Introduced
Passed House
Passed Senate
Became law
Last action · April 20, 2026
Signed By Governor (Acts Ch. 190)

Introduced February 23, 2026

House
Signed By Governor
2026 Regular Session

HJR81

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A JOINT RESOLUTION authorizing the release of funds and declaring an emergency.

Authorize the Office of State Budget Director to release a portion of the moneys previously appropriated for the Kentucky Water and Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems Program; EMERGENCY.

Budget and Financial AdministrationPublic UtilitiesSewer SystemsState AgenciesWater SupplyEffective Dates, Emergency

In effect since April 20, 2026

This act carries an emergency clause, so it took effect as soon as it became law instead of waiting the usual 90 days after the session adjourned (Ky. Constitution § 55).

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Plain-language summary
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This resolution gives the state budget office permission to release money that had already been set aside for a program helping struggling water and wastewater systems in Kentucky. The emergency designation means it takes effect immediately upon signing rather than waiting for the standard timeline. It does not create new spending, but unlocks funds that were previously approved. Who it may affect: communities and local utility systems facing financial or operational difficulties with their water or sewer services.

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Legislative History

Feb 23, 2026 · House
Introduced In House
Feb 23, 2026 · House
To Committee On Committees (H)
Mar 2, 2026 · House
To Appropriations & Revenue (H)
Mar 4, 2026 · House
Taken From Appropriations & Revenue (H) (clerical)
Mar 4, 2026 · House
1st Reading (clerical)
Mar 4, 2026 · House
Returned To Appropriations & Revenue (H) (clerical)
Mar 5, 2026 · House
Taken From Appropriations & Revenue (H) (clerical)
Mar 5, 2026 · House
2nd Reading (clerical)
Mar 17, 2026 · House
3rd Reading, Adopted 95-0 With Committee Substitute (1)
Yea: 95
Nay: 0
Absent: 5
LegiScan roll call
Apr 14, 2026 · Senate
3rd Reading, Adopted 38-0
Yea: 38
Nay: 0
LegiScan roll call

Primary Sponsor

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Portrait of Josh Bray

Josh Bray

Representative · House District 071

Primary sponsor
Josh.Bray@kylegislature.gov
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Co-sponsors (2)

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Portrait of Jason Petrie

Jason Petrie

Representative · House District 016

Co-sponsor
Jason.Petrie@kylegislature.gov
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Portrait of Adam Bowling

Adam Bowling

Representative · House District 087

Co-sponsor
Adam.Bowling@kylegislature.gov

Bill Text Versions

Enacted — Acts chapter (final law)

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Engrossed (passed one chamber)

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Introduced (original)

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