SB-023
FailedRequiring the General Municipal Governance Act
Type: Bill
Fiscal Impact: Minimal
Introduced: May 10, 2026
Summary
An Act requiring 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 it is the solemn constitutional duty of this General Assembly to attend to the governance of 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. 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 3. Intergovernmental Cooperation.
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.
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 4. Revenue Allocation.
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any funds appropriated pursuant to this Act shall remain available for expenditure until the conclusion of the fiscal biennium in which they were appropriated, subject to the standard allotment and encumbrance procedures of the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
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 5. Definitions.
"Agency" means any executive branch department, office, board, bureau, commission, or other instrumentality of the Commonwealth.
"Governing Body" means the county fiscal court, the municipal legislative body, or such other local governmental entity vested with general legislative authority.
"Secretary" means the Secretary of the relevant Cabinet as designated in the Executive Branch reorganisation order.
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
27 entriesPursuant to the rules of this chamber, I introduce for the consideration of my distinguished colleagues SB-023.
I second the motion to introduce SB-023 and concur that it warrants the serious attention of this chamber.
The Chair announces that SB-023 has been referred from initial introduction to open debate in accordance with the standing rules of this chamber.
The relevant committee has undertaken a thorough review of SB-023. I am satisfied that the bill is technically sound, fiscally responsible, and constitutionally defensible.
This is not a partisan matter. SB-023 represents a commonsense solution that enjoys broad bipartisan support and will advance the public interest.
The standing committee has reviewed SB-023 and, following deliberation, reports it favourably to the full chamber with the following amendments: technical corrections to Section 2 and clarification of the definition provision in Section 1.
Before we proceed to the vote, I urge all members to reflect carefully on the implications of SB-023 for our constituents. The record speaks for itself.
I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.
Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.
Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.
Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.
I cast my vote in the negative, consistent with my responsibility to ensure the fiscal integrity of this Commonwealth.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.
I cast my vote in the affirmative, consistent with the wishes of my constituents and my own studied review of this measure.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
Nay. I look forward to working with the sponsor on an amended version in a future session.
I vote nay and respectfully express my concern that further deliberation is warranted.
Nay. The measure as drafted requires revision before it can command my support.
Yea. I commend the sponsoring member for bringing this matter before the chamber.
Yea. This legislation serves the public interest and merits the affirmative vote of this chamber.
It is the determination of the Chair that SB-023 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