Two KLC Initiatives Pass Committee

Two bills addressing issues voted by the KLC Board of Directors as legislative priorities for 2026 passed through committees today, January 28, 2026, with favorable reports and will move forward in the legislative process to become law.

City Official Training
Senate Bill 20 passed unanimously in the Senate Committee on State and Local Government. KLC went to the table with sponsor Senator Scott Madon (R-Pineville) to present SB 20, a KLC initiative intended to encourage city officials to obtain training related to their roles and responsibilities. This measure amends the statute as it relates to voluntary city training incentive programs to eliminate minimum and maximum incentives, thereby avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach and giving cities the flexibility to set incentive amounts for city officials based on local needs and resources.

Sen. Madon sponsored similar legislation in 2025, which was well-received by the Senate. His testimony emphasized the importance of encouraging local city official training to benefit local governance and service to local communities. Read the full bill text here.

Pedestrian Safety
House Bill 189, a KLC initiative related to pedestrians and pedestrian safety, successfully passed through the House Committee on Transportation. KLC, along with the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police, accompanied bill sponsor Representative Kevin Jackson (R-Bowling Green) to the table in support of this measure. Rep. Jackson testified that HB 189 seeks to create a statewide, uniform solution to public safety and traffic concerns. The bill limits pedestrians from remaining stationary in state-maintained rights-of-way, or areas not designed or intended for pedestrian use, such as medians, travel lanes, and exit ramps. 

HB 189 does not affect areas designated by statute for pedestrian use (such as sidewalks and other areas described in KRS 189.570 for pedestrian use) and allows for local governments to authorize exceptions by ordinance. Read the bill text here.