May 3, 2024

2024 Legislative Wrap-up

A 60-day legislative session requires a lot of stamina, patience and focus to keep up with the fluid work of the General Assembly. From bill filings to floor votes, there is a lot of activity to track.

Summaries of the budget and legislation significant to counties, such as medical cannabis, annexation and public safety are included in the KACo 2024 Legislative Wrap-up. 

Unless otherwise noted, all bills passed become law 90 days after the end of the legislative session. This year, that date is July 15.

KACo deeply appreciates the sustained commitment of county officials, advocacy partners and other stakeholders to meet with legislators and share important perspectives from the frontlines of county government. Thank you!

Opioid settlement update: $85 million released to state, counties and cities

Payments from five companies participating in the national opioid settlement were deposited into local government accounts this week. According to settlement administrator BrownGreer, participating counties and city governments can expect to see funds from Allergan, CVS, Teva, Walgreens and Walmart in their National Opioid Settlement online portal.

These latest payments total roughly $37 million for Kentucky counties and cities. An additional $42.7 million was distributed to the state. Click below for more information about the opioid settlement funds and a breakdown of specific payments to your county.

Registration deadline for 2024 salt auction is May 15

In a reverse auction, sellers place bids for the amount they are willing to be paid for their goods or services, and at the end of the auction, the seller bidding the lowest dollar amount wins.

This year, KACo's salt auction will be held June 12 and 13. The deadline to register for participation is May 15.

Medical Cannabis Member Poll

What action does your county plan to take when in comes to medical cannabis businesses? Prohibit? Allow? Put it to a vote? Let us know below. Join us for a member briefing on May 8 at 2 p.m. EDT. Register for the virtual briefing here.

Webster County selected for EPA pilot program

Webster County has extensive abandoned mine land and is still feeling the economic effects of its last mine closure in 2019.



A new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program will provide technical assistance as the community identifies and leverages resources for developing new economic opportunities.

“Our community has taken several strides toward revitalization and through the Energy Communities Pilot, we’re hoping to take steps toward giving current residents and future generations reason to stay in Webster County and have choices for a thriving economic future,” said Steve Henry, Webster County Judge/Executive.

Upcoming Training Opportunties

See all training opportunities here

This week in pictures

Members of KACo's communications team attended the Kentucky Association of Government Communicators (KAGC) Spring Conference in Warren County at the National Corvette Museum. Thanks to Warren County Judge/Executive Doug Gorman for welcoming the group and kicking off the event. KACo's Brenna Angel is president of KAGC.

Kentucky coroners wrapped up a great three-day conference in Louisville with more than 150 coroners and coroner personnel in attendance. Rowan County Coroner John Northcutt poses here with deputy coroners Alex Hill and Jarrod Caudill.

Lincoln County Coroner Farris Marcum reads a personality profile during an exercise at the conference. Trainings focused on anticipating survivor reactions, investigating deaths of younger people, de-escalating situations, communications and more.

Multiple awards were handed out, including those completing Master and Advanced Coroner certifications. Coroners Association President Doug Bowling, of Laurel County, presented those awards. Here, he awards Boone County Coroner Missy Rittinger with a Master Coroner presentation.

Mercer County Clerk Chris Horn practices hands-only CPR earlier this week during an onsite training.

Franklin County Judge/Executive Michael Mueller swears in newly appointed District 4 Magistrate Mike Harrod. He takes over for Scotty Tracy, who resigned to accept a position with the Public Protection Cabinet. 

Counties are derby ready this week. Here, Shelby County officials show their Kentucky Oaks spirit.

The Butler County Clerk's Office held a derby hat contest this week. 

Hopkins County Judge/Executive Jack Whitfield is all decked out at the Oaks.  

The annual KACo Listening Tour started this week with a meeting of county officials from counties in the Bluegrass region. KACo's Jim Henderson spoke with Estill County Judge/Executive Donnie Watson.

Franklin County PVA Wil Rhodes talks with Fayette County PVA David O'Neill during a KACo listening session. 

Woodford County Magistrate Mary Ann Gill and Bourbon County Judge/Executive Mike Williams attended this week's listening session. Among the topics of discussion were legislative priorities and recruiting/retaining county government employees.