Legislators passed a record number of KLC initiatives during the 2022 Regular Session, and many of those bills take effect today. Measures that impact cities focus on issues such as improving recruitment and retention of quality public safety personnel, protecting city streets from overweight vehicles, and modifying open meeting requirements.
According to the Kentucky Constitution, new laws take effect 90 days after the adjournment of the legislature unless the bills have special effective dates, are general appropriation measures, or include emergency clauses to take effect immediately. Final adjournment of the 2022 session occurred April 14, which makes July 14 the effective date for most bills.
KLC initiatives that take effect today include:
House Bill 307 – Rep. Bart Rowland (R-Tompkinsville) sponsored the KLC initiative that updates investment guidelines for liability and workers’ compensation self-insurance groups and gives insurance pools options to diversify risk and enhance yields while protecting assets.
House Bill 335 – Rep. Adam Bowling (R-Middlesboro) sponsored the measure that ensures the governor appoints members to the Advisory Council for Recovery Ready Communities and Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC) from a list submitted by the organization the nominee is representing.
House Bill 351 – Rep. Deanna Frazier Gordon (R-Richmond) sponsored the measure that provides options for local governments that are required to provide a state agency records that were lost, damaged, or destroyed.
House Bill 399 – Rep. Josh Branscum (R-Russell Springs) sponsored the KLC initiative that increases to $150,000 the limit a city with no long-term debt must collect or spend to permit an annual audit exemption. The measure also allows cities that receive Local Government Economic Assistance Fund grants and municipal road aid to receive public comments at a regular meeting instead of requiring they hold a special hearing.
House Bill 414 – Rep. John Blanton (R-Salyersville) sponsored the measure to help cities recruit and retain quality police offices. The bill addresses several issues including adjusting the number of retired officers a department can rehire without paying required pension benefits, removing the maximum age for new hires, and allowing scheduling flexibility.
House Bill 453 – Rep. Jonathan Dixon (R-Corydon) sponsored the KLC initiative that provides local governments with the same protections already in statute for the state when selecting a successful bidder for contracts. The bill also codifies video teleconferencing practices public agencies have followed during the COVID-19 pandemic and allows a city legislative body to hold a closed session up to twice a year for a city manager’s performance evaluation.
House Bill 536 – Rep. Scott Sharp (R-Ashland) sponsored the measure that ensures the City of Ashland has the same alcohol regulatory options as other cities. The legislation also allows caterers in wet areas to serve alcohol at events in a moist territory if at least 10% of the caterer’s receipts come from food sales.
House Bill 565 – Rep. Kimberly Moser (R-Taylor Mill) sponsored the bill that requires the Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) to promulgate administrative regulations by Sept. 1 to offer some basic training and annual in-service courses online. The bill also ensures veterans do not lose their GI education benefits.
House Bill 607 – Rep. Adam Koenig (R-Erlanger) filed the bill that includes KLC initiative language clarifying that racetrack extensions must pay local occupational license fees.
House Bill 777 – Rep. Ken Fleming (R-Louisville) sponsored the KLC initiative that addresses emergency medical services (EMS) issues, which includes the need for a city or county to operate an emergency ambulance transport service without a certificate of need (CON).
Senate Bill 64 – Sen. Mike Wilson (R-Bowling Green) sponsored the KLC initiative that provides confidentiality protections for local first responder peer counseling groups. The measure also creates the Task Force for Public Safety Peer Support Best Practices to develop recommendations.
Senate Bill 106 – Sen. Robby Mills (R-Henderson) sponsored the measure that offers an administrative solution for inactive cities. The bill creates a process by which the Department for Local Government can dissolve cities with no elected officials that do not collect funds.
Senate Bill 112 – Sen. Wil Schroder (R-Wilder) sponsored the KLC initiative that removes redundant filings with the secretary of state when cities amend interlocal agreements solely to add or remove parties.
Senate Bill 124 – Sen. Phillip Wheeler (R-Pikeville) sponsored the measure that includes language from Sen. Mike Nemes (R-Shepherdsville) to help protect city streets from overweight vehicles.
Senate Bill 152 – Sen. Stephen West (R-Paris) sponsored the measure to help local government officials transition their solid waste management services to a private company.
Senate Bill 176 – Sen. Whitney Westerfield (R-Crofton) sponsored the bill that addresses facial recognition technology and its uses by law enforcement in Kentucky.
Senate Bill 209 – Sen. Mike Nemes (R-Shepherdsville) sponsored the measure that includes language to help local governments retain experienced employees including first responders. Rep. Kevin Bratcher (R-Louisville) added language that allows hazardous and nonhazardous duty retirees who choose to work beyond retirement to earn enhanced health benefits.
Many other new laws will influence municipal governments and focus on issues such as retirements, economic development, and local government administration. The 2022 Legislative Update includes an in-depth analysis of all legislation passed this year that impacts cities. Click here to read or download a copy.
