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Bill

HB 495

AN ACT relating to local occupational license fees.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kim Banta and 3 co-sponsors

HB 495 modifies Kentucky local occupational license fee structures, affecting small business operating costs and municipal revenue collection mechanisms.

to Local Government (H)
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Bill Summary · HB 495

Legislative bill overview

HB 495 is a Kentucky bill relating to local occupational license fees, though the specific provisions are not detailed in the available information. The bill was introduced in January 2026 and is currently in the House Local Government Committee after initial referral through the Committee on Committees.

Why is this important

Occupational licensing fees directly affect small business owners, tradespeople, and service providers who must renew licenses to operate legally. Changes to fee structures can impact business formation, operational costs, and economic accessibility across Kentucky municipalities, which implement and collect these fees locally.

Potential points of contention

  • Fee increase vs. reduction: Without seeing the bill text, the core debate likely hinges on whether this raises or lowers fees—affecting different stakeholder interests
  • Local control and state authority: Tension may exist between state-level standardization of fees versus preserving local government revenue and discretion
  • Business impact across income levels: Changes could disproportionately affect sole proprietors and low-income business operators versus established enterprises

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

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