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Bill Summary · HJR 54

Summary — HJR 54 (Acts Ch. 36, 2025)

Title: A Joint Resolution authorizing the release of funds
Signed by Governor: March 19, 2025 (Acts Chapter 36)

Main purpose

HJR 54 authorizes the Office of State Budget Director to release previously‑contingent capital construction funds for the “Kentucky Exposition Center Redevelopment – Phase II.” The resolution lifts a funding hold that was tied to the Kentucky State Fair Board’s submission of a comprehensive statewide plan for fair board properties.

Key provisions

  • Finds that 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 175, Part I, L., 6., (6) and 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 223, sec. 49 required the Kentucky State Fair Board to submit by December 1, 2024, a comprehensive statewide proposal addressing improvements or disposal of its properties.
  • States that the comprehensive proposal was received and reviewed by the Interim Joint Committee on Appropriations.
  • Approves and authorizes the Office of State Budget Director to release the capital construction funds for the Kentucky Exposition Center Redevelopment – Phase II in accordance with the cited 2024 Acts.
  • The resolution itself does not specify a dollar amount or detailed project scope; it authorizes release of funds consistent with prior appropriations and statutory conditions.

Who is affected

  • Kentucky State Fair Board and the Kentucky Exposition Center (project recipient/implementer).
  • Office of State Budget Director (authorized to disburse funds).
  • Contractors, vendors, and local businesses involved in redevelopment and events at the Exposition Center.
  • Tourism, fairs, and event sectors in Kentucky that rely on Exposition Center facilities.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Filed: November 12, 2024.
  • Passed House (3rd reading): February 27, 2025 (96–0).
  • Passed Senate (3rd reading): March 11, 2025 (37–0).
  • Enrolled and delivered to Governor: February–March 2025.
  • Signed by Governor and became Acts Chapter 36: March 19, 2025.
  • The authorizing release follows the Legislature’s review of the required plan submitted by December 1, 2024.

Impact and significance

By meeting the statutory condition (submission and legislative review of a comprehensive plan), this resolution enables state capital funds to be released for Phase II of the Kentucky Exposition Center redevelopment. The action advances redevelopment work that may preserve or improve fair board properties, support events and tourism, and generate construction and economic activity; however, specific budgetary amounts and project details remain in the underlying appropriations and planning documents referenced by the 2024 Acts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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