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 09, 2021
Lawmakers send six priority bills to Governor in first week of 2021 session
On a rare Saturday work day, legislators finalized bills limiting a Governor’s authority, allowing entities to remain open during the current or future state of emergency, and more.
January 08, 2021
2021 Regular Session: Legislative Update Week 1
Known as the short session, the legislature has up to 30 working days before the constitutional deadline of March 30 to complete its work.
January 08, 2021
Governor’s 2021 budget address highlights broadband, COVID and unemployment relief
Last night, Governor Beshear provided his 2021 State of the Commonwealth Budget Address virtually.
January 05, 2021
2021 legislative session kicks off
Today, legislators from across Kentucky reconvened to kick off the first day of the 30-day 2021 legislative session.
December 22, 2020
Additional COVID-19 relief bill headed to President Trump’s desk
After months of negotiation, Congress passed a nearly $900 billion coronavirus relief bill Monday, Dec. 21.
December 21, 2020
Many ways to stay connected to General Assembly action
Lawmakers’ 2021 session begins Jan. 5
December 18, 2020
Legislators, governor provide a look at the 2021 Session
The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce held its annual Legislative Preview Day Wednesday. Legislative leaders and governors discussed their perspectives on the upcoming session.
December 10, 2020
New leadership and committee chairs announced for 2021 legislative session
Senate Republican leadership remains the same, with Democrats electing Reggie Thomas as Caucus Chair. The lone change in House Republican leadership is Steven Rudy, who was chosen by his peers as Floor Leader. House Democrats re-elected their current leadership team.