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

January 20, 2022
House passes budget bills with big wins for counties
The House passed the Executive Branch budget this afternoon with bipartisan support, 85-8.
January 14, 2022
Second week of legislative session focused on West KY tornado relief
Tornado relief, jail support and the budget were hot topics this week in the General Assembly.
January 14, 2022
Treasury releases final guidance for spending ARPA funds
The final rule allows much more flexibility for counties using their ARPA funds.
January 13, 2022
Governor Beshear presents budget, includes significant funding for counties
Gov. Andy Beshear released his 2022-2024 budget tonight, Jan. 13.
January 13, 2022
Supreme Court blocks enforcement of Biden’s COVID vaccine and testing mandate
The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked enforcement of Pres. Biden’s vaccine and testing mandate for employers with more than 100 employees, including Kentucky counties.
January 13, 2022
Governor signs tornado relief bill into law
Governor Beshear signed HB 5 into law this afternoon, which allocates $200 million to assist communities impacted by the Western Kentucky tornadoes.
January 11, 2022
House Committee passes West Kentucky tornado relief package
Legislation passed the House Appropriations and Revenue committee Monday afternoon in response to the tornadoes that ravaged western Kentucky in December. A floor vote is expected this afternoon.
January 08, 2022
House releases budget package with positive news for counties
The budget package was released yesterday, earlier than anticipated.