisions in the
bill impact the expenditure of state funds on permanent housing for the homeless, conditions necessary
for involuntary commitment for psychiatric evaluation, programming used as conditions for probation
and parole, the issuance of personal identification to felons upon release, and the circumstances in which
charitable bail organizations can operate. Various sections either enhance current penalties or create new
criminal offenses.
Two provisions of the bill relate specifically to local governments. A new section of KRS Chapter
507 creates the offense of murder of a first responder. A person is guilty of murder of a first responder
when, with the intent to cause the death of a first responder, he or she causes the death of a first
responder. Murder of a first responder is a capital offense and the person shall be sentenced to death or
imprisonment for life without benefit of probation or parole.
A new section of KRS 311 creates the offense of unlawful camping. A person is guilty of unlawful
camping when he or she knowingly enters or remains on a public or private street, sidewalk, area under
a bridge or underpass, path, park, cemetery, or other area designated for use by pedestrians or vehicles,
with the intent to sleep or camp in that area when the area has not been designated for the purpose of
sleeping or camping, or the individual lacks authorization to sleep or camp in the area. Unlawful camping is
a violation for the first offense and a Class B misdemeanor for the second and each subsequent offense, or
if during the first offense the individual refuses to cease the offense.
A new section of KRS Chapter 65 is created to prohibit a government official or governmental
body to adopt or enforce any policy under which it directly or indirectly prohibits or discourages the
enforcement of any law, order, or ordinance prohibiting unlawful camping. A government official or
governmental body shall not directly or indirectly prohibit or discourage a peace officer or prosecuting
attorney who is employed by or otherwise under its direction or control from enforcing any law, order, or
ordinance prohibiting unlawful camping.
The section shall not be interpreted or construed to: 1) prohibit a policy that encourages diversion
programs or offering of services in lieu of citation or arrest; 2) prohibit or otherwise interfere with
general orders or decisions that involve resource allocation or prioritization made by a governmental
official or governmental body; 3) create any cause of action; or 4) permit a peace officer to disobey an
instruction, order, or command from an officer or official within his or her chain of command. The Attorney
General may bring a civil action in any court of competent jurisdiction against any government official
or governmental body to enjoin it from nonenforcement. The Attorney General may recover reasonable
expenses incurred in any civil action brought under this section, including court costs, reasonable
attorney’s fees, investigative costs, witness fees, and deposition costs.
A new section of KRS Chapter 65 is additionally created to permit a local government to
designate indoor or outdoor areas with defined boundaries in an area zoned for commercial or industrial
use, separate from any area frequently used for public purposes, as a temporary camping location for
unsheltered homeless individuals. Any such designated area shall contain potable water and adequate
sanitary facilities, such as portable toilets.
Other provisions of the bill include increased penalties for distribution or trafficking in fentanyl or a
fentanyl derivative.
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HB 159
IMMUNITY FROM CRIMINAL LIABILITY FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
Sponsor: Representative Patrick Flannery (R-Olive Hill)
HB 159 creates a new section of KRS Chapter 311 to provide immunity to a health care provider
providing health services from criminal liability for any harm or damages alleged to arise from an act or
omission relating to the provision of health services, except nothing limits liability for gross negligence or
wanton, willful, malicious, or intentional misconduct.
“Health services” means clinically related services provided within the Commonwealth to two or
more persons, including but not limited to diagnostic, treatment, or rehabilitative services, and includes
alcohol, drug abuse, and mental health services.
“Health care provider” means: 1) an employee of a health care facility as defined in KRS
216B.015(13); or 2) a person providing health services, including those licensed, certified, or registered
under, or subject to, KRS 194A.700 to 194A.729 or KRS Chapter 311, 311A, 311B, 312, 313, 314, 314A, 315, 319A,
319B, 320, 327, or 333, such as physicians, emergency medical technicians, medical imaging, chiropractors,
dentists, nurses, respiratory care practitioners, pharmacists, phycologists, occupational therapists, and
medical laboratories.
Nothing in the Act shall be construed to amend, repeal, or alter any other immunity, defense,
limitation of liability, or procedure available or required under any other law or contract.
KLC Public Affairs Director Bryanna L. Carroll testifies
before the Public Pension Oversight Board.
KLC UPDATE

7. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM
17
HB 13
KENTUCKY PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE
Sponsor: Representative Adam Bowling (R–Middlesboro)
HB 13 creates a new section of Subchapter 21 of KRS 154 to divide the Kentucky Product
Development Initiative into two segments, the Kentucky Product Development Initiative of 2022 and the
Kentucky Product Development Initiative of 2024. The Kentucky Product Development Initiative of 2024
begins July 1, 2024.
A new section of Subchapter 21 of KRS Chapter 154 is created to establish the Kentucky Product
Development Initiative of 2024 under the Cabinet for Economic Development. The cabinet shall partner
with the Kentucky Association for Economic Development to administer the program. The cabinet’s
administration of the program includes: 1) reviewing the applications and proposals submitted by the
proposed grant recipients; 2) verifying the eligibility of the proposed grant recipients; 3) verifying that the
proposed grant recipient seeks grant money for an eligible project prior to prioritizing all eligible projects;
4) determining the population ranking for each county; 5) awarding grants to selected eligible grant
recipients in multiple rounds of funding; and 6) compiling and submitting required reports.
Upon receipt of eligible grant recipients, eligible project recommendations, and prioritization by the
Kentucky Association for Economic Development and a third-party independent site selection consultant,
the cabinet shall verify and process the eligible grant recipients and eligible project recommendations
with the intent to approve and award grants under the economic development fund program pursuant to
KRS 154.12-100. Grants shall be awarded based on: 1) whether the eligible grant recipient received a grant
award from the Kentucky Product Development Initiative of 2022; and 2) available matching funds for the
selected grant recipient’s eligible project based on the county population ranking as determined by the
cabinet.
On or before June 1, 2024, and no later than June 1 every 2 years thereafter, the cabinet shall
determine a county population ranking for each county by adding the following two factors: 1) the
population density ranking; and 2) the 10-year percentage change in population ranking.
“Population density” means the number of persons per square mile of a county determined by
using the population estimate from the most recent available 5-year American Community Survey as
published by the United States Census Bureau; 2) is calculated by dividing the total county population
by the square miles in the county; and 3) used to rank each county in descending order, with the county
having the largest population density receiving a rank of 1 and the county with the smallest population
density receiving a rank of 120.
“Ten-year percentage change in population” means the percentage change in population within a
county determined by comparing the population estimate from the most recent available 5-year American
Community Survey as published by the United States Census Bureau to the same survey 10 years prior to
the most recent available survey and used to rank each county in descending order, with the county having
the largest positive percentage change in population receiving a rank of 1 and the county with the largest
negative percentage change receiving a rank of 1.
The required local match for each county shall be as follows: 1) eligible projects in counties where
the county population ranking is greater than or equal to 193 shall provide a minimum amount of local
matching funds equal to 10 percent of the project cost; 2) eligible projects in counties where the county
population ranking is less than 193 but greater than or equal to 145 shall provide a minimum amount of
local matching funds equal to 12.5 percent of the project cost; 3) eligible projects in counties where the
county population ranking is less than 145 but greater than or equal to 97 shall provide a minimum amount
of local matching funds equal to 15 percent of the project cost; 4) eligible project in counties where the
county population ranking is less than 97 but greater than or equal to 49 shall provide a minimum amount
of local matching funds equal to 17.5 percent of the project cost; and 5) eligible project in counties where
the county population ranking is less than 49 shall provide a minimum amount of local matching funds
equal to 20 percent of the project cost.
If there are funds available after the first round of grant awards of the Kentucky Product
Development Initiative of 2024, the cabinet shall initiate additional rounds of grant awards.
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The maximum funding available for an approved development project is $2 million per county,
except for eligible grant recipients involved in a regional project.
For selected eligible grant recipients that are involved in a regional project, the cabinet may pool
the potential allocation of funds available for each county represented by the eligible grant recipients for
the grant amount awarded. A county that is an eligible grant recipient involved in a regional project shall
provide that county’s local matching funds based on the county population ranking. Each county’s local
matching funds may be pooled.
Beginning no later than November 1, 2024, and annually thereafter until the authorized
appropriation is spent or returned, the cabinet shall compile and submit a report for each application
approved by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority for the Kentucky Product
Development Initiative of 2024. The report shall be electronically delivered to the Legislative Research
Commission and the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue and contain the following
information: 1) the name of the applicant, a description of the eligible project, and the location of each
proposed project for which an application was approved; 2) the date the application was approved by the
Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority; 3) the amount of funding authorized for each project
approved; 4) the total amount of funding disbursed for each project approved; and 5) the round of funding
for which each project received approval.
$70 million is appropriated by the 2024 General Assembly to the Cabinet for Economic
Development to support development projects approved by the Kentucky Product Development Initiative.
An emergency is declared. HB 13 became law on April 16, 2024, when signed by the Governor.
HB 29
MOTOR VEHICLE RACING EVENTS
Sponsor: Representative Derek Lewis (R–London)
HB 29 amends KRS 189.503 enacted by the General Assembly in 2023 to allow local governments
to issue permits for motor vehicle racing events on city streets. HB 29 expands the statute to allow a local
government to issue permits for motor vehicle racing events on state-maintained highways subject to
approval by the Transportation Cabinet as well as on city streets.
HB 533
MUNICIPAL REVENUE BONDS FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Sponsor: Representative Amy Neighbors (R–Edmonton)
HB 533, a KLC initiative, amends KRS 103.240 relating to the sale of revenue bonds by cities and
counties permitted to borrow money and issue negotiable bonds for the purpose of defraying the cost of
acquiring an industrial building or pollution control facility. The bill includes payment of working capital
expenditures within a list of permitted uses of money received by cities and counties from the sale of
revenue bonds. An emergency is declared. HB 533 became law on April 9, 2024, when signed by the
Governor.
Rep. Amy Neighbors testifies before the
Senate Economic Development, Tourism,
and Labor Committee on the passage of
House Bill 533.
KLC UPDATE

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HB 561
CERTIFIED CHILD CARE COMMUNITY DESIGNATION PROGRAM
Sponsor: Representative Samara Heavrin (R–Leitchfield)
HB 561 creates a new section of KRS Chapter 199 to require the Cabinet for Economic Development
to work in partnership with the Council of Area Development Districts to establish a Certified Child Care
Community Designation Program. The purpose of the program is to create new opportunities for local
governments to help increase the supply of child care and early childhood education services in their
communities through voluntary actions related to zoning reform and programming at the local level.
By December 1, 2024, the cabinet shall make available, on its website and to the Legislative
Research Commission for referral to the Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children,
recommendations and best practices for local governments to utilize when evaluating local ordinances,
regulations, and land-use rules pertaining to the availability of child care services in local communities.
These recommendations and best practices shall focus on balancing safety with increasing the supply of
child care and early childhood education services and easing local regulatory barriers, and shall include
but not be limited to the following topics: 1) local land-use policies related to center-based, in-home,
and employer-based child care services; 2) policies pertaining to local permitting fees for starting and
operating child care services; and 3) policies related to other local ordinances and regulations that may
pertain to the availability of child care services in local communities.
Recommendations relating to land use policies shall include, but not be limited to: 1)
recommendations for definitions for terms such as “child care,” “child care center,” and “family child care
home;” 2) recommendations on where child care services should be permitted by right, with special
standards, and with conditional use permits; 3) recommendations for requirements for compliance with
conditional use permits and special standards; 4) best practices for safely permitting child care services
in or near industrial areas; 5) best practices for playgrounds associated with child care services; and 6)
recommendations for parking requirements where applicable.
The cabinet, or a third party under contract with the cabinet, shall solicit feedback and input on
the recommendations and best practices from the council, area development districts, and organizations
representing child care providers and in-home family child care providers, local governments, local
elementary and secondary school officials, the business community, economic developers, and community
planning and design professionals. The recommendations and best practices shall take into consideration
the unique needs and differences between urban and rural areas of the state and shall also include
recommendations for local jurisdictions that have not adopted local land use rules in accordance with KRS
Chapter 100, planning and zoning.
