WeVote
Log In

Bill

WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 158

Overview

HB 158 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky) proposes a tax credit aimed at encouraging qualified home modifications. The bill seeks to provide a financial incentive to homeowners to make modifications that presumably improve accessibility, safety, or energy efficiency, though exact modification categories would be defined in the text. The measure has progressed to the Appropriations & Revenue Committee after being introduced in the House and assigned to the Committee on Committees on January 7, 2026, with an action history showing subsequent referral to Appropriations & Revenue on January 14, 2026.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a state income tax credit for homeowners who undertake qualified modifications to their residences.
  • Create an incentive to invest in home adaptations, potentially to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities, aging in place, or other safety-related improvements.
  • Align with state goals to support independent living, reduce long-term care costs, and promote safer, more accessible housing options.

Key Provisions (as typically included in such bills)

  • Tax Credit Availability: The bill would authorize a nonrefundable or partially refundable tax credit for eligible homeowners who complete qualified home modifications.
  • Eligibility Criteria:
    • The claimant must be a Kentucky resident (filing a Kentucky income tax return).
    • Modifications must be performed on the taxpayer’s primary residence located in Kentucky.
    • Modifications must meet definitions of “qualified home modifications” as specified by the bill (e.g., accessibility ramps, doorway widening, bathroom safety upgrades, or other improvements identified in the statute or accompanying definitions).
  • Credit Amount:
    • The bill would specify the maximum credit per household and/or per improvement, as well as how the credit is calculated (e.g., a percentage of eligible costs up to a defined cap).
    • The credit could be subject to annual or lifetime limits.
  • Eligible Costs:
    • Allowable expenses likely include construction, materials, and labor required to complete the modification.
    • Exclusions would typically apply to non-qualifying improvements, cosmetic enhancements, or costs covered by other programs or insurance.
  • Contractors and Verification:
    • Requirements for qualified contractors, certification processes, or receipts/invoices to substantiate claimed costs.
    • possible need for pre-approval or post-modification inspection to verify that modifications meet standards.
  • Interaction with Other Programs:
    • Provisions clarifying interaction with federal tax credits, other state programs, or insurance reimbursements to avoid double benefits.
  • Bankability and Carryover:
    • Provisions on whether the credit is refundable, nonrefundable, or allowed as a carryover if the credit exceeds tax liability.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primary Impact: Kentucky residents who incur costs to modify their primary residences for accessibility, safety, or other defined purposes.
  • Beneficiaries: Homeowners, particularly seniors, individuals with disabilities, or households seeking to improve safe living conditions.
  • Fiscal Impact: The measure would create a revenue expenditure program in the state budget through the loss of tax revenue equivalent to the value of claimed credits; the Appropriations & Revenue Committee will assess the fiscal implications and funding mechanisms.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction: January 7, 2026.
  • Committee Path: Referred to Committee on Committees (H) on January 7, 2026.
  • Additional Referral: Referred to Appropriations & Revenue (H) on January 14, 2026, indicating the bill’s movement into fiscal review and potential budget-related considerations.
  • Next Steps: Pending hearings, potential amendments, and consideration by the full House, followed by Senate action and final gubernatorial approval, depending on the legislative process.

Notes

  • The summary reflects typical features of a tax credit for home modifications. The exact definitions of “qualified home modifications,” credit rates, caps, eligibility, and interaction with other benefits will be specified in the bill text.
  • For precise figures (percentages, dollar caps, deadlines) and any sunset provisions, consult the enacted language of HB 158 and any adopted amendments during committee and floor proceedings.

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

Sign in to ask a question.