Kentucky House Bill HB544

Kentucky 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/25
• Refer: 2/14/25
• Refer: 2/21/25
• Report Pass: 3/11/25
• Engrossed: 3/11/25
• Refer: 3/11/25
• Report Pass: 3/12/25
• Refer: 3/14/25
• Enrolled: 3/28/25
• Chaptered: 3/31/25
• Passed: 3/31/25

Caption

AN ACT relating to disaster relief, making an appropriation therefor, and declaring an emergency.

Impact

The establishment of the SAFE 4860 fund is significant as it creates a structured mechanism for providing financial assistance to those impacted by disasters, including cities, counties, and school districts. The fund will allow these entities to replenish essential services and rebuild infrastructure that has been damaged. Furthermore, provisions are included for the tracking of expenditures and reimbursements from federal disaster assistance, which is crucial in managing public funds effectively.

Summary

House Bill 544 focuses on providing disaster relief in response to severe storms, flooding, and landslides in Kentucky that began on February 14, 2025. The bill establishes the SAFE 4860 fund, which will offer financial support for government entities, nonprofit organizations, and public utilities that have disaster-related needs. This fund is intended to assure that resources are available to assist the recovery efforts in the affected areas, ensuring a timely response to emergencies through appropriated state funding and the possibility of other contributions.

Sentiment

The reaction to HB 544 appears to be supportive across the board as it aims to provide necessary assistance to communities facing the aftermath of natural disasters. Legislators expressed urgency surrounding the need for expedited financial support to avert any lapse in essential government services in the affected localities. This sentiment reflects a collective acknowledgment of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for a coordinated governmental response.

Contention

While the overall sentiment surrounding HB 544 remains favorable, there could be potential contention regarding the eligibility criteria for receiving funds and how effectively the funds are administered. Questions may arise about the pace of funding distribution and the transparency of fund utilization by recipients. Additionally, any delays in reimbursements for expenses incurred could lead to discussions about managing expectations for disaster recovery timelines.