By December 1, 2024, the cabinet shall submit a draft standardized application for certification
and draft instructions for the Certified Child Care Community Designation Program to the Legislative
Research Commission for referral to the Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children. By April 1, 2025,
the cabinet, after consulting with the council, shall make publicly available a standardized application for
certification and instructions for the Certified Child Care Community Designation Program.
The cabinet shall: (a) begin receiving and approving applications from local governments no earlier
than April 1, 2025; and (b) send notice of approval or denial to applicants no later than thirty (30) days
after receiving an application. If the cabinet denies an application, the cabinet shall include the reason for
the denial in its notice and shall invite the applicant to resubmit.
To attain certification by the cabinet, applicants shall be required to demonstrate that the local
government has: 1) developed clear and actionable strategies, including at least two action items to help
address local child care challenges and raise awareness of state and local child care resources for working
families, current and prospective child care providers, current and prospective employers, and economic
developers; and 2) analyzed local ordinances, regulations, and land-use rules that could create barriers to
the availability of child care services and developed an action plan to implement reforms.
Action items include but are not limited to: 1) creating a community-wide child care task force
that includes representatives from local government, the business community, education, health care,
and early childhood education professionals; 2) making available and maintaining a public list of certified
and licensed child care services in the community; 3) designating a local agency or nonprofit to serve
as a point of contact for local child care issues; 4) helping raise awareness of certification and licensing
requirements for child care providers; 5) making available an accessible guide to assist prospective child
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care service providers in navigating the jurisdiction’s ordinances, regulations, and land-use rules that
pertain to child care; and 6) conducting a study of child care challenges in the local community or actively
participating in a study of child care challenges in the local region.
To comply with the requirement to analyze local ordinances, regulations, and land-use rules that
could create barriers to the availability of child care services, an applicant must demonstrate it has: 1)
gathered community input from child care providers and child care organizations, local residents and
homeowners, local elementary and secondary school officials, the business community, civic and nonprofit
organizations, and economic developers through meetings, listening sessions, or surveys; 2) conducted a
comprehensive analysis of the jurisdiction’s ordinances, regulations, and land-use rules that may pertain to
the provision of child care services and identified ordinances, regulations, and land-use rules that create
barriers to the availability of child care services in the community; and 3) established a clear and specific
action plan to amend ordinances, regulations, and land-use rules that create barriers to the availability of
child care services in the community.
Prior to submitting an application to the cabinet for certification, an applicant shall first submit its
application to the area development district in which the applicant is located and receive approval. The
cabinet shall not accept an application for review or approval unless the area development district in which
the applicant is located has recommended the application for approval. The cabinet shall make publicly
available on its website a list of communities that have obtained the certified child care community
designation.
By December 1, 2025, the cabinet shall submit a report to the Legislative Research Commission
for referral to the Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children specifying the communities that have
obtained the designation, a summary of the different strategies used by local communities to expand
access to child care and remove barriers, and recommendations for improvements to the program.
HB 723
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES ACCELERATING NEEDED TRANSFORMATION
(GRANT) PROGRAM
Sponsor: Representative Richard Heath (R–Mayfield)
HB 723 creates a new Subchapter 14 of KRS Chapter 154 and new sections of Subchapter 14 to
establish the Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation (GRANT) Program of 2024
intended exclusively for federal grants identified or administered by the United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development, the Delta Regional Authority, or the federal agencies that comprise
the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization
established by Presidential Executive Order 14008, issued on January 27, 2021.
The program is established under the Cabinet for Economic Development which shall determine the
terms, conditions, and requirements for obligating match funds awarded from the Government Resources
Accelerating Needed Transformation Program fund to selected eligible grant recipients and sunset on
December 31, 2026, unless authorized by the General Assembly to continue its work for a specified period
of time.
The Kentucky Council of Area Development Districts and local area development districts shall
assist eligible grant recipients in identifying available federal grant opportunities and preparing grant
applications for submission to the Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation Program. Nothing shall
prevent any public agency or nonprofit entity from assisting eligible grant recipients.
“Eligible project” means a project that: 1) benefits the public or substantially benefits the public; 2)
satisfies evaluation criteria for location on publicly owned property, property to be acquired, or on private
property for a public purpose; and 3) requires local matching funds based on the county population
ranking.
“County population ranking” means the score of each county determined by the cabinet. “Eligible
grant recipient” means a grant applicant that is a county or city governing body or nonprofit charitable
organization engaged in public benefit improvements.
The cabinet shall develop a scoring system for the project proposed by each match applicant based
on the total projected return on investment and the relative positive impact in the community.
KLC UPDATE

21
To participate in the Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation Program of
2024, grant applicants may submit either a standardized or a regional application to the cabinet for
consideration by the commission. As part of the preliminary evaluation, the cabinet shall consider the
following: 1) applicant’s eligibility when evaluated against the requirements of the federal grant; and 2)
application completeness when evaluated against the requirements of the federal grant. The cabinet shall
provide a final decision of approval or denial on the application within 21 calendar days of receipt.
The cabinet shall identify and certify the areas for grant funding designated by the United States
Department of Housing and Urban Development, Delta Regional Authority, or Interagency Working Group
as a priority for obligation of match funds and evaluate each applicant’s eligible project according to
specified criteria for the purpose of compiling a recommendation and score for the eligible project.
On or before May 1, 2024, and not later than May 1 every two years thereafter, the cabinet shall
determine a county population ranking for each county by adding the following two factors: 1) the
population density ranking; and 2) the 10-year percentage change in population ranking.
“Population density” means: 1) the number of persons per square mile of a county determined
by using the population estimate from the most recent available 5-year American Community Survey as
published by the United States Census Bureau; 2) is calculated by dividing the total county population by
the square miles in the county; and 3) is used to rank each county in descending order, with the county
having the largest population density receiving a rank of 1 and the county with the smallest population
density receiving a rank of 120.
“Ten-year percentage change in population” means the percentage change in population within a
county determined by comparing the population estimate from the most recent available 5-year American
Community Survey as published by the United States Census Bureau to the same survey 10 years prior to
the most recent available survey and used to rank each county in descending order, with the county having
the largest positive percentage change in population receiving a rank of 1 and the county with the largest
negative percentage change receiving a rank of 120.
The required local match for each county shall be as follows: 1) eligible projects in counties where
the county population ranking is greater than or equal to 193 shall provide a minimum amount of local
matching funds equal to 1 percent of the state match; 2) eligible projects in counties where the county
population ranking is less than 193 but greater than or equal to 145 shall provide a minimum amount of
local matching funds equal to 2 percent of the state match; 3) eligible projects in counties where the
county population ranking is less than 145 but greater than or equal to 97 shall provide a minimum amount
of local matching funds equal to 3 percent of the state match; 4) eligible projects in counties where the
county population ranking is less than 97 but greater than or equal to 49 shall provide a minimum amount
of local matching funds equal to 4 percent of the project cost; and 5) eligible projects in counties where
the county population ranking is less than 49 shall provide a minimum amount of local matching funds
equal to 5 percent of the state match.
For selected eligible grant recipients that are involved in a regional project, the cabinet may pool
the potential allocation of funds available for each county represented by the eligible grant recipients for
the grant amount awarded. A county that is an eligible grant recipient involved in a regional project shall
provide that county’s local matching funds based on the county population ranking. Each county’s local
matching funds may be pooled.
Beginning no later than November 1, 2024, and annually thereafter until the authorized
appropriation is spent or returned, the cabinet shall compile and submit a report for each application
approved by the GRANT Commission for the Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation
Program of 2024. The report shall be electronically delivered to the Legislative Research Commission and
the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations and Revenue and contain the following information: 1) the
name of the applicant, a description of the eligible project, and the location of each proposed project for
which an application was approved; 2) the date the application was approved by the Kentucky Economic
Development Finance Authority; 3) the amount of funding authorized for each project approved; 4) the
total amount of funding disbursed for each project approved; and 5) the round of funding for which each
project received approval.
The Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation Program of 2024 shall begin April
15, 2024. The cabinet shall begin accepting applications for the program on May 15, 2024.
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There is established in the State Treasury a trust and agency account to be known as the
Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation Program of 2024 fund administered and
maintained by the Cabinet for Economic Development. Amounts deposited in the fund shall be used for
awarding matching funds to applicants of the Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation
Program of 2024 upon notification of award of the federal grant requiring matching funds. Up to 20
percent of the amounts deposited in the fund shall be used for match awards for nonprofit charitable
organizations and up to 80 percent for match awards to city or county governing bodies.
$200 million is appropriated by the 2024 General Assembly for the Government Resources
Accelerating Needed Transformation Program to help cover local funding matches for communities and
nonprofits seeking federal grants. An emergency is declared. HB 723 became law on April 12, 2024, when
delivered to the Secretary of State.
SB 125
OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE PILOT PROGRAM
Sponsor: Senator Phillip Wheeler (R–Pikeville)
SB 125 amends KRS 189.281 to extend the time for local governments located within the boundaries
of the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority, or other regional authority, to start an offhighway
vehicle pilot program from the scheduled July 1, 2024, sunset date to July 1, 2027. The bill also
expands the definition of “local government” to include any local government that operates a public offhighway
vehicle trail system.
SJR 176
WORKFORCE ATTRACTION AND RETENTION TASK FORCE
Sponsor: Senator Max Wise (R–Campbellsville)
SJR 176 is a Senate joint resolution establishing a Workforce Attraction and Retention Task Force to
study how Kentucky can attract and retain skilled workers to address workforce shortages throughout the
state and develop legislative recommendations and policy options on how to:
1) Create a marketing program for Kentucky to attract and retain skilled and talented workers;
2) Study how other states and local and regional communities in Kentucky are marketing their
strengths and job opportunities to address workforce needs, including consultation with Kentucky’s leaders
in economic development, tourism, education, and labor; and
3) Develop recommendations for the General Assembly to create a grant fund program for a
statewide talent marketing campaign and a local or regional talent marketing partnership campaign.
The Cabinet for Economic Development shall hire a consulting and strategic firm to likewise
evaluate and develop legislative recommendations and policy options on creating a marketing program for
Kentucky to attract and retain skilled and talented workers and provide a report to the task force no later
than November 1, 2024.
The task force shall be composed of 12 members consisting of the chairs of the House and Senate
Standing Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor who will act as co-chairs; five
additional members of the Senate, three to be appointed by the President of the Senate, and two to be
appointed by the Minority Floor Leader of the Senate; and five additional members of the House, three to
be appointed by the Speaker and two to be appointed by the Minority Floor Leader of the House.
No later than December 1, 2024, the task force shall submit a report to the Legislative Research
Commission for referral to the appropriate committee or committees. The report shall detail all task force
meeting activity and provide recommendations for the creation of the Workforce Attraction and Retention
Grant Program to be attached to the Cabinet for Economic Development. Recommendations shall include
the staffing needs for the program and compliance requirements. An emergency is declared. The Act took
effect on April 18, 2024 when delivered to the Secretary of State.
KLC UPDATE

8. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
23
HB 57
CLASSIFICATION
Sponsor: Representative Chris Freeland (R–Benton)
HB 57 amends KRS 311A.030 to remove the classifications of ground ambulance providers, mobile
integrated healthcare programs, medical first response providers, and air ambulance providers as licensed
by the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services to provide flexibility in credentialing emergency
medical services providers.
KRS 311A.142 is amended to permit any emergency medical responder, emergency medical
technician, advanced emergency medical technician, or paramedic that is currently certified or licensed
and in good standing with another state to be eligible for reciprocity at the same certification or licensure
level, rather than only with a state contiguous to Kentucky as currently provided.
An emergency is declared. The Act became law on April 4, 2024 when signed by the Governor.
