WHEREAS the applicable provisions of the Kentucky Revised Statutes relating to county revenue distribution have not been substantively revised within the preceding statutory review cycle;

WHEREAS the Commonwealth of Kentucky has a compelling interest in the orderly administration of county revenue distribution;

WHEREAS the Joint Appropriations Committee has received and reviewed testimony demonstrating the necessity of clarifying county revenue distribution;

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 county revenue distribution 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 county revenue distribution is modern, equitable, and aligned with current best practices.

SECTION 2. Penalties for Noncompliance.

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 3. Rulemaking Authority.

To the extent practicable and consistent with applicable civil rights laws, the Agency shall endeavour to ensure that the benefits and services authorised under this Act are administered in an equitable and nondiscriminatory manner across all regions and demographic groups within the Commonwealth.

SECTION 4. Definitions.

"Qualified Entity" means any person or organisation that meets the eligibility criteria established pursuant to Section 3 of this Act.
"Programme" means the scheme of activities, services, and financial assistance established by this Act and administered by the Agency.
"Permit" means any licence, certificate, registration, approval, or other authorisation issued pursuant to this Act or the administrative regulations promulgated thereunder.
"Fiscal Year" means the twelve-month period commencing on July 1 of each calendar year and terminating on June 30 of the succeeding calendar year.

SECTION 5. Effective Date.

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

SECTION 6. 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.