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Bill Summary · HB 224

Bill overview

HB 224, from the 2026 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly, introduces the creation of a state grant database. The bill is in its early-stage committee process, with initial action in January 2026 (introduced January 7, moved to Committees on Committees, and later referred to Appropriations & Revenue on January 14, 2026).

Main purpose and intent

  • Establish a centralized database to track grants awarded by the state. The intent is to improve transparency, coordination, and accessibility of information about grant programs and recipients.
  • Create a systematic repository to collect data related to state grant awards, including recipients, amounts, and program details, to support accountability and informed decision-making.

Key provisions and changes

While the exact text is not provided here, the bill’s title and action history indicate the following core elements are typically included in such proposals:

  • Establishment of a Grant Database: Designate and operationalize a centralized, publicly accessible database for all state grant awards.
  • Data Elements: Specify required fields (e.g., grant program name, funding amount/request, recipient name and location, grant purpose, term, start/end dates, and status).
  • Accessibility and Transparency: Provisions to ensure public access, searchability, and potentially downloadable data formats (e.g., CSV or API access).
  • Administration and Oversight: Assignment of responsibilities to a state agency (often the governor’s office, a state department, or the Office of Finance or Budget) for maintenance, updates, and data quality.
  • Reporting and Compliance: Requirements for periodic reporting on grant activity, performance metrics, and audit mechanisms to verify data accuracy.
  • Privacy and Confidentiality: Safeguards for sensitive information while maximizing public disclosure of non-confidential grant data.
  • Funding and Resources: Provisions detailing any necessary appropriations to establish and operate the database, including ongoing maintenance costs.

Who or what would be affected

  • State Agencies: Agencies that administer grant programs would be responsible for supplying data and ensuring timely updates.
  • Grant Recipients: Entities receiving state grants may be listed in the database with applicable program details and funding amounts.
  • General Public and Stakeholders: The public, researchers, journalists, and watchdog groups would gain easier access to comprehensive grant information.
  • State Budget and IT/Data Departments: If funded, departments responsible for information technology and budget administration would implement and maintain the database.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: Introduced January 7, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Committees (H).
  • Subsequent Action: On January 14, 2026, the bill was referred to Appropriations & Revenue (H), indicating consideration of funding and fiscal implications.
  • Likely Next Steps: Hearings and amendments in Appropriations & Revenue or relevant committees, followed by potential floor votes. If enacted, a implementation timeline would typically specify startup phase, data migration/collection, and public rollout milestones.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Enhanced accountability: A centralized grant database can improve visibility into how state funds are awarded and spent.
  • Data usability: Effectiveness depends on the quality and timeliness of data input, standardization of fields, and user-friendly search features.
  • Fiscal implications: If the bill authorizes funding, considerations include initial startup costs, ongoing maintenance, data security, and system interoperability with existing state data systems.
  • Privacy safeguards: Balancing transparency with protection of sensitive or restricted information will be important.

If you would like, I can tailor the summary further once the bill text is available, or add expected fiscal notes, data fields, and implementation milestones based on the final language.

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

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