Bill > HB182

This bill creates a new section in Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 61 that provides a comprehensive definition of "state or local government" and restricts how government entities can describe publicly funded services. The definition is broad, encompassing a wide range of governmental bodies including state agencies, legislative bodies, local governments (such as cities, counties, and school districts), and other public entities. The key provision prohibits any state or local government from using the word "free" when describing a benefit, product, or service that is funded by public money, effectively requiring government entities to be more transparent about the fact that taxpayer funds are being used to provide these services. The bill aims to prevent potentially misleading language that might suggest services are truly "free" when they are actually paid for through tax revenues. This legislation will take effect on January 9, 2025, and applies to all levels of state and local government within Kentucky.

Government Affairs

https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25RS/hb182.html