HB 272
ABANDONED INFANTS
Sponsor: Representative Nancy Tate (R–Brandenburg)
HB 272 amends KRS 405.075 relating to placement of newborn infants inside a safety device at a
participating continuously staffed ground ambulance provider, police station, fire station, or hospital. The
statute is amended to provide an exception to the staffing requirement in relation to licensed emergency
medical services providers when all licensed emergency medical services providers are temporarily off-site
providing emergency medical services.
KRS 156.095 is amended to require every public school in Kentucky to prominently display the Safe
Haven Baby Boxes Crisis Line number administered by the Safe Haven Baby Boxes national organization or
any equivalent successor entity.
HB 484
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM
Sponsor: Representative Deanna Frazier Gordon (R–Richmond)
HB 484 creates a new section of KRS Chapter 311A to establish the emergency medical services
education grant program under the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services to increase the
number of persons seeking paramedic initial certification, provide more facilities for certification, and
encourage those persons to be employed by ground ambulance providers located in Kentucky.
The program consists of 3 components: 1) student tuition support; 2) agency support; and 3)
emergency medical services training or educational institution support.
The student tuition support component shall be used for the training and education of individuals
seeking initial paramedic certification who are employed by a ground ambulance provider. The tuition
support shall be paid periodically to the emergency medical services training or educational institution in
which the person is enrolled seeking paramedic certification.
The agency support component shall be used to reimburse ground ambulance providers the wages
paid to an employee while the employee seeks initial paramedic certification.
The emergency medical services training or educational institution support component shall be
used to provide funding to existing and start-up emergency medical services training or educational
institutions that are certified, or seeking certification by the board, and that offer or will offer initial
education courses for emergency medical technician, advanced emergency medical technician, and
paramedic programs.
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The Board of Emergency Medical Services shall, at a minimum, promulgate administrative
regulations to include priority consideration for geographic areas that are underserved in terms of
paramedic coverage, including those with lower populations and higher emergency medical response
times, and for agencies that do not meet national standards of minimum staffing levels or response times
for the dispatch of emergency medical care.
There is established in the State Treasury a trust and agency account to be known as the
emergency medical services education grant fund administered by the Kentucky Board of Emergency
Medical Services. The fund shall consist of state appropriations, contributions, donations, and gifts.
Amounts deposited in the fund shall be used for the purposes outlined in the Act.
HB 528
911 SERVICES
Sponsor: Representative Mark Hart (R–Falmouth)
HB 528, a KLC initiative, amends KRS 65.7631 to extend the 5 percent (5%) apportioned amount
of total monthly revenues deposited into the commercial mobile radio service (CMRS) fund for assisting
with the adoption and operation of next generation 911 initiatives to July 1, 2025 from July 1, 2024 with a
reduction in the rate to two and one-half percent (2.5%) on and after July 1, 2025 instead of the previously
determined date of July 1, 2024.
Also extended is the seven and one-half (7.5%) rate of total monthly revenues deposited into the
CMRS fund for grants, matching money, or funds relating to 911 services to July 1, 2025 from July 1, 2024,
with a 10 percent (10%) rate after that date. When the balance of money in the account and not obligated
for permitted uses exceeds three million dollars ($3,000,000), instead of the previously determined
two million dollars ($2,000,000), in any fiscal year, the excess amount shall be allocated to public safety
answering points (PSAPs) eligible to receive disbursements from the CMRS fund upon request for
permitted uses.
KLC Executive Director/
CEO J.D. Chaney and Rep.
Mark Hart testify before
the Senate Veterans
Military Affairs and Public
Protections Committee for
passage of House Bill 528
as amended in the Senate
committee.
HB 782
TELECOMMUNICATORS
Sponsor: Representative Scott Lewis (R–Hartford)
HB 728, a KLC initiative, creates a new section of KRS 15.530 to 15.590 to establish the Public Safety
Telecommunicator Work Group to meet and submit to the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council within one
year of the effective date of the Act a training format for a public safety telecommunicator academy that
incorporates in-person and online training consisting of at least 160 hours. The format shall be developed
and unanimously agreed upon by the work group and approved by the Kentucky Law Enforcement
Council. The work group shall cease to exist after submission to the council unless the council directs it be
continued. The work group shall consist of at least one member each of the Department of Criminal Justice
Training, Kentucky Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association, and the Association of Public
Safety Communications Officials.
KLC UPDATE

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Rep. Scott Lewis and KLC
Public Affairs Director
Bryanna L. Carroll testify
before the Senate Veterans
Military Affairs and Public
Protection Committee in
favor of House Bill 782.
Upon approval, the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council shall implement the new training format
beginning July 1, 2026. Part-time telecommunicators hired prior to July 1, 2026, shall successfully complete
the 40-hour online course. All part-time telecommunicators hired after July 1, 2026, shall successfully
complete the public safety telecommunicator academy.
KRS 15.540 is amended to add additional requirements for certification by the Kentucky Law
Enforcement Council as a telecommunicator. An agency seeking to hire a telecommunicator must submit
and certify to the Law Enforcement Council all required information regarding the applicant within 120
days after the hire date instead of prior to employment as a telecommunicator. An agency that provides
Criminal Justice Information Service (CJIS) data using a CJIS terminal after the effective date of the Act
must certify completion by the applicant of the CJIS online training program before the applicant can
deliver CJIS data to law enforcement agencies. CJIS is the FBI division responsible for the collection
and dissemination of relevant criminal justice information to law enforcement, criminal justice, civilian,
academic, employment, and licensing agencies.
An agency that does not have a CJIS terminal but receives CJIS data shall complete the CJIS
security and privacy training before the applicant can deliver CJIS data to law enforcement.
If a telecommunicator’s only function is as a call-taker at an agency that has a CJIS terminal, the
telecommunicator shall not be required to complete the CJIS online program but shall complete the CJIS
security and privacy training.
KRS 15.530 is amended to define “public safety communicator” or “telecommunicator” to mean any
public employee, sworn or civilian, who functions as a public safety dispatcher, 911 telecommunicator, or 911
call taker, whose duties and responsibilities include the: 1) answering, receiving, transferring, or dispatching
functions related to 911 calls, as the primary or secondary public safety answering point or emergency
communication center; 2) dispatching law enforcement officers, fire rescue services, emergency medical
services, emergency management, and other public safety services to the scene of an emergency; or 3)
providing real-time information from federal, state, and local crime databases.
KRS 15.560 is amended to require all public safety telecommunicators not previously certified
as a telecommunicator by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council to complete the public safety
telecommunicator academy within 12 months from the date of hire. All telecommunicators shall additionally
complete each calendar year an in-service training course consisting of 8 hours, appropriate to their job
assignment and responsibility, at a school certified or recognized by the Kentucky Law Enforcement
Council. Provisions of HB 782 unrelated to establishment of the Public Safety Telecommunicator Academy
take effect July 1, 2026.
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9. FIRE DEPARTMENTS & FIREFIGHTERS
HB 43
FIRE PROTECTION
Sponsor: Representative John Hodgson (R-Fisherville)
HB 43 creates a new section of KRS 75.100 to 75.260 to require a fire protection district, volunteer
fire department district, or subdistrict when making a change to fire protection services involving
communications, firefighting resources such as firehouses, vehicles, equipment, personnel, training, and
resource distribution, or water supply under its control that will likely downgrade fire service ratings
to host a public hearing and provide notice of the hearing. Notice must include: 1) the name of the fire
protection district, volunteer fire department district, or subdistrict of either district; 2) a description of
the proposed action; 3) wording to the effect that the action, if undertaken, could increase fire protection
insurance premiums for the members of the district or subdistrict; and 4) the time, date, and location of
the public hearing.
Distribution of the notice by the board of the fire district or subdistrict must include the following
elected officials having constituents in territory contained within the district or subdistrict: Kentucky State
Representatives and Senators; county judges/executives and members of the fiscal court; mayors and
members of city legislative bodies; and the executive head and legislative body members of any merged
government organized under KRS Chapters 67, 67A, or 67C.
Rep. John Hodgson testifies
in favor of House Bill 43.
HB 323
CANCER DETECTION IN FIREFIGHTERS
Sponsor: Representative Deanna Frazier Gordon (R–Richmond)
HB 323 amends KRS 95A.262 to permit the Kentucky Fire Commission to establish, if funds are
available, a program to reimburse firefighters for out-of-pocket expenses for cancer screenings. The
commission may promulgate administrative regulations to: 1) establish a periodic cap and maximum
on reimbursement to a firefighter seeking reimbursement; 2) establish which cancer screening tests
approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for cancer detection in humans may be eligible
for reimbursement; 3) determine eligibility requirements for participants, which in the discretion of the
commission may also include retired firefighters; and 4) establish any other policy to effect the purposes
of the program.
KLC UPDATE

10. FISCAL MATTERS
27
HB 1
APPROPRIATIONS TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FROM STATE “RAINY DAY
FUND”
Sponsor: Representative Jason Petrie (R–Elkton)
HB 1 is a companion to HB 6, the state biennial budget. The bill appropriates $2.7 billion in funds
from the Budget Reserve Trust Fund Account (Rainy Day Fund) for one-time investments in public safety,
infrastructure, economic development, and paying down the state’s pension liabilities. Appropriations
include:
• $125 million to the Kenton County Fiscal Court to plan, design, and construct a Commonwealth
Center for Biomedical Excellence in the City of Covington in partnership with Northern Kentucky
University and the University of Kentucky.
• $200 million for the Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation Program to
help cover local funding matches for communities and nonprofits seeking federal grants.
• $70 million to the Cabinet for Economic Development to support development projects in
accordance with the Kentucky Product Development Initiative.
• $50 million to Warren and Hardin Counties for water and sewer infrastructure improvements to
support electric vehicle battery production facilities under construction in both counties.
• $100 million to the Cabinet for Economic Development to support approved mega-development
TIF projects of at least $10 million.
• $10 million to the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government to support Lexington’s
Transformational Housing Affordability Partnership.
• $100 million to Louisville Metro Government for downtown revitalization projects.
• $230 million to help fund three state pension obligations — state police, Kentucky Teachers’
Retirement System, and state employees.
• $100 million to the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority to be applied to the unfunded pension
liability of the Kentucky Employees Retirement System Nonhazardous pension fund.
• $40 million to the University of Kentucky’s Center for Applied Energy Research for
administration and support of the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority.
State.
An emergency is declared. HB 1 became law on April 12, 2024 when delivered to the Secretary of
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HB 6
STATE/EXECUTIVE BRANCH BUDGET
Sponsor: Representative Jason Petrie (R–Elkton)
HB 6 is the state biennial budget passed by the General Assembly totaling more than $100 billion
for fiscal years 2024-2026. Appropriations impacting cities include:
‣ $1.87 billion to support the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program grant.
‣ $1.8 million to support the Kentucky Mountain Regional Recreation Authority.
‣ $16.1 million to support the Kentucky Urban Search and Rescue Program.
‣ $15 million for grants to law enforcement and first responders for the purchase of body armor
through the Attorney General’s office.
‣ Increases the training incentive payment for law enforcement to $4,429 in the first fiscal year and
$4,562 in the second fiscal year along with increases in the administrative fee reimbursement
provided to local governments. Also includes payment for part-time participants for the first time at
$2,215 in the first fiscal year and $2,281 in the second fiscal year.
‣ Increases the training incentive payment for firefighters to $4,429 in the first fiscal year and $4,562
in the second fiscal year along with increases in the administrative fee reimbursement provided to
local governments. Also includes an increase in the aid provided to volunteer fire departments to
$15,000.
‣ $7.8 million to the KY Fire Commission for construction of a Fire Academy Dormitory.
‣ $5 million to complete the statewide deployment of Next Generation 911 services.
‣ $34.5 million to the Kentucky Department of Education to assist local school districts in funding
salaries for School Resource Officers by allowing reimbursement of up to $20,000 for each campus.
‣ Funding for the Wastewater Revolving Loan Program and Drinking Water Revolving Loan Program.
‣ $50 million for the construction of the Western Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training
Center in Madisonville (a KLC initiative).
