SB-018

Failed

Authorising the General Municipal Governance Act

Author: Harold Stratton

Chamber: Senate

Category: Finance

Type: Bill

Fiscal Impact: Significant

Introduced: May 7, 2026

Summary

An Act authorising the applicable statutory provisions of the Kentucky Revised Statutes with respect to general municipal governance; prescribing procedures, standards, and responsibilities; authorising the promulgation of administrative regulations; and providing for related matters.

Full Text
WHEREAS the General Assembly finds that existing statutory provisions governing general municipal governance are insufficient to address contemporary conditions;

WHEREAS the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this Commonwealth requires legislative action with respect to general municipal governance;

WHEREAS advances in prevailing industry practice require a corresponding adjustment to the statutory framework governing general municipal governance;

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY:

SECTION 1. Legislative Findings and Declarations of Policy.

The General Assembly hereby finds that the general municipal governance in the Commonwealth requires responsive and efficient statutory governance. It is the declared policy of this Commonwealth to ensure that the regulatory framework governing said general municipal governance is modern, equitable, and aligned with current best practices.

SECTION 2. Data Confidentiality.

The Agency shall, in consultation with the relevant Interim Joint Committee, undertake a comprehensive review of the programme established by this Act no later than four (4) years following its effective date and shall report findings and any recommended statutory modifications to the General Assembly.

SECTION 3. Administrative Authority and Delegation.

The Agency is hereby authorised and directed to promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A to implement the provisions of this Act, including but not limited to regulations establishing application procedures, eligibility criteria, and reporting requirements.
All state agencies and political subdivisions receiving funds appropriated pursuant to this Act are required to maintain adequate financial records, consistent with generally accepted governmental accounting standards, and shall provide access to such records upon written request by the Auditor of Public Accounts.

SECTION 4. Environmental Review.

Nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit, abridge, or otherwise affect the rights, privileges, or immunities of any person protected under the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

SECTION 5. Definitions.

"Secretary" means the Secretary of the relevant Cabinet as designated in the Executive Branch reorganisation order.
"Programme" means the scheme of activities, services, and financial assistance established by this Act and administered by the Agency.
"Governing Body" means the county fiscal court, the municipal legislative body, or such other local governmental entity vested with general legislative authority.

SECTION 6. Effective Date.

This Act shall take effect ninety (90) days following its enactment into law.

SECTION 7. Severability.

In the event any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or set of circumstances, is held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of this Act which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this Act are declared to be severable.
Legislative Proceedings
23 entries
Draft
Harold Stratton May 7, 11:06 AM

Mr. President / Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents and in fulfilment of my legislative duties, I introduce SB-018.

Philip Hartley May 7, 11:06 AM

I second the motion to introduce SB-018 and concur that it warrants the serious attention of this chamber.

Debate
The Clerk May 7, 11:06 AM

The Chair announces that SB-018 has been referred from initial introduction to open debate in accordance with the standing rules of this chamber.

Samuel Brooks May 7, 11:06 AM

My constituents have spoken clearly on this matter. SB-018 reflects the will of the people and this chamber should act accordingly, without delay.

Sylvia Richardson May 7, 11:06 AM

My constituents have spoken clearly on this matter. SB-018 reflects the will of the people and this chamber should act accordingly, without delay.

Committee
Samuel Brooks May 7, 11:06 AM

The committee received substantial testimony on SB-018 and, by a vote of the majority, reports it to the floor for consideration. A minority report has been filed and is available to all members.

Debate
Carolyn Bauer May 7, 11:06 AM

I yield back the remainder of my time and ask for a favourable vote on SB-018.

Floor Vote
Calvin Marsh May 9, 1:08 PM

Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.

Leonard Burke May 9, 1:08 PM

I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.

Lawrence Holt May 9, 1:08 PM

Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.

Howard Cresswell May 9, 1:08 PM

Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.

Arthur Westbrook May 9, 1:08 PM

I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.

Orville Combs May 9, 1:08 PM

I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.

Carolyn Bauer May 9, 1:08 PM

Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.

Denise Caldwell May 9, 1:08 PM

I vote yea and record my support for the advancement of sound public policy.

Gerald Fontaine May 9, 1:08 PM

I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.

Sylvia Richardson May 9, 1:08 PM

Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.

William Hardin May 9, 1:08 PM

Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.

Robert Campbell May 9, 1:08 PM

Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.

Thomas Ashford May 9, 1:08 PM

I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.

Henry Blackwood May 9, 1:08 PM

I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.

David Okafor May 9, 1:08 PM

I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.

Failed
The Clerk May 10, 11:08 AM

It is the determination of the Chair that SB-018 has failed of passage. The Clerk shall note the final vote in the journal.

Bill Progress
  • Draft
  • Debate
  • Committee
  • Floor Vote
  • Other Chamber
  • Governor
  • Enacted
This bill failed to pass.
Statistics
Total Votes Cast 38
Co-Sponsors 0
Last Updated May 10
Authored By
H
Harold Stratton
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