The House’s Local Government Committee plays an important role in shaping the laws that guide how our cities and counties operate, grow, and serve their citizens. As Vice Chair of the committee, I and legislators who serve on the committee are responsible for overseeing nearly every aspect of local governance – from the way communities are organized and financed, to how public safety, infrastructure, and essential services are delivered. The committee reviews measures that affect functions like planning, zoning, and the management of public works. Members also consider issues like local law enforcement and fire protection, libraries and parks, housing and redevelopment, and even how local governments cooperate with one another to provide services more efficiently.
During the 2025 Regular Session, the committee advanced several key bills designed to strengthen the capacity of local governments, modernize services, and provide relief to taxpayers. These measures reflect both the practical challenges and the opportunities faced by communities large and small – and they demonstrate how closely state and local policy should be if we are to best serve constituents.
Providing Firefighters More Flexibility in Scheduling – HB 131 allows fire personnel to adopt work schedules of 48 consecutive hours on duty, followed by 96 consecutive hours off duty for firefighters employed by cities and urban-county governments, unless prohibited by a collective bargaining agreement.
Addressing the Housing Shortage – HB 160 ensures qualified manufactured homes that meet local standards for size, age, and permanent foundation are treated the same as site-built homes in single family residential zones.
Modernizing Local Planning and Zoning – HB 321 updates existing training requirements for those who serve on local planning and zoning boards, including focusing on housing supply and accessibility. The measure also limits the right to statutory appeal of a zoning proposal to those who own real property within the zone where the proposed change is located.
Updating City Audit Requirements – HB 555 eliminates population thresholds for exceptions to annual municipal audits and implements a single exception for those with less than 3,000 people; raises audit exemptions to $500,000; allows cities to engage the state auditor’s staff to perform audits, and clarifies that the state cannot withhold nondiscretionary payments for city services if the city is behind on audit filings.
Maintaining Sustainability of County Employees Retirement System – SB 10 creates a shared responsibility model between employer and employee to address the increasing cost of retiree health insurance.
Addressing the Housing Shortage and Improving Government Efficiency – SB 25 expands eligibility for local governments to issue industrial revenue bonds to include multi-family housing developments of 48 or more units. The measure also creates the Medicaid Oversight Advisory Board, a legislative panel comprised of stakeholders and aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the taxpayer-funded health insurance program for the poor and those with ongoing conditions. In addition, the bill offers further clarification of the organization and responsibilities of the Office of the Ombudsman overseeing CHFS.
You will notice that the committee passed several measures related to housing. This is a reflection of how important the issue it is as so many face a housing shortage that affects families, employers, and local economies alike. Rising costs, limited supply, and aging infrastructure have left too many Kentuckians struggling to find safe, affordable places to live. The shortage impacts individuals, but also slows economic growth, makes it harder for businesses to attract workers, and strains local services.
Local governments are on the front lines of this challenge. From zoning decisions to infrastructure investments, cities and counties hold the tools to shape housing policy in ways that directly impact residents. They can support redevelopment of older properties, encourage construction of affordable and workforce housing, and streamline permitting to reduce unnecessary delays and costs. Local governments also help ensure that housing development is paired with the services that make neighborhoods strong – safe streets, quality schools, parks, and reliable utilities.
As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Amy.Neighbors@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.
(HD21 – News From the Office of Rep. Neighbors)