House Appropriations and Revenue Committee Chairman Rep. Jason Petrie (left with
glasses) files House Bill 6 with the House Clerk. Photo courtesy of LRC.
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HB 8
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
Sponsor: Representative Jason Petrie (R–Elkton)
HB 8 amends several statutes related to state taxes and fees, including language needed to address
reductions in the state income tax rate in 2022 that can affect state participation receipts for investment
in previously constructed local tax increment financing projects. KRS 154.30-010 is amended to extend a
temporary fix set to expire at the end of 2024 for cities with a tax increment financing agreement in place
before Jan. 1, 2023, to ensure that those cities do not experience a shortfall in state income tax increments
due to the reduction in the state income tax rate. The language provides that the calculation shall use a
modified new revenues formula to calculate the state payment for income tax increments that would make
the revenues equal to an amount that would have been received if the income tax rate remained at 5%. The
provision is set to expire at the end of 2026.
Senate Appropriations
and Revenue Committee
Chairman Chris McDaniel
meets with members
of the media after his
committee voted on three
budget related bills. Photo
courtesy of LRC.
HB 752
DISASTER RECOVERY
Sponsor: Representative Jason Petrie (R–Elkton)
HB 752 appropriates Restricted Funds from the East Kentucky State Aid Funding for Emergencies
(EKSAFE) fund established in KRS 39A.303 and Restricted Funds from the West Kentucky State Aid
Funding for Emergencies (WKSAFE) fund established in KRS 39A.305.
From the EKSAFE fund, $11,000,000 is appropriated in fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Breathitt
County school district for strained fiscal liquidity related to the impact of the Presidential Declaration of
a Major Disaster, designated FEMA-4663-DR. From the WKSAFE fund, $54,331,000 is appropriated in
fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Department for Local Government for strained fiscal liquidity in: 1) the City
of Mayfield, in the amount of $48,231,000 for the electric and water systems, fire station #1, police station,
and city hall; and 2) Graves County, in the amount of $6,100,000 for the administrative building.
If a recipient of moneys from the EKSAFE or WKSAFE fund subsequently receives moneys from any
other source, the recipient shall reimburse the Commonwealth for the amount of the moneys received from
the EKSAFE or WKSAFE fund. All moneys reimbursed to the Commonwealth shall be deposited into the
Budget Reserve Trust Fund account established in KRS 48.705 within 30 days. The moneys appropriated
shall not lapse and shall carry forward until June 30, 2026. If the moneys are not encumbered by June 30,
2026, the moneys shall be returned to the Commonwealth and deposited into the Budget Reserve Trust
Fund account established in KRS 48.705 within 30 days.
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11. LAW ENFORCEMENT
HB 456
COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND COUNTY POLICE FORCE
Sponsor: Representative Samara Heavrin (R–Leitchfield)
HB 456 amends KRS 337.285 to add sheriff’s offices and county police forces to the local
government agencies eligible for an exception to overtime compensation. A sheriff’s office or county police
force would not need to pay an officer who works 80 hours or less in a work period of 14 consecutive days
at 1.5 times the hourly wage. The legislation automatically applies if the sheriff’s office or county police
force does not have a collective bargaining unit. If there is a collective bargaining unit, there must be
agreement between parties for the exemption to apply.
An emergency is declared. The Act became law on March 5, 2024, when signed by the Governor.
HB 482
KENTUCKY LAW ENFORCEMENT COUNCIL
Sponsor: Representative Stephanie Dietz (R–Edgewood)
HB 482 amends KRS 15.315 to add the chief of police of the Owensboro Police Department
and the director of the Northern Kentucky Police and Sheriff’s Training Center to the Kentucky Law
Enforcement Council as ex officio members with voting rights. Each ex officio member may designate in
writing a person to represent him or her to vote on his or her behalf. Any designee of the chief of police
of the Owensboro Police Department and the director of the Northern Kentucky Police and Sheriff’s
Training Center shall be the head of the agency’s training division or the agency’s deputy chief or deputy
commissioner.
HB 551
COLD CASES
Sponsor: Representative Keturah Herron (D–Louisville)
HB 551 creates a new section of KRS Chapter 65 to allow law enforcement agencies to contract
with retired peace officers to assist with homicide cold cases. “Law enforcement agency” is defined to
mean any police department of a local government or sheriff’s department.
Any law enforcement agency may contract with a retired peace officer when: 1) new information
concerning a cold case involving a homicide is brought to the attention of the law enforcement agency;
or 2) the law enforcement agency wishes to conduct a review of its cold cases involving a homicide and a
retired peace officer could provide unique expertise or knowledge that would aid in solving a cold case.
A retired peace officer contracted by a law enforcement agency shall not be considered a peace
officer for purposes of the contracted work and shall not exercise peace officer powers. Any compensation
received by a retired peace officer for contracted work shall not be considered creditable compensation by
any state retirement system in which the retired peace officer participates.
SB 162
VEHICLE ACCIDENT REPORTS
Sponsor: Senator Robby Mils (R–Henderson)
SB 162 amends KRS 189.635 to permit a law enforcement agency to retain a copy of vehicle
accident reports that the agency is required to submit to the Department of Kentucky State Police after
investigation of an accident. Reports retained by a law enforcement agency shall not be considered open
records under KRS 61.870 to 761.884 and shall remain confidential except as permitted by law.
KLC UPDATE

12. LOCAL GOV. ADMINISTRATION
31
HB 18
RIGHTS OF OWNERS OF RENTAL PROPERTY
Sponsor: Representative Ryan Dotson (R–Winchester)
HB 18 creates a new section of KRS Chapter 65 to restrict local governments from enacting local
ordinances banning landlords from discriminating against people who use federal housing vouchers. A
local government shall not adopt or enforce an ordinance or regulation that prohibits any owner, lessee,
sublessee, assignee, managing agent, or other person having the authority to lease, sublease, or rent a
housing accommodation from refusing to lease or rent the housing accommodation to any person when
the person’s lawful source of income to pay rent includes funding from a federal housing assistance
program.
HB 18 additionally creates a new section of KRS Chapter 65 to prohibit a local government, special
district, or other provider of any emergency response service to submit any demand for payment or
require an owner of property occupied by an individual other than the owner to pay any emergency
response fee that arises out of the actions of another over which the owner has no control.
A new section of KRS 383 is created to restrict local governments from adopting or enforcing any
ordinance relating to landlord or tenant laws that is in conflict with any law of the Commonwealth.
State.
An emergency is declared. HB 18 became law on March 6, 2024, when delivered to the Secretary of
Rep. Ryan Dotson presents KLC
opposed House Bill 18 on the House
floor. Photo courtesy of LRC.
HB 248
REINSTATEMENT OF POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES IN AN
URBAN-COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Sponsor: Representative Killian Timoney (R–Nicholasville)
HB 248 amends KRS 95.440 to increase the time period in which former members of the police
or fire department in an urban-county government are eligible for reinstatement. The statute permits any
person who has successfully completed his or her probationary period and subsequently ceased working
for the police or fire department in an urban-county government for reasons other than dismissal to be
restored to the position, rank, and pay he or she formerly held, or to an equivalent or lower position, rank,
or pay than that which he or she formerly held, for a period of one year following separation from the
police or fire department with the approval of the appointing authority. The statute is amended to delete
the one-year requirement for reinstatement, permitting reinstatement of a qualified former member of the
police or fire department at any time with the approval of the appointing authority.
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HB 320
CIVIL PROCEDURE
Sponsor: Representative Daniel Elliott (R–Danville)
HB 320 amends several statutes relating to court procedures in civil cases. A new section of KRS
Chapter 413 is created to require the following actions to be commenced within 3 years after the cause of
action accrued: 1) an action against an employer for wrongful discharge in violation of public policy; and 2)
an action for a violation of KRS 344.030 to 344.110 or 344.372 for unlawful discrimination.
KRS 337.385 is amended to increase the limitation period from two years to three years after a
cause of action accrues for wage and hour violations in any court or administrative action under any
provision of the chapter not otherwise subject to an express period of limitation.
KRS 454.210 is amended to expand personal jurisdiction of Kentucky courts over nonresidents in
civil cases.
HB 472
RESIDENTIAL PLANNED COMMUNITIES
Sponsor: Representative Chris Freeland (R–Benton)
HB 472, a KLC initiative, creates a new section of KRS Chapter 381 to provide, if a planned
community, whether active or inactive, fails to maintain any infrastructure, common area, storm water
detention or retention area, or other facility that it is legally obligated to maintain, any city in which the
planned community is located may petition the Circuit Court of the jurisdiction in which the city lies for the
appointment of a receiver to manage the affairs of the homeowners’ association.
“Planned community” is defined to mean a group of residential dwellings, excluding condominiums,
composed of individual lots for which a deed, common plan, or other legal document requires that: 1) all
owners within the group become members of a homeowners’ association; 2) owners, or the homeowners’
association, hold or lease property or facilities for the benefit of all owners within the group; or 3) owners
support by membership fees property or facilities for all owners within the group to use.
The city shall serve notice of the filing of the petition on the governing authority of the planned
community and each owner within the planned community. If the petition by a city for the appointment of
a receiver is successful, the city seeking the appointment of a receiver shall be entitled to reimbursement
of all costs, fees, and reasonable attorney’s fees, as approved by the court.
The receiver appointed shall have all the authority granted to the governing authority of the
planned community by its governing documents, including the ability to impose and collect fees as
authorized by, and in conformance with, its governing documents, and to contract for the ongoing
renovation, maintenance, and upkeep of the legally obligated infrastructure, common areas, storm water
detention or retention areas, or other facilities. The receiver shall be entitled to recover reasonable costs
and fees for services as approved by the court.
If any city is required to expend funds to repair, renovate, maintain, or correct code violations of
the infrastructure, common areas, storm water detention or retention areas, or other facilities for which the
homeowners’ association is legally responsible, the city may seek reimbursement for those costs from the
receiver.
HB 528
CITY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL ADMINISTRATORS
Sponsor: Representative Mark Hart (R–Falmouth)
HB 528, a KLC initiative, amends KRS 241.170 regarding the powers and duties of city alcoholic
beverage control administrators to clarify that administrators and the administrator’s investigators in all
cities have the same police powers as permitted for administrators in counties, urban-county governments,
and consolidated local governments to inspect any premises where alcoholic beverages are manufactured,
KLC UPDATE

33
sold, stored, or otherwise trafficked in, without first obtaining a search warrant.
HB 388
CONSOLIDATED LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Sponsor: Representative Jason Nemes (R–Middletown)
HB 388 amends several statutes relating to consolidated local governments. Louisville Metro is the
only consolidated local government in Kentucky. KRS 67C.147 is amended relating to urban service tax
districts in a consolidated local government. The amendment requires the consolidated local government
to reimburse fire districts operating under KRS Chapter 75 that make emergency medical runs within the
area of the urban service tax district. No later than July 1, 2025, the consolidated local government shall,
by agreement or contract, reimburse a fire district operating under KRS Chapter 75 for expenses related
to each emergency medical response made by the fire district into the area of the urban service tax
district when the fire district is authorized by agreement to provide emergency services responses within
that area. A fire district so responding shall receive from the consolidated local government $300 for
responding and transporting a patient and $150 for responding when no patient is transported.
KRS 67C.111 is amended to prohibit a city in a county containing a consolidated local government
from annexing manufacturing areas primarily for the purpose of obtaining occupational license tax revenue
unless each owner of record within the area to be annexed gives prior consent in writing to the annexation.
‘Manufacturing area’ means an area containing land, buildings, or structures, or parts thereof, used for or in
support of the manufacturing or assembling of products.
A new section of KRS Chapter 67C is created to require the appointing authority in a consolidated
local government, in appointing members to local boards, commissions, committees, and other
administrative bodies, to make a conscientious effort to select, from among the most qualified persons,
those persons whose appointment would ensure that the membership of the board, commission,
committee, or other administrative body accurately reflects the geographic population of the area
represented as determined pursuant to the most recent federal decennial census unless the law regulating
such appointment requires otherwise.
