As lawmakers prepare for the 2026 Regular Session, leadership in both chambers of the General Assembly has announced the formation of five formal legislative task forces. These groups will meet throughout the 2025 Interim to examine critical policy issues and develop recommendations for future legislation. The Kentucky League of Cities will closely monitor each task force and keep city officials informed about developments that may affect local government operations and services. View the 2025 Interim Calendar here.
The 2025 Interim Task Forces and membership are as follows:
• Air Mobility and Aviation Economic Development Task Force
Created
by Senate Joint Resolution 66, this task force will examine policies and
opportunities to support Kentucky’s aerospace and air mobility industry. Focus
areas include airport development and economic growth tied to advanced aviation
technologies.
Co-Chairs:
Representative Stephanie Dietz (R-Edgewood) and Senator
Brandon Storm (R-London)
Members: Representative John Hodgson (R-Fisherville),
Representative Michael Meredith (R-Oakland), Representative Rachel Roarx (D-Louisville),
Representative Aaron Thompson (R-Russell), Senator Brandon Smith (R-Hazard),
Senator Stephen Meredith (R-Leitchfield), Senator Matt Nunn (R-Sadieville), and Senate Minority Whip David Yates (D-Louisville)
• Artificial Intelligence Task Force
Reauthorized
for the 2025 Interim, this task force will continue examining the use and
impact of artificial intelligence across Kentucky. Building on its role in the
passage of Senate Bill 4 from the 2025 Rregular Ssession, the task force will focus on
innovation, cybersecurity, workforce development, and responsible governance
frameworks.
Co-Chairs:
Representative Josh Bray (R-Mount Vernon) and Senator
Amanda Mays Bledsoe (R-Lexington)
Members: Representative Tina Bojanowski (DR-Louisville),
Representative Derek Lewis (R-London), House Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne
Miles (R-Owensboro), Representative J.T. Payne (R-Henderson), Senator Gex
Williams (R-Verona), Senator Michael Nemes (R-Shepherdsville), Senator Steve
Rawlings (R-Burlington), and Senator
Cassie Chambers Armstrong (D-Louisville)
• Disaster Prevention and Resiliency Task Force
Formed
through Senate Concurrent Resolution 67 and House Concurrent Resolution 78,
this task force will examine Kentucky’s approach to natural disaster
preparedness, emergency response, and long-term recovery. Topics include
temporary housing, infrastructure resiliency, and how to improve support for
communities impacted by floods, tornadoes, and other disasters.
Co-Chairs:
Representative Chris Freeland (R-Benton) and Senator
Robin Webb (D-Grayson)
Members: Representative John Blanton (R-Salyersville),
Representative Mark Hart (R-Falmouth), Representative Ashley Tackett Laferty (D-Martin),
Representative Mitch Whitaker (R-Fleming-Neon), Senator Scott Madon (R-Pineville),
Senator Aaron Reed (R-Shelbyville), Senator Jason Howell (R-Murray), and Senator
Keturah Herron (D-Louisville)
• Kentucky Housing Task Force
Re-established
for the 2025 Interim, this task force will continue to address housing
shortages and expand access to affordable, quality housing across Kentucky. The
group will examine housing costs, population shifts, zoning and infrastructure
issues, and other barriers to development. Recommendations from this task force
previously helped shape Senate Bill 129 and House Bills 160 and 321 during the
2025 Regular Session.
Co-Chairs:
Representative Susan Witten (R-Louisville) and Senate
Majority Caucus Chair Robby Mills (R-Henderson)
Members: Representative Mike Clines (R-Alexandria),
Representative Kim Holloway (R-Mayfield), Representative Shawn McPherson (R-Scottsville),
Representative Joshua Watkins (D-Louisville), Senator Jared Carpenter (R-Berea),
Senator Jimmy Higdon (R-Lebanon), Senator Julie Raque Adams (R-Louisville), and Senate
Minority Floor Leader Gerald Neal (D-Louisville)
• Make America Healthy Again (“MAHA”) Kentucky Task Force
This
task force will explore public health policy and develop solutions to improve
health outcomes across the commonwealth. Members will evaluate issues like
chronic disease, access to care, nutrition, and wellness education. The group
will also study successful public health models from other states and consider
how to incorporate those practices into Kentucky’s health systems.
Co-Chairs:
Representative Matt Lockett (R-Nicholasville) and Senator
Shelley Funke-Frommeyer (R-Alexandria)
Members: Representative Emily Callaway (R-Louisville),
Representative Robert Duvall (R-Bowling Green), Representative Adam Moore (D-Lexington),
Representative Marianne Proctor (R-Union), Senator Donald Douglas (R-Nicholasville),
Senator Craig Richardson (R-Hopkinsville), Senator Phillip Wheeler (R-Pikeville),
and
Senate Minority Caucus Chair Reginald Thomas (D-Lexington)
The work of these task forces will lay the groundwork for major policy conversations in the 2026 Regular Session. As always, the Kentucky League of Cities will monitor developments, engage with lawmakers, and advocate for the interests of cities this interim.
Visit klc.org/CityNews to stay current on task force meetings, interim joint meetings, and legislative updates.