Two legislative initiatives supported by the KLC Board of Directors as priorities for the 2026 session have advanced out of committees and will continue moving through the legislative process. 

Local Regulation of Massage Establishments 
Senate Bill 132 has passed the Senate and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Sponsored by Shelley Funke Frommeyer (R-Alexandria), SB 132 is a KLC initiative designed to clarify and restore local governments’ ability to regulate massage therapy establishments in order to better combat illegal activity, including human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Modernizing Utility Franchise Timelines 
House Bill 313, an initiative related to utility franchise agreement timelines, also passed unanimously through the House Standing Committee on Natural Resources & Energy. KLC accompanied bill sponsor Representative Ryan Bivens (R-Hodgenville) to the table in support of this measure. Rep. Bivens testified that HB 313 seeks to modernize an outdated statutory timeline by reducing the notice timeline cities must follow when renewing or re-selling utility franchise agreements from eighteen months to six months. This change allows cities to negotiate franchise agreements closer to their expiration when market conditions, utility performance, and community needs are clearer. 
 
HB 313 does not alter the franchise process itself, and existing franchise agreements remain in place under their current terms. Instead, the bill reduces administrative burden and provides cities with greater flexibility to make informed, responsible decisions regarding public assets. Read the bill text here.