Rep. Jason Nemes (left) , City of Douglass
Hills Mayor Bonnie Jung, And Sen. Julie
Raque Adams present House Bill 388.
KRS 67C.103 is amended to make the election of the mayor and council members in a consolidated
local government nonpartisan effective January 1, 2025.
KRS 177.360 is amended regarding the allocation of Municipal Road Aid funds by a consolidated
local government to require the consolidated local government to establish procedures to identify project
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needs in unincorporated areas that prioritize consideration of population growth, population density, and
economic development potential.
A noncodified section is created to require a consolidated local government to establish, support,
and maintain through December 31, 2024, a Property Valuation Review Commission to review appropriate
records to ensure that the property valuation administrator of the county assesses property within
the county consistently, and that property types or classifications are assessed uniformly within the
boundaries of the consolidated local government for all taxable property assessed as of January 1, 2023.
The commission shall identify the various property types or classifications that exist within the boundaries
of the county and review sufficient sample properties to determine consistency and uniformity. The
commission shall be composed of 7 members appointed by the mayor, including one member representing
the Jefferson County League of Cities, and make a report of its findings no later than December 31, 2024,
after which the commission shall be dissolved. The provision is subject to an emergency clause and
became effective on April 12, 2024, when delivered to the secretary of State.
An additional noncodified section is created to prohibit a consolidated local government from
revising its Land Development Code after the 2025 legislative session, including any change to increase the
allowable density of residential units per acre or any other unit describing land size in any zoning district
classification after the effective date of the Act and prior to April 15, 2025. The provision is subject to an
emergency clause and became effective on April 12, 2024, when delivered to the Secretary of State.
HB 492
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCESS TO FEDERAL TAX INFORMATION
Sponsor: Representative Matt Lockett (R–Nicholasville)
HB 492 creates a new section of KRS Chapter 65 to require each employee of a qualified local
government, including contract staff, who has access to or use of federal tax information directly
sourced from the Internal Revenue Service under 26 U.S.C. sec. 6103 to submit to a criminal background
investigation by means of a fingerprint check by the Department of Kentucky State Police and the Federal
Bureau of Investigation.
“Qualified local government” means a local government that meets the requirements for access
to federal tax information as described in 26 U.S.C. sec. 6103 relating to confidentiality and disclosure
of returns and return information applicable to local governments with a population of at least 250,000
residents.
Any fee charged by the Department of Kentucky State Police shall be an amount no greater than
the actual cost of processing the request and conducting the background check. The department shall
promulgate administrative regulations to implement provisions of the Act.
Louisville’s Revenue Commission is the only qualified local government in Kentucky that meets the
population requirement for access to federal tax information.
KLC UPDATE

13. NUCLEAR ENERGY
35
SB 198
NUCLEAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
Sponsor: Senator Danny Carroll (R–Benton)
SB 198 creates new sections of KRS Chapter 164 to establish the Kentucky Nuclear Energy
Development Authority attached to the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research
for administrative purposes. The mission of the authority shall be to serve as the nonregulatory state
government agency on nuclear energy issues and development in Kentucky and to support and facilitate
the development of nuclear energy resources across the state in a collaborative manner that: 1) enhances
the state’s economy; 2) offers energy production and economic development opportunities that are
safe; 3) protects the environment; 4) supports community voices, especially in historically impacted or
underrepresented areas; 5) increases energy education; and 6) prepares a future workforce.
The Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority shall be governed by an advisory board
consisting of 22 voting members and 8 nonvoting members, including 7 state government voting members
or their designees as follows: 1) director of the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research
who shall serve as chair; 2) secretary of the Energy and Environment Cabinet; 3) secretary of the Cabinet
for Economic Development; 4) chair of the Public Service Commission; 5) president of the Council on
Postsecondary Education; 6) secretary of the Education and Labor Cabinet; and 7) director of the Division of
Emergency Management.
Voting members also include: 1) a representative from each of the 4 investor-owned electric utilities
operating in Kentucky, designated by the president of each investor-owned electric utility, unless two or
more of the investor-owned electric utilities are operated under common ownership, in which case only
one representative shall be designated for the commonly owned utilities; 2) 3 representatives of electric
cooperatives designated by the chief operating officer of the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives,
one of whom shall represent distribution cooperatives and two who shall represent each of the generation
and transmission electric cooperatives operating in Kentucky, unless they are operated under common
ownership, in which case only one representative shall be designated; 3) representative of the Tennessee
Valley Authority designated by its chief nuclear officer; 4) representative of municipal utilities designated by
the executive director of the Kentucky League of Cities; 5) representative of nuclear site remediation services
designated by the director of business services for the Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership; 6) representative for
environmental interests designated by the executive director of the Kentucky Conservation Committee; 7)
representative of manufacturers designated by the president of the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers;
8) representative for commercial interests, designated by the president of the Kentucky Chamber of
Commerce; 9) mayor of a city, designated by the executive director of the Kentucky League of Cities who
lives in an “energy community” as that term is used in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Pub. L. No. 117-169,
and as it is defined in the latest guidance by the Internal Revenue Service; and 10) county judge/executive,
designated by the executive director of the Kentucky Association of Counties who lives in an ‘energy
community’ as that term is used in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and as defined in the latest guidance
by the Internal Revenue Service.
The 8 nonvoting members on the advisory board shall consist of: 1) the president of the Nuclear
Energy Institute, or designee; 2) a representative from a national nuclear educational nonprofit organization
designated by the chair and confirmed by a majority of the voting members; 3) a representative from a
United States Department of Energy National Laboratory with expertise in nuclear energy policy issues
designated by the chair and confirmed by a majority of the voting members; 4) a representative from a
nongovernmental nuclear policy advocacy organization designated by the chair and confirmed by a majority
of the voting members; 5) two members of the Senate who shall serve as ex officio members designated
by the President of the Senate; and 6) two members of the House of Representatives who shall serve as ex
officio members designated by the Speaker of the House.
State government members and members of the General Assembly shall serve on the advisory board
during the terms of their appointed or elected positions. After the initial staggered appointments of 2 to 3
years, all other members of the advisory board shall serve terms of 4 years. The advisory board shall hire a
director.
The authority, with the approval of the advisory board, shall: 1) propose and adopt bylaws for the
management and operation of the authority; 2) develop and adopt a strategic plan for carrying out the
purposes of the authority; 3) create and update at least once every 2 years a nuclear energy economic
impact analysis for the Commonwealth; 4) employ necessary staff to carry out the functions of the authority;
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and 5) by December 1, 2025, and each December 1 thereafter, submit a report to the Governor and the
Legislative Research Commission for referral to the Interim Joint Committees on Natural Resources and
Energy, Appropriations and Revenue, and Economic Development and Workforce Investment providing a
summary of the authority’s activities and achievements since its last report and offering recommendations
for the support and expansion of the nuclear energy ecosystem in the Commonwealth.
A new section of KRS Chapter 164 is created to require the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development
Authority, with the approval of its advisory board, to develop and adopt criteria for awarding a nuclearready
community designation to demonstrate a community’s readiness to welcome nuclear energy-related
development. The criteria to attain the designation shall include but not be limited to: 1) the holding of
local public educational meetings to educate the community on advanced nuclear energy technologies,
the nuclear ecosystem, and the role that nuclear energy-related development could play in the community;
2) the availability of sites within the community that have been recognized by the Cabinet for Economic
Development as being suitable for nuclear energy-related projects; and 3) the adoption of resolutions from
the county and all cities in the county or a successful county ballot initiative declaring the community’s
readiness for nuclear energy-related projects to be developed and sited there.
Communities may voluntarily apply to the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority for a
nuclear-ready community designation in the form and manner as the authority may require, and the authority
shall evaluate the application and award the designation based on the established criteria.
A new section of Subchapter 12 of KRS Chapter 154 is created to direct the Cabinet for Economic
Development to create and implement a financial assistance program for the development and location of
nuclear energy-related projects to support the entire nuclear energy ecosystem in the state, including utility
and private sector economic development activities. The cabinet, in consultation with the Kentucky Nuclear
Energy Development Authority, shall verify and process eligible financial assistance requests for nuclear
energy-related projects under the grant program.
The legislation additionally includes 3 noncodified sections:
The Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority shall conduct a study to identify the workforce
and educational needs to develop and support the nuclear ecosystem in Kentucky and submit the findings of
the study to the Governor and to the Legislative Research Commission on or before December 1, 2024.
The Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority shall contract for services to produce a site
suitability study to identify the best potential locations for nuclear reactors and other facilities related to the
nuclear ecosystem in the Commonwealth and submit the findings of the study to the Governor and to the
Legislative Research Commission on or before December 1, 2025.
The Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority shall contract for services to develop and
implement an education and marketing plan to educate the public on modern nuclear energy technology
and to provide information on the potential benefits of nuclear power generation and other applications of
nuclear energy technologies.
SJR 140
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
Sponsor: Senator Danny Carroll (R-Benton)
SJR 140 is a joint resolution directing the Public Service Commission to make all staffing,
organizational, and administrative preparations necessary to be ready to discharge its regulatory duties
relating to applications for the siting and construction of nuclear energy facilities in Kentucky, including
but not limited to: 1) conducting a survey of nuclear regulatory staff in other states to determine their pay,
experience, and qualifications so that the commission can make informed decisions on the recruitment and
hiring of its own nuclear regulatory staff; 2) contracting with personnel with expertise in nuclear regulatory
matters to be available immediately to assist with the administration of nuclear siting or construction
applications should they be filed with the commission; 3) providing for the training of existing commission
staff on nuclear siting and construction issues; 4) amending administrative regulations promulgated by
the commission to require that electric utilities consider the costs and benefits of all generation resources,
including but not limited to nuclear power generation resources, when determining how to meet future
demand as part of the triennial integrated resource plans that they are required to file with the commission;
and 5) reviewing, in consultation with experts in state nuclear regulatory matters, and amending, if necessary,
all other administrative regulations promulgated by the commission to ensure that they do not contain any
provisions that would impede the commission from effectively regulating nuclear facilities or obstruct the
development of nuclear resources in the state.
KLC UPDATE

14. PLANNING & ZONING
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HB 443
LAND USE
Sponsor: Representative Steven Rudy (R–Paducah)
HB 443 creates a new section of KRS Chapter 100 to require that local ordinances, rules, and
regulations governing subdivision plats and development plans be set in the form of objective standards
and applied ministerially, with exceptions.
Ordinances, rules, and regulations governing development plans may allow for discretion to be
applied by the approving authority in circumstances where: 1) an applicant seeks a deviation from the
established objective standards; or 2) the approving authority determines, based on substantial evidence,
that a strict ministerial application of the established objective standards would pose a specific threat to
public health, safety, or welfare in the affected area.
The Act takes effect on July 1, 2025.
House Floor Leader Steven Rudy smirks at
the camera as a House Committee approves
House Bill 443 before he can testify.
HB 581
RETAIL FILLING STATIONS
Sponsor: Representative Ken Upchurch (R–Monticello)
HB 581 creates a new section of KRS Chapter 100 to prohibit local governments from using the
zoning process or adopting or enforcing any measure that prohibits or limits the ability of a retail filling
station from locating in areas in which similar businesses that serve the public may locate, could be
reasonably construed to discriminate against the use or location of a retail filling station, or treats retail
filling stations differently than electric vehicle charging stations.
“Retail filling station” means any place accessible to general public vehicular traffic where gasoline
or special fuel is or may be placed into the fuel supply tank of a licensed motor vehicle. “Electric vehicle
charging station” means any place accessible to general public vehicular traffic where electric power may
be used to charge a battery or other storage device of a licensed electric vehicle.
Local governments are not prohibited from subjecting retail filling stations to restrictions similar
to those applicable to other businesses that: 1) provide siting requirements, including siting requirements
involving certain geographic areas; 2) do not effectively prohibit the operation of a retail filling station; and
3) are not preempted by state or federal law.
Rep. Ken Upchurch testifies before a local
government committee on House Bill 581.
