Rep. Michael Meredith (R-Edmonson) has filed House Bill 557, a comprehensive proposal to address the growing financial strain county jails place on local governments.
HB 557 is KACo’s top legislative priority of the 2026 session. The bill would reshape the shared responsibility of county jails by incentivizing regional jails, clarifying responsibility for pre-trial felony detainees, and redefining the state inmate housing model.
With the bill now introduced, county officials have an important opportunity to help move it forward. Lawmakers consistently say that hearing directly from local leaders is one of the most influential factors in understanding the impact of legislation.
Several counties have already contacted their House members to request co-sponsorship. Co-sponsors help build momentum and signal broad statewide support.
County officials can support HB 557 by:
- Sharing local data and budget impacts.
- Asking your House member to co-sponsor the bill.
- Staying engaged as the bill moves through the General Assembly.
To learn more and access outreach tools, click here.
