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HB 166

AN ACT relating to disaster resiliency.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lindsey Burke and 1 co-sponsor

HB 166 enhances Kentucky disaster resilience by boosting planning, funding, and coordination to improve mitigation, response, and recovery across state and local levels.

to Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection (H)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 166

Bill Overview

HB 166 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky) is an act described as relating to disaster resiliency. The bill’s primary aim appears to strengthen planning, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in the face of disasters and emergencies. The legislation progresses through the House of Representatives with initial committee referrals, but full text details are not provided in the prompt. The summary below outlines the likely structure and impact based on the title and typical contents of disaster resiliency bills.

Purpose and Intent

  • Improve Kentucky’s resilience to natural and other disasters by enhancing authorities, funding, planning processes, and coordination among state and local agencies.
  • Support faster, more effective response and recovery, minimize disruption to communities, and reduce long-term economic and infrastructure damage.

Key Provisions and Changes (illustrative based on typical disaster resiliency bills)

  • Planning and Mitigation
    • Establish or update state and local disaster mitigation plans.
    • Create or revise requirements for hazard assessments, risk mapping, and resilience standards for infrastructure and critical facilities.
  • Funding and Financing
    • Authorize or reallocate funding for resilience projects, hazard mitigation grants, and recovery assistance.
    • Enable use of state funds, federal dollars, or public-private partnerships to support resilient reconstruction.
  • Infrastructure and Critical Systems
    • Mandate or incentivize upgrades to essential systems (e.g., energy, water, communications, transportation) to withstand extreme events.
    • Incorporate resilience criteria into public works and capital improvement programs.
  • Emergency Management and Response
    • Clarify roles and authorities of state agencies and local governments during a disaster.
    • Enhance early warning, data sharing, and interoperability of emergency communications.
  • Climate and Hazard Considerations (potential)
    • Integrate climate adaptation considerations into planning and budgeting.
    • Address wildfires, flooding, severe storms, and other regionally relevant hazards.
  • Local Government Empowerment
    • Expand local planning flexibility or mandates for resilience investments.
    • Provide guidance or standards for local mitigation projects and grant applications.

(Note: Specific provision numbers, sections, and exact language would be in the bill text. The above reflects common components of disaster resiliency legislation.)

Who Would Be Affected

  • State agencies responsible for emergency management, homeland security, public safety, transportation, and infrastructure.
  • Local governments (cities, counties) and their emergency management and planning offices.
  • Utilities and critical infrastructure operators incentivized or required to meet resilience standards.
  • Public and private entities involved in disaster recovery, urban planning, and capital projects.
  • General public, indirectly, through enhanced protection of lives, property, and continuity of essential services.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced in the House (January 7, 2026) and referred to the Veterans, Military Affairs, & Public Protection Committee (January 14, 2026). Initial committee action typically includes hearing, amendments, and potential passage to the full chamber.
  • Next steps (typical): If approved by committee, the bill would advance to the House floor for debate and a vote, then move to the Senate for consideration, with similar committee referrals and potential floor action.
  • Implementation timeline: Disasters and resilience bills often include effective dates for new programs, funding authorizations, and transition periods; some provisions may become effective upon enactment, while others may have phased timelines or require subsequent rulemaking.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Improved readiness and faster recovery from disasters through clearer authority and better funding mechanisms.
  • Increased emphasis on proactive mitigation reducing long-term costs and damage.
  • Greater coordination between state and local governments, potentially improving resource allocation during emergencies.
  • Financial implications include potential new or reallocated funding streams, federal grant alignment, and possible changes to budgeting processes.
  • Administrative considerations include development of new plans, metrics for resilience, and reporting requirements to track progress.

If access to the full text becomes available, a more precise section-by-section summary with exact provisions, fiscal impacts, and specific dates can be provided.

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

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