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HB 11
15. PUBLIC HEALTH
NICOTINE PRODUCTS
Sponsor: Representative Rebecca Raymer (R–Morgantown)
HB 11 creates new sections of KRS 438.305 to 438.340 to regulate what types of vapor products
can be sold in Kentucky with the goal to curb youth vaping. The bill requires Kentucky businesses to
acknowledge when filing business-related documents with the Secretary of State’s office if the business
sells authorized vapor products at retail. The Secretary of State shall create a list of retailers that sell
authorized vapor products and provide the list to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the
Department of Revenue on a monthly basis.
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control regulates the sale of tobacco and vapor products
to determine if authorized tobacco and vapor products are sold. Based on information gathered by the
department, the department shall create and maintain a tobacco product noncompliance database and
reporting system to identify retailers that have violated provisions of HB 11 by selling an authorized vapor
or tobacco product to a minor or an unauthorized vapor product to anyone. A wholesaler shall not sell
authorized vapor products to a retailer until the wholesaler verifies that the retailer is not in the tobacco
product noncompliance database and reporting system.
A retailer that sells an authorized vapor or tobacco product to a minor shall be subject to a fine of
not less than $100 or more than $500 for the first citation issued; $1,000 for a second citation; and $5,000
for a third or subsequent citation. For a fourth or subsequent citation issued for a violation within a twoyear
period, a retailer shall lose the ability to lawfully sell vapor products for one year.
A retailer that sells an unauthorized vapor product to anyone shall be subject to a fine of $1,000 for
the first citation and $5,000 for a second or subsequent citation. For a third or subsequent citation issued
for a violation within a two-year period, a retailer shall lose the ability to lawfully sell vapor products for
one year.
A retailer in the tobacco noncompliance database and reporting system that sells vapor products
that are unauthorized vapor products shall be subject to a fine of $10,000 per unlawful transaction.
All certified peace officers with general law enforcement authority and investigators of the
Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control may issue a citation for a violation of the Act. A citation shall
not be issued to a minor, and a minor shall not be arrested in connection with a retailer’s violation of
the Act. All citations issued shall be reported to and enforced by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage
Control. Multiple violations found during one visit shall be reported on a single citation and considered to
be one violation for purposes of the penalties set forth in the Act.
The Act takes effect January 1, 2025.
HB 109
SWIMMING POOLS
Sponsor: Representative Kevin Jackson (R–Bowling Green)
HB 109, a KLC initiative, creates a new section of KRS Chapter 211 to require the Cabinet for Health
and Family Services to establish a system for classification of swimming pools into either Class A or Class
B. “Class A” means any pool or bathing facility intended for or used by the general public for recreational
use. “Class B” means any pool not open to the general public, but open to limited groups and their invited
guests, including but not limited to health or athletic clubs, country clubs, or residential communities.
Lifeguards shall be required at all Class A and Class B pools if the pool facility meets at least one
of the following criteria: 1) allows persons 17 years of age or younger to enter the pool facility enclosure
without a responsible adult 18 years or older; 2) contains features such as induced waves or slides that are
available for use; or 3) contains an entry into the pool available for use from a height above the deck from
a diving board, platform, climbing wall, or other similar feature. If a Class A or Class B pool meets any of
the criteria, it shall provide one lifeguard for each one to 100 bathers.
Lifeguards shall be required at all Class A pools that do not meet any of the criteria if the pool
facility has: 1) 2000 square feet or greater of water surface area in which case it shall provide one lifeguard
for each 2000 square feet or major fraction more than half thereof; or 2) 100 or more bathers, in which
case it shall provide one lifeguard for each 100 or more bathers.
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At a pool where the use is intended for aquatic events, swimming practice, or swimming
competition, the swimming coach or instructor that provides instruction during the program may count as
a lifeguard, provided the coach or instructor can supervise the entire group.
Notwithstanding classification of swimming pools into either Class A or Class B, the Cabinet for
Health and Family Services may allow Class A and Class B pools to submit an alternative lifeguard staffing
plan that has been certified by a third-party compliance specialist that is recognized by the Cabinet for
Health and Family Services.
All Class A and Class B pools shall be equipped with an emergency shut-off switch to disconnect
power to pool recirculation, chemical feed, and electrical devices engaged with the water circulation
system, which is located at a place quickly accessible to lifeguards and other pool staff, but secure from
the public.
Any pool located on the same plat as a single-family residence and not used in connection with a
home occupation or business shall be exempted from the provisions of the Act.
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services shall promulgate administrative regulations to
implement provisions of the Act.
An emergency is declared. HB 109 became law on April 9, 2024, when it became law without the
Governor’s signature.
HB 293
KRATOM
Sponsor: Representative Kimberly Moser (R–Taylor Mill)
HB 293 creates new sections of KRS Chapter 217 to establish the Department for Public Health
as the state agency responsible for regulating kratom. Kratom is defined to mean any part of the plant
Mitragyna speciosa.
A kratom processor or kratom retailor shall not distribute, dispense, sell, or make available for
sale any kratom extract or kratom product to an individual who is under 21 years-of-age or prepare,
manufacture, distribute, dispense, sell, or make available for sale any kratom extract or kratom product
that is adulterated with a dangerous nonkratom substance or contains a poisonous or otherwise harmful
nonkratom ingredient, including but not limited to any controlled substance.
House Health Services Chair
Kim Moser and Ashland Police
Chief Todd Kelley testify
before the House Health
Services Committee in favor of
House Bill 293.
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All kratom extracts and kratom products sold or otherwise distributed in the Commonwealth
shall be accompanied by a clear label that provides adequate information for safe and effective use by
consumers that includes but is not limited to: 1) a list of the ingredients used in the manufacturing of the
kratom extract or kratom product; 2) the amount of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine contained in
the kratom extract or kratom product; 3) the recommended serving size of the kratom extract or kratom
product; 4) the number of servings per container of the kratom extract or kratom product; 5) the name
and principle street address of the vendor or person responsible for distributing the kratom extract or
kratom product; 6) any precautionary statements as to the safety and effectiveness of the kratom extract
or kratom product; and 7) a disclaimer that the kratom extract or kratom product is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition or disease.
A kratom processor or kratom retailer who violates provisions of the Act or any administrative
regulation promulgated thereunder shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $500 for a first
offense and not more than $1,000 for a second or subsequent offense.
If at any time on or after the effective date of the Act, the federal government or any department
or agency thereof, including but not limited to the federal Drug Enforcement Agency or Food and Drug
Administration, regulates kratom, kratom extracts, kratom products, any other derivative of the plant
Mitragyna speciosa, kratom processors, or kratom retailers, those federal regulations shall supersede and
take precedence over any provision of the Act and any administrative regulation promulgated thereunder
to the contrary.
HB 583
ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCIES
Sponsor: Representative William Lawrence (R–Maysville)
HB 583, a KLC initiative, amends KRS 224.1-401 to correct an oversight in entities required to be
notified by the Energy and Environment Cabinet within seven (7) days of declaring an environmental
emergency that requires implementation of a contingency plan. In addition to other entities the cabinet is
required to notify during the declaration of emergency, the cabinet must additionally notify the mayor of
a city or chief executive officer of a consolidated local government serving a jurisdiction within which an
environmental emergency exists.
Rep. William Lawrence
testifies before the
House Natural Resources
Committee for passage of
House Bill 583.
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SB 71
MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATORS
Sponsor: Senator Phillip Wheeler (R–Pikeville)
SB 71 amends KRS 202A.011 and 202A.041 to address a hardship for police under current law that
requires a law enforcement officer to be present with an individual for a mental health evaluation until a
facility agrees to admit the individual.
KRS 202A.041 requires any peace officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that an individual
is mentally ill and presents a danger or threat of danger to self or others if not restrained to take the
individual into custody and transport the individual without unnecessary delay to a hospital or psychiatric
facility designated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for the purpose of an evaluation to be
conducted by a qualified mental health professional. Generally, the individual is held locally where a peace
officer must wait for completion of an evaluation that may not be readily available for completion by a
qualified mental health professional. If the individual is determined to present a danger or threat of danger
to self or others, the peace officer is required to transport the individual to a psychiatric hospital or other
facility for admission.
KRS 202A.041 is amended to no longer require a peace officer to take an individual believed to be
mentally ill who presents a danger or threat of danger to self or others into custody and transport them,
but to make it discretionary whether a police officer takes an individual into custody and transports them
to a hospital or psychiatric facility. The statute is additionally amended to permit an evaluation to be
completed by a contract mental health evaluator rather than by a qualified mental health professional.
KRS 202A.011 is amended to define a “contract mental health evaluator” to mean a qualified mental
health professional who is employed by or under contract with a community mental health center, crisis
stabilization unit, mental institution, or any other facility designated by the secretary of the cabinet to
provide mental health evaluations to determine whether an individual meets the criteria for involuntary
hospitalization.
KRS 202A.041 is additionally amended to require state compensation to be reduced by 5 percent
for every 10 minutes a peace officer is required to maintain custody of an individual for more than 3 hours
after requesting an evaluation by a contract mental health evaluator designated by the cabinet to conduct
evaluations prior to admission to a hospital or psychiatric facility.
Rep. Shane Baker speaks on
the House Floor in favor of
Senate Bill 71.
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16. RETIREMENT SYSTEMS
HB 99
KENTUCKY PUBLIC PENSIONS AUTHORITY
Sponsor: Representative DJ Johnson (R-Owensboro)
HB 99 amends various sections of KRS Chapters 16, 61, and 78 to make technical and housekeeping
changes relating to the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority’s administration of the systems governed by
the board of trustees of the Kentucky Retirement Systems and the County Employees Retirement System.
Rep. D.J. Johnson delivers his testimony seeking passage of House Bill 99.
KLC UPDATE

17. SCHOOL SAFETY
43
SB 2
STUDENT SAFETY
Sponsor: Senator Max Wise (R-Campbellsville)
SB 2 amends provisions of the School Safety and Resiliency Act passed in 2019 as SB 1 to further
strengthen security and mental health measures in schools. A new section of KRS Chapter 158 is created to
establish a framework for employment of guardians as a voluntary option for schools to address a shortage
of school resource officers. “Guardian” means an employee of a local board of education who is employed
for the purpose of providing school safety and security to students and staff on a school site. A person
providing services as a guardian may only include honorably discharged veterans, retired Kentucky state
troopers, retired special and sworn law enforcement officers, and former federal law enforcement officers.
A guardian certified by the Center for School Safety as having met all requirements of the Act is deemed to
be an authorized individual and may carry a weapon on school property.
Local boards of education may employ as many guardians as the board considers necessary for
the safety and security of its schools. Prior to hiring a guardian, the local board of education shall require
the applicant to provide certification from the Center for School Safety that he or she meets all of the
following minimum requirements: 1) is a citizen of the United States and the Commonwealth of Kentucky;
2) has received a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma; 3) is currently licensed under
KRS 237.110 to carry a concealed weapon; 4) has completed and passed background checks as required
pursuant to KRS 160.380(6)(a); 5) has not been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor under KRS
Chapter 510 (sexual offenses) or had any such offense expunged; 6) has passed a medical examination
to determine if he or she can perform the duties of a guardian; and 7) has passed a drug screening test
administered or approved by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council.
Additional minimum requirements:
The local board of education shall additionally require the applicant to provide certification from the
Center for School Safety that he or she has: 1) passed a background investigation, psychological screening,
and polygraph examination administered by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council to determine the
person’s suitability for the position of guardian; 2) passed the Active Shooter Response, Enhanced
Handgun Performance, and Patrol Rifle courses provided by the Department of Criminal Justice Training;
3) passed the marksmanship qualification requirement for a retired peace officer as specified in KRS
237.140; and 4) been honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States within the 5 years
immediately preceding an initial contract to be a guardian as evidenced by a Department of Defense form
DD 214, or is a retired Kentucky state trooper, retired special or sworn law enforcement officer, or former
federal law enforcement officer.
Each agency that previously employed a retired Kentucky state trooper, retired special law
enforcement officer, or sworn law enforcement officer shall provide to the retired individual proof of
prior employment in a prompt and efficient manner, without charge to the individual. An applicant may
additionally be required to meet any other requirements imposed by the local board of education which
may include, but are not limited to, a written preemployment examination.
A local board of education that employs a guardian shall collaborate with the local police
department, local sheriff, area post of the Department of Kentucky State Police, and the state school
security marshal in order to adopt policies regarding: 1) the job description of the guardian, including, but
not limited to, the scope of duties, responsibilities, and direct supervisor of the guardian; 2) the uniform to
be worn by the guardian that would best suit the needs of the schools while also allowing outside agencies
to easily identify guardians; 3) the procedures, processes, and chain of command to be used during an
emergency in which law enforcement agencies are called to the school; and 4) the type of firearm and
ammunition to be used by the guardian.
Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, a local board of education that has met all requirements
may employ one or more guardians to provide additional school safety and security measures within the
district. Participation by a local board of education in the use of a guardian is voluntary and subject to
the availability of local school district funds. The use of guardians shall not be used to replace a certified
school resource officer, but only to provide temporary safety and security resources until a certified school
resource officer is available.
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KRS 158.442 is amended to require the Center for School Safety to, if funds are available, employ an
individual whose job responsibilities include oversight of the guardian program, including but not limited
to: 1) providing certification to local boards of education that applicants for the position of guardian meet
all minimum requirements; and 2) creation of a model policy to be used by local boards of education when
adopting policies relating to collaboration with other law enforcement agencies.
KRS 158.4416 is amended to expand mental health measures to include integration of school
psychologists, social workers, community-based mental health services providers hired by school districts,
and school resource officers into existing trauma-informed teams within schools. The trauma-informed
team shall: 1) provide assistance to school personnel to enable them to support students whose learning,
behavior, and relationships have been impacted by trauma; 2) identify ways to recognize and respond to
mental health issues in all students; and 3) identify ways to build resiliency and wellness in all students.
The trauma-informed approach plan shall be reviewed and updated annually, incorporated into
the annual comprehensive district improvement plan required by 703 KAR 5:225, and submitted to the
Department of Education. The department shall annually provide a summary of the trauma-informed
approach strategies being used in districts to the board and the Legislative Research Commission for
referral to the Interim Joint Committee on Education.
KRS 58.4451 is amended to require the Office of Homeland Security to maintain and update the
anonymous reporting tool available in each school district that allows students, parents, and community
members to anonymously supply information concerning unsafe, potentially harmful, dangerous, violent,
or criminal activities, or the threat of these activities, to appropriate public safety agencies and school
officials.
A new section of KRS Chapter 158 is created to establish a School Mapping Data Program
administered by the Center for School Safety. “School mapping data” means mapping information
provided in an electronic or digital format to assist first responders in responding to emergencies at
schools. The School Mapping Data Program shall establish a single verified source of mapping data for
each participating school campus in the state that is standardized, accurate, and accessible to public
safety agencies to ensure efficient response to any emergency on a school campus.
The Center for School Safety shall provide the mapping data developed by the program to the state
security marshal, participating schools, participating districts, and local law enforcement and public safety
agencies for use in response to emergencies and for conducting required drills.
The data shall be compatible with software platforms used by local, county, state, and federal public
safety agencies that provide emergency services to the specific school for which the data is provided
without requiring the agencies to purchase additional software or requiring a fee to view or access the
data. The school mapping data shall be excluded from the application of KRS 61.870 to 61.884, Open
Records Act.
Senator Max Wise
(R-Campbellsville) discusses
bills brought to the Senate
Education Committee.
Photo courtesy of LRC.
KLC UPDATE

18. SUBSTANCE ABUSE
45
HB 462
RECOVERY RESIDENCES
Sponsor: Representative Steve Bratcher (R–Elizabethtown)
HB 462 amends and extends provisions of HB 248 passed by the General Assembly in 2023
regarding certification of recovery residences. KRS 222.502 is amended to extend the deadline requiring
unlicensed recovery residences to cease operation effective July 1, 2024. A recovery residence that
provides on-site clinical services or access to on-site clinical services operating without certification from
a certifying organization on June 30, 2024, shall be permitted to continue operating after July 1, 2024, but
shall be required to provide proof of certification by a certifying organization to the Cabinet for Health and
Family Services no later than December 31, 2024.
KRS 222.504 is amended to authorize the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and local
governments to impose civil fines on uncertified recovery residences. Any certified recovery residence or
other person operating a recovery residence who: 1) knowingly fails to submit any report, data, or other
information as may be required by the cabinet through the promulgation of an administrative regulation
or by a local government through the enactment of a local ordinance; 2) submits fraudulent reports, data,
or information; or 3) knowingly establishes, maintains, or operates an uncertified recovery residence in
violation of the Act may be subject to civil fines established by the cabinet through the promulgation of an
administrative regulation or by a local government through the enactment of a local ordinance.
KRS 222.506 is amended to provide limited exceptions to the requirement that a recovery residence
not directly provide on-site medical or clinical services. The provision of on-site medical or clinical services
by a licensed medical or behavioral health provider may be permitted if the recovery residence: 1) does not
receive payment from the licensed provider; 2) makes on-site clinical services available from an outside
service provider, but each resident may utilize the clinical service provider of his or her choosing; or 3)
is operated by or is a direct subsidiary of a licensed provider and the services are provided as part of a
continuum of care that can be shown by the recovery residence operator to include step-down facilities
with resident-driven length of stay.
SB 71
SUBSTANCE USE TREATMENT PROGRAMS
Sponsor: Senator Phillip Wheeler (R–Pikeville)
SB 71 creates new sections of KRS Chapter 222 regarding substance use treatment programs.
Any substance use treatment program that is authorized or regulated under KRS Chapter 222 or holds
a chemical dependency treatment services license under KRS 222.231 issued in accordance with KRS
216B.042, or a recovery residence as defined in KRS 222.500, must comply with procedures concerning
residents who wish to voluntarily leave the program. For any resident who wishes to voluntarily leave
the program, the facility must either: 1) obtain agreement from a family member, guardian, or emergency
contact of the resident to personally transport the resident within 24 hours; or 2) make transportation
services available.
Transportation services may include providing the resident access to: 1) a ride-sharing service and
purchase of a one-way service to a specific address in the resident’s hometown of record or to the city hall
in the resident’s hometown of record; 2) public transportation, including but not limited to transporting
the resident to the nearest commercial bus station and purchase of a ticket to the resident’s hometown
of record; or 3) other transportation to a safe place as determined by the facility to be therapeutically
appropriate. The described facilities and law enforcement officers shall transport residents voluntarily
leaving the facility only to public transportation locations, a location to meet the driver of a ride-sharing
service, or other safe place as determined by the facility to be therapeutically appropriate.
If a resident required by court order to attend a treatment facility leaves the facility prior to court
approval or prior to completing the conditions of the court order, the treatment facility shall notify the
court, Commonwealth’s or county attorney, local law enforcement, and the emergency contact or courtdesignated
worker of the resident’s exit if permitted by applicable state and federal patient privacy laws.
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A probation officer or peace officer, acting on information provided by a treatment facility who
observes the resident violate the terms of his or her probation, conditional discharge, or release, or violate
the terms of any court order may arrest the resident without a warrant and incarcerate the resident until
the judge who made the initial court order holds a hearing on the resident’s violation of the order.
SB 71 additionally outlines restrictions on substance use treatment programs regarding recruitment
of out-of-state residents. Any substance use treatment program that is authorized or regulated under KRS
Chapter 211 or holds a chemical dependency treatment services license under KRS 222.231 that was issued
in accordance with KRS 216B.042, or a recovery residence as defined in KRS 222.500, shall, to the extent
allowed by federal law, not: 1) knowingly recruit into their facility any out-of-state resident if the out-ofstate
resident is enrolled in Medicaid or with the purpose of enrolling the out-of-state resident in Medicaid
in this state; and 2) submit to the Department for Medicaid Services a recipient’s proof of Kentucky
residency when submitting an initial request for Medicaid reimbursement if the facility is aware that the
recipient resided in another state within the past month.
Any facility that knowingly violates the restrictions shall be fined $20,000 for each offense and not
less than $500 for each day an out-of-state resident received Medicaid services in Kentucky.
Sen. Phillip Wheeler delivers impassioned
testimony before the Senate. Photo
courtesy of LRC.
KLC UPDATE

19. TAXATION
47
HB 147
PROPERTY RATE TAX LEVIES
Sponsor: Representative Ken Fleming (R-Louisville)
HB 147 amends KRS 132.017 to define “next regular election” as it pertains to placing on the ballot
the question whether a local property tax rate shall be levied, to mean the regular election that occurs
immediately after all statutory requirements for levying a property tax rate have been met, regardless of
whether the election occurs in the same or a subsequent calendar year as the levy of the property tax rate.
SB 58
RECALL PETITIONS
Sponsor: Senator Gary Boswell (R-Owensboro)
SB 58 amends KRS 132.017 relating to requirements and procedures for filing a recall petition
proposing to contest a property tax levy by a local government which exceeds the compensating tax rate
of 4%. The bill makes the following changes to the recall petition process described in KRS 132.017:
• The number of registered voters within the area where the tax levy would be imposed required
to file an affidavit with the county clerk to protest the passage of the tax levy is reduced from
five to three.
• Each sheet of the petition is allowed to include the names of voters in any of the affected voting
precincts.
• The requirement for petition signees to put their social security number or the name and
number of their designated voting precinct on the petition is eliminated. A requirement to
include birth month and birth year is added.
HB 492
ANNEXATION INTO THIRD COUNTY
Sponsor: Representative Matt Lockett (R–Nicholasville)
HB 492 amends KRS 68.197 to require if a city annexes territory pursuant to KRS 81A.415, and both
the city and the county in which the territory annexed is contained levied a license fee prior to the time of
annexation: 1) the county license fee shall no longer apply in the area annexed by the city if the city license
fee is equal to or greater than the license fee rate imposed by the county at the time of the annexation; and
2) if the city license fee is less than the license fee imposed by the county at the time of the annexation,
only the portion of the county license fee that exceeds the city license fee rate shall remain in effect in the
annexed area.
If occupational license tax revenue from a territory that has been annexed by a city does not
continue to be the same amount as prior to annexation, the city shall annually pay an amount to the
county that guarantees that the county shall receive at least the same dollar amount of revenue that was
generated by the county license fee in the territory in the tax year immediately preceding the annexation.
After the tax year in which the annexation occurs, if the revenues generated by the city license fee
for the territory decrease below the amount of revenue generated by the county license fee at the time of
the annexation, then the revenue received by the county from the city shall be reduced proportionately.
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20. TRANSPORTATION
HB 7
AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES
Sponsor: Representative Josh Bray (R–Mount Vernon)
HB 7 creates new sections of KRS Chapter 186 to permit a person to operate a fully autonomous
vehicle on the highways of this state without a human driver provided that the automated driving system is
engaged and the vehicle meets the following conditions:
• If a failure of the automated driving system occurs that renders that system unable to perform
the entire dynamic driving task relevant to its intended operational design domain, the fully
autonomous vehicle will achieve a minimal risk condition;
• The fully autonomous vehicle is capable of operating in compliance with the applicable traffic
and motor vehicle safety laws and regulations of this state when reasonable to do so, unless an
exemption has been granted by the Transportation Cabinet; and
• When required by federal law, the vehicle bears the required manufacturer’s certification label
indicating that at the time of its manufacture it has been certified to be in compliance with all
applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards, including any exemptions granted by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
From the effective date of the Act until July 31, 2026, a fully autonomous vehicle for which the
declared gross weight of the vehicle and any towed unit is more than 62,000 pounds shall have a human
driver with the appropriate credentials to operate the vehicle present in the vehicle to monitor the
performance of the vehicle and intervene if necessary. Nothing prohibits or restricts a human driver from
operating a fully autonomous vehicle equipped with controls that allow for the human driver to control all
or part of the dynamic driving task.
A fully autonomous vehicle shall be properly titled and registered in accordance with KRS Chapters
186 and 186A. If a fully autonomous vehicle is titled and registered in this state, the vehicle shall be
identified on the title and registration as a fully autonomous vehicle. Unless otherwise provided in KRS
Chapter 186, KRS Chapter 189, or KRS Chapter 281, the Transportation Cabinet is the sole and exclusive
state agency that may implement provisions of the Act.
The provisions of HB 7 are intended to be a comprehensive scheme of legislation governing the
operational and performance standards of fully autonomous vehicles. No public agency shall prohibit
the operation of fully autonomous vehicles or automated driving systems or impose any rule, regulation,
or ordinance in conflict with the Act or that otherwise differentiates the treatment of fully autonomous
vehicles from non-autonomous vehicles.
Nothing shall be interpreted or construed to prohibit a city, county, consolidated local government,
or urban-county government from exercising the powers and authorities provided by law to govern
the public streets and roadways within their respective jurisdictions, provided that any action does not
impose additional requirements in conflict with the Act or otherwise differentiate the treatment of fully
autonomous vehicles from nonautonomous vehicles.
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SB 107
TOWING COMPANIES
Sponsor: Senator Jimmy Higdon (R–Lebanon)
SB 107 amends KRS 281.926 relating to rate sheets required to be maintained by towing companies.
In addition to maintaining a rate sheet at its place of business, a towing company must provide a current
rate sheet to the nearest Department of Kentucky State Police post and any law enforcement agency in its
service area.
If a towing company fails to comply with the requirement to provide a current rate sheet, the
Department of Kentucky State Police and any local law enforcement agency in the company’s service area
shall remove the towing company from its wrecker log for a period of 6 months for the first violation and
one year for any subsequent violation.
SB 215
EMISSION CONTROL
Sponsor: Senator Jared Carpenter (R–Berea)
SB 215 creates a new Subchapter 20 of KRS Chapter 224 to prohibit an agency, department, air
pollution control district, or political subdivision of the Commonwealth, including the Transportation
Cabinet, from adopting or enforcing standards relating to control of emissions from new motor vehicles
that are identical to the standards established by the State of California, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. sec. 7507 of
the Clean Air Act.
KLC Executive Director/CEO J.D. Chaney and Sen. Mike Wilson testify for passage of
Senate Bill 229 before the Senate State and Local Government Committee.
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21. UTILITIES
SB 229
MUNICIPAL UTILITIES
Sponsor: Senator Mike Wilson (R–Bowling Green)
SB 229, a KLC initiative, amends:
1) KRS 42.747 to replace the member serving on the Blockchain Technology Working Group
representing the Kentucky Municipal Utilities Association with a member representing municipal
utilities designated by the Kentucky League of Cities;
2) KRS 96.780 to increase the maximum amount a superintendent employed by an electric plant
board contracting with the Tennessee Valley Authority may spend on behalf of the board
without board approval from $20,000 to $40,000 as determined by the board; and
3) KRS 224A.030 to replace the member serving on the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority board
representing the Kentucky Municipal Utilities Association with a member representing a
municipal utility that provides water and wastewater services selected by the Governor from a
list of nominees submitted by the Kentucky League of Cities.
Rep. Josh Bray carries Senate Bill 229 on the
floor of the House.
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22. WATER & WASTEWATER
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HB 40
WATER AND WASTEWATER SYSTEMS
Sponsor: Representative Bobby McCool (R–Van Lear)
HB 40 creates a new section of Subchapter 10 of KRS Chapter 224 to establish a combined
Kentucky Board of Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators. The board shall recommend
qualified applicants to the Energy and Environment Cabinet for certification and perform other acts as
may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the Act. Members of the board shall be appointed by the
Governor. The board shall consist of 8 members with professional backgrounds as follows:
• One employee of a municipality who holds the position of either city manager, city engineer,
director of public works, or a similar position;
• One member who is a faculty member of a college, university, or professional school whose
major field is related to water treatment, water distribution, or wastewater treatment;
• One ex officio member representing the Energy and Environment Cabinet;
• One member who is an operator of an industrial wastewater system;
• Two members currently employed as operators holding valid water treatment or water
distribution certificates; and
• Two members currently employed as operators holding valid wastewater certificates.
After the expiration of the initial staggered appointments, board members shall serve terms of four
years. All initial appointments shall be made on or before August 1, 2024.
On or before December 31, 2024, the board, working in conjunction with the Drinking
Water Advisory Workgroup and the Clean Water Advisory Workgroup, shall submit to the cabinet
recommendations for the establishment of the following voluntary certification programs:
1) A voluntary shared services certification program for supervisors or certified operators working
in, or interested in working in, regionalized systems or plants that serve multiple communities. The
voluntary shared services certifications recommended under the Act shall be classified by the size, type,
and physical characteristics of the systems they supervise, in the same manner as operator certifications;
and
2) A program or strategy for recruiting applicants to work in the operation of systems or plants
who are not currently participating in any apprenticeships or certification programs administered by the
cabinet.
On or before August 1, 2024, copies of any records, files, or documents associated with the functions
of the Kentucky Board of Certification of Wastewater System Operators and the Kentucky Board of
Certification of Water Treatment and Distribution System Operators shall be transferred to the Kentucky
Board of Certification of Water and Wastewater System Operators.
HB 563
PUBLIC WATER AND WASTEWATER SYSTEMS
Sponsor: Representative Josh Bray (R–Mount Vernon)
HB 563 creates new sections of KRS Chapter 224A to establish the Kentucky Water and
Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems Program, or the “Kentucky
WWATERS Program,” to be administered by the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA) under the
direction of its board to provide for an orderly process for eligible public water or wastewater systems to
apply for loans for eligible projects and for those loan applications to be evaluated, scored, and presented
to the General Assembly for consideration for funding.
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“Public water or wastewater system” means any of the following that serve a community: 1) a water
district, water association, or joint water commission formed under KRS Chapter 74; 2) a sewer district or
sanitation district formed under KRS Chapter 67, 76, or 220; 3) a municipal water utility and water works,
sewer utility, sewage system or works, or combined electric and water plant formed under KRS Chapter 96;
and 4) any combination of the listed entities.
To participate in the Kentucky WWATERS Program, a loan applicant shall submit an application to
the KIA board, which shall include a corrective action plan detailing how the requested funds would be
used to address the performance deficiencies that made the applicant eligible for the funding. Funding
applications may be shared with third-party independent consultants, state agencies, or special purpose
governmental entities in reviewing the funding application. Once the application process is complete and
the funding application is ready for review, it shall be made available to the public.
Within 60 days of a funding application being deemed complete, the board shall make
determinations on the eligibility of the proposed project and the applicant and issue a project score for
the application. Within 14 days of issuing a project score, the board shall provide detailed feedback to all
funding applicants.
If a funding applicant is selected as an eligible funding recipient approved under the Kentucky
WWATERS Program, it shall comply with any reporting or other requirements deemed necessary by the
authority to verify that the awarded funding goes toward an eligible project and that the funding recipient
is making improvements on the performance criteria. The eligible funding recipient shall also comply with
any internal management and governance procedures that the authority may impose in order to correct
any performance deficiencies that gave rise to the need for the requested funds.
Two revolving funds are created to implement the legislation. The Kentucky water and wastewater
assistance for troubled or economically restrained systems fund is established in the State Treasury for
administration by the authority for providing funding for both capital and non-capital expenses for eligible
projects. Funding may be awarded in the form of grants, loans, no-interest loans, or forgivable loans as
proposed by the board and determined by the General Assembly.
A second fund known as the emergency Kentucky water and wastewater assistance for troubled
or economically restrained systems fund is also established in the State Treasury for administration by the
authority as a revolving fund dedicated to providing funding for both capital and non-capital expenses
relating solely to restoring or avoiding imminent interruption of utility service provided a public water or
wastewater system after a statewide state of emergency has been declared pursuant to KRS Chapter 39A
or a local state of emergency has been declared for the jurisdiction where the public water or wastewater
system is located pursuant to KRS Chapter 39B.
A new section of KRS Chapter 65 is created to provide when a public water or wastewater system
is sold, the acquiring utility shall have a forbearance period during which the acquiring utility shall: 1) not
be required to pay any of the acquired public water or wastewater system’s fines or penalties imposed
for violations by the Energy and Environment Cabinet or by the Public Service Commission, including any
fines and penalties imposed prior to the effective date of the Act; 2) make all necessary improvements to
the public water or wastewater system and its public works to correct past violations and bring the water
system, wastewater system, or both into compliance with state and federal law; and 3) be given priority for
any eligible financing from the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority to correct all deficiencies in the system
identified in state and federal violations.
After the forbearance period has expired, the cabinet and the commission shall either: 1) waive all
fines and penalties incurred prior to the commencement of the forbearance period if all of the deficiencies
giving rise to the fines and penalties have been resolved and: 1) the deficient public water or wastewater
system is placed under a management and operations agreement with all day-to-day management and
operations handled by a well-operated utility; or 2) the deficient public water or wastewater system is sold
to an acquiring utility.
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KRS 224A.316 is amended to provide a similar forbearance period to projects designed to correct
state or federal deficiencies of a public water or wastewater system that is being sold, but only during the
forbearance period granted to the acquired public water or wastewater system.
An emergency is declared. HB 563 became law on April 12, 2024, when delivered to the Secretary
of State.
SJR 149
PFAS MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Sponsor: Senator Brandon Smith (R-Hazard)
SJR 149 is a joint resolution directing the Energy and Environment Cabinet to provide guidance and
consultation on best management practices for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to
entities that discharge directly or indirectly into Kentucky’s waterways.
If requested by an entity discharging pursuant to a Kentucky Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (KPDES) permit or direct or indirect dischargers to a publicly owned treatment works, the Energy
and Environment Cabinet shall provide guidance to, and consult with, that entity regarding best practices
for the management of materials, including wastewater that contains PFAS.
The consultation and guidance shall include but not be limited to a discussion of: 1) options
available to meet applicable requirements imposed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency,
if any, that are in effect at the time of the consultation and guidance; 2) cost-benefit analysis of available
options; and 3) the availability of funding for the implementation of best practices.
Sen. Brandon Smith comments on
a bill before the Senate Natural
Resources Committee. Photo
courtesy LRC Public Information.
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23. WORKFORCE INSURANCE
HB 401
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION
Sponsor: Representative Michael Pollock (R–Campbellsville)
HB 401 amends KRS 342.0011 and KRS 342.033 to expand the definition of “physician” for purposes
of workers’ compensation proceedings in general and for giving testimony in a workers’ compensation
administrative hearing, currently defined to mean practitioners acting within the scope of their license
issued by the Commonwealth. The definition is expanded to include any physician acting within the scope
of his or her license issued by any state, district, or territory of the United States.
The amendment of KRS 342.033 additionally includes in the definition for purposes of workers’
compensation proceedings any retired physician previously authorized to practice in Kentucky who
surrendered his or her license while in good standing with their respective licensing board and is not
subject to an ongoing investigation for improper practices.
KRS 342.140 is amended to make changes to the way the average weekly wage of an injured
employee is determined for workers’ compensation benefit purposes. If the employee’s wages were paid
by the day, hour, or output of the employee and the employee received unemployment insurance benefits
pursuant to KRS Chapter 341 during the first, second, third, or fourth period of consecutive weeks in the
year immediately preceding the injury, unemployment insurance benefits received would be added to the
employee’s wages earned during the 13-week period and divided by 13, the result most favorable to the
employee.
SB 140
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS
Sponsor: Senator Phillip Wheeler (R–Pikeville)
SB 140 amends KRS 341.413 relating to unemployment insurance claims filed between January
27, 2020, and September 6, 2021. The Secretary of the Education and Labor Cabinet shall waive an
overpayment of benefits if he or she finds the overpayment was made without fault on the part of the
recipient and recovery would be contrary to equity and good conscience.
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