Two KLC-supported measures advanced from committee this week, and a third passed from the House chamber. House Bill 567 and Senate Bill 192 continue progressing through the legislative process, while House Bill 589 now heads to the Senate following unanimous House passage. 

Strengthening Open Records Residency Requirement 
HB 567, sponsored by Representative Patrick Flannery (R-Olive Hill), advanced from the House Standing Committee on State Government with favorable expression. This bill addresses a growing concern under Kentucky’s Open Records Act. 

Current law limits open records requests to residents of the Commonwealth, with certain exceptions for media and public agencies. However, there is no requirement that a requester provide proof of residency. As a result, local governments and law enforcement agencies are increasingly receiving high volumes of requests from artificial intelligence, automated systems, or out-of-state entities claiming Kentucky residency without verification. 

HB 567 clarifies that public agencies may require a showing of reasonable proof of Kentucky residency when processing open records requests. The bill intends to preserve transparency while providing agencies with a practical tool to manage workload and ensure compliance with existing statutory intent. Read the full bill text here. 

Rehiring of Retired Firefighters 
HB 589, sponsored by Representative Stephanie Dietz (R-Edgewood), passed the House unanimously and now heads to the Senate for consideration. The bill addresses staffing challenges facing municipal fire departments across the Commonwealth. 

Current law allows cities to rehire retired police officers under structured conditions, but does not extend that same flexibility to firefighters. HB 589 creates clear statutory authority for cities to rehire retired firefighters who meet strict eligibility requirements, including minimum service credit thresholds, required separation periods, and no pending administrative charges. 

Employment is limited to one-year renewable contracts, with compensation aligned to the department’s standard pay scale, ensuring the program supplements existing staffing while maintaining fiscal and operational safeguards. Read the full bill text here. 

Modernizing Municipal Audit Requirements 
SB 192, sponsored by Senator Amanda Bledsoe (R-Lexington), advanced from the Senate Standing Committee on State & Local Government on Wednesday.   

Senate Bill 192 represents the work of the Kentucky League of Cities, the Kentucky Society of CPAs, and the APA on long-overdue legislation to assist our small to mid-sized city governments in completing annual audits.   

 The legislation permits city governments to have audit procedures performed under an agreed-upon procedures engagement with a Certified Public Accountant or the Auditor’s office under certain circumstances. This would apply only if the city receives and expends from all sources less than $15 million, has not been subject to a special examination in the previous fiscal year or the year to be audited, and is not required by another state or federal law to perform an audit more stringently. 

SB 192 reflects a thoughtful, collaborative approach that maintains strong financial oversight while giving smaller cities the flexibility they need to meet audit requirements efficiently and responsibly. 

Read the full bill text here.