AN ACT relating to jurisdiction of contractor disputes involving real property.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Daniel Grossberg

Kentucky courts gain exclusive jurisdiction over legal actions arising from a contractor’s work on real property located in Kentucky.

to Judiciary (H)

#civilactions #civilprocedure #courts #property #realestate

Summary of HB 330 (2026RS) – Kentucky

Purpose and intent

Establishes exclusive jurisdiction in Kentucky courts for legal actions arising from work performed by a contractor involving real property located in Kentucky.

Intent is to centralize and clarify the venue for disputes between contractors and property-related projects, ensuring that such disputes are decided under Kentucky law in Kentucky courts.

Key provisions

New section added to Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS Chapter 411).

Courts of the Commonwealth shall have exclusive jurisdiction over legal actions arising from a contractor’s work on real property located in Kentucky.

This exclusivity applies notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, with the exception of provisions that may be provided under KRS Chapter 3.

Defines “real property” broadly to include:

Estates (leasehold or fee simple)
Easements
Fixtures or appurtenances
Other interests or rights in the property
Improvements and structures on the property

Who or what is affected

Contractors engaged in work on real property physically located in Kentucky.

Property owners and other parties involved in construction, remodeling, or related improvement work in Kentucky.

Legal disputes arising from such contractor work, including matters related to liens, defects, payment, performance, and related contract disputes, would fall under exclusive Kentucky court jurisdiction.

Procedural and timeline considerations

The provision is prospective, creating exclusive jurisdiction for actions arising from contractor work on Kentucky real property.

Effective date is not specified in the text provided; would typically take effect upon enactment or a specified effective date in the enacted statute.

The clause includes an explicit carve-out to the extent other laws (KRS Chapter 3) provide different guidance, maintaining some possible statutory exceptions.

Practical impact and considerations

Increases predictability for jurisdiction in contractor-related disputes by ensuring Kentucky state courts handle such cases.

Could affect choice of venue and forum shopping considerations for contractors, property owners, and lienholders.

May influence procedural timelines, discovery, and precedent-setting within Kentucky courts due to the exclusive jurisdiction mandate.

Important for out-of-state contractors and insurers to understand potential changes in governing law and venue for disputes on Kentucky real property.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to current Kentucky jurisdiction rules or provide a brief analysis of potential implications for contractors and property owners.