Kentucky Association of Counties

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Kentucky Association of Counties

The County Voice



KACo has a strong voice representing Kentucky counties at the state and federal levels. We work to promote counties first, preserve county decision making and protect counties from cost shifting and preemption of authority.



KACo Advocacy Team


Jim Henderson
Executive Director/CEO

Shellie Hampton
Director of Government Affairs

Kayla Carter Smith
Policy Analyst

2026 Legislative Priority: Reshaping the Shared Responsibility of County Jails

Kentucky county jails are at a crisis point, with fiscal court subsidies rising more than 76% in six years and counties forced to raise taxes or cut essential services just to keep their facilities operating.

KACo has published a one-page document with key points of HB 557, our comprehensive jails proposal.


Know Your Legislator

Find listings for Kentucky's legislators by chamber including a short biography, committee assignments and contact information for both their Capitol office and home district.

We encourage members to meet with legislators in their district prior to the start of the legislative session to update them on issues important to counties and how those issues will affect their district in particular. During the session, stay engaged and visit legislators in Frankfort as bills make their way through the legislative process.


Legislative News

February 16, 2022
Bill to establish training requirements for deputy jailers discussed in committee today
HB 439, which would streamline basic training and continuing education requirements for deputy jailers, was brought forth for discussion in committee today.
February 11, 2022
Sixth week of the legislative session wraps up, 2022 County Officials Legislative Reception a success
As we approach the halfway mark of the legislative session, bills are moving through committee hearings.
February 09, 2022
Feb. 9, 2022 designated County Government Day
Governor Andy Beshear issued a proclamation this week designating Feb. 9, 2022 as County Government Day.
February 04, 2022
County priority bills filed during fifth week of legislative session
County priority bills were filed this week to allow counties to levy restaurant taxes and lift restrictions on occupational license fees.
January 28, 2022
Fourth week of legislative session wraps up
Savings for county jails and fiscal court reapportionment legislation moves forward.
January 25, 2022
Representative Imes presented 2021 County Advocate Award
Rep. Mary Beth Imes has been presented a 2021 County Advocate award by the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo).
January 21, 2022
Third week of legislative session focused on budgets
The House passes a budget, the legislature overrides governor's vetoes and Democrats file a lawsuit to stop implementation of redistricting maps.
January 21, 2022
Representative Hatton presented County Advocate award
Rep. Angie Hatton has been presented a 2021 County Advocate award by the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo).