HOUSE PASSES BLEDSOE’S BILL SUPPORTING LOCAL
GOVERNMENTS AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY ACCOUNTABILITY
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 30, 2026) — The state House of Representatives has approved Senate Bill (SB) 192, legislation sponsored by Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, designed to help local governments meet required audit standards while strengthening accountability at the community level. The measure was carried in the House by Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon.
SB 192 addresses a growing shortage of certified auditors across the commonwealth that has made it increasingly difficult for smaller cities and local governments to complete required financial audits in a timely manner. The bill creates a pathway to ensure audits can still be conducted efficiently without compromising transparency or oversight, helping communities remain compliant with state requirements and maintain public trust.
SB 192 carried the support of stakeholders, including the Kentucky League of Cities.
In addition to addressing audit challenges, the House adopted an amendment sponsored by House Speaker Pro Tem David Meade, R-Stanford, to reinforce local representation and accountability in fire protection governance. The amendment requires members of fire district boards and certain nonprofit fire department boards to reside within the areas they serve, ensuring that those making decisions on taxes and fees are directly connected to the communities impacted. The amendment also establishes that any board member who does not reside within the district or service area will be deemed to have vacated the position, outlines a process for filling vacancies and includes an emergency clause to allow the provisions to take effect immediately upon enactment.
Bledsoe says SB 192 provides a practical solution to a statewide workforce challenge while maintaining strong financial oversight and reinforcing the principle that local governance should remain rooted in the communities it serves.
The bill will return to the Senate for concurrence before being delivered to the governor